My Genealogy Hound

J. H. KRAUS, of the firm of Kraus & Clark, Arcanum. The subject of this sketch was born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy Kraus, both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., and removed to New York State, in 1835, and to Butler Co., in 1836, and to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1846, where they still continue to reside; they are the parents of two children, viz.: Amanda C., now Mrs. D. H. Wilson, who resides in Montgomery Co., Ohio, and J. H., the subject of this sketch; his grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania; his grandfather, Kraus, was born in 1778, and died at the age of 82 years; his grandmother, Kraus, was born in 1780, and died at the age of 84 years; his grandparents on his mother’s side were Jacob and Elizabeth (Keeler) Shell, also natives of Pennsylvania; Mr. Shell dying at the age of 77, and Mrs. Shell at the advanced age of 80 years. Mr. Kraus was engaged in the mercantile business for a period of five years, and removed to Arcanum in October, 1870, and engaged in the business he still continues to follow. He was united in marriage with Miss C. E., daughter of Jacob and Nellie (Niswonger) Swank June 22, 1871, her parents being residents of Montgomery Co.; two children have been given to this union, viz.: Harry B., born Aug. 10, 1876; Waldo J., born April 2, 1879; he has, by his own exertions and studious habits, succeeded in making himself well versed in educational matters, and as a reward for his persevering industry and popular business ways, has made life a success, and is literally one of the self-made men of Darke Co.; though Mr. Kraus is no political aspirant, his fellow-townsmen have voted him a full share of local offices. Mrs. Kraus has been a lifelong member of the U. B. Church, and is a hard-working, consistent, Christian woman, and greatly interested in the emulation of the Christian religion.