Joseph Craft

JOSEPH CRAFT, who has ably filled the office of postmaster of Chetopa, Kansas, since 1898, was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and is a son of William and Mary (Armstrong) Craft.

William Craft was a native of Pennsylvania, and removed to Chetopa, Kansas, in 1867. He built the Chetopa House, which hotel he conducted for a period of six or eight years. Mr. Craft was a farmer by occupation; he died in 1880, at the age of sixty years. His wife died in 1890, aged seventy-four years. They reared eight children: Edward; who died in the army; Anna Belle (James), who lives in Chetopa; Catherine (Grant), a widow who lives on a farm near Chetopa; Mary Ellen (Barker), who lives near Altamont; Sarah (Curry), who died in Indiana; Joseph; Jennie (Watson), who died in California; and William, a farmer and stock man, residing in the 44 strip."

Joseph Craft attended the common schools of his native state, and assisted his father on the farm for a number of years. October 20, 1867, he moved to Chetopa, Labette county, Kansas, where he has since lived. In 1875, Mr. Craft engaged in the grocery business, in which he continued until his first appointment to the office of postmaster. This term began in 1889 and ended in 1894. He then worked as clerk for Mrs. Flannelly, for two years, after which he was engaged in the shoe business until his second appointment as postmaster, which occurred May 5, 1898. This position he fills to the entire satisfaction of all, and the prospects are that he will hold this office for some time to come. Mr. Craft is a public spirited man, and takes an active interest in all public enterprises. He is a man of sound judgment and good principles, and has been very successful.

Mr. Craft was united in marriage with Lucy Rathborne, who was born at Salem Center, Meigs county, Ohio, where she was reared and schooled. Mr. and Mrs. Craft have seven children, namely: Mabel; Maude, who is the wife of E. S. Nance, assistant postmaster of Chetopa; Harry; Alla; Emma; Nellie; and Helen. Mr. Craft has built a very pleasant home in Chetopa. He has always been a Republican in politics, has served two terms as councilman, and also on the board of education. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. 0. U. W., M. W. of A., and K. of P. lodges. His wife is a member of the Pyramids, and Woman's Relief Corps. Religiously, Mr. Craft favors the Baptist church.