Biography of Jacob F Shraft, Dallas Township, Clinton County, Michigan

Copyright © 1998 by Jan Sedore. 
This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  

 

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SHRAFT FAMILY
CLINTON COUNTY MICHIGAN

PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY MICHIGAN
Page 47
JACOB F. SHRAFT
	Jacob F. Shraft, for years one of the active business men and leading 
citizens of fowler, who has figured not only in industrial and commercial 
circles but also in political life in Clinton County, was born in Livingston 
County, Michigan, May 17, 1837. His father, Jacob Shraft, Sr., was a native 
of Germany and was there reared and educated. Following his marriage he 
immigrated to the New World, becoming a resident of Livingston County, 
Michigan, 1830, when this commonwealth was still under territorial rule. He 
later removed to Wayne County, where he located on a farm that continued to 
be his home throughout his remaining days.

	Jacob F. Shraft of this review largely spent his youth in Detroit, 
living there between the age of seven and eighteen years. After putting aside
his text-books he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade and in 1857 he 
came to Clinton County and was employed at carpentering in Clinton and Ionia 
counties for a number of years, being connected with the building of a number 
of leading structures in this part of the state. He was also engaged in 
buying and dealing in staves for nine years and in 1866 he bought out a 
general mercantile business in Fowler and subsequently started a hardware 
store. He continued as one of the active and enterprising merchants of the 
village until 1893 covering a period of twenty-seven years, during which time
a liberal patronage was accorded him. He made a close study of the needs and 
wishes of the public and by his earnest desire to please his patrons and his 
fair and honorable dealing built up a business which in extent and importance
made his trade very profitable.

	In the midst of an active mercantile enterprise Mr. Shraft also found 
time to serve in positions of public trust. In 1874 he was elected register 
of deeds and filled the office for one term. In 1882 he was chosen county 
clerk and has served as township clerk since 1866, being the present 
efficient officer. He has likewise been village clerk for ten years and in 
all these different positions he has proved capable and loyal, discharging 
his duties with promptness and fidelity.

	Mr. Shraft was married in Detroit to Miss Mary E. Davenport, who was 
reared in Dallas Township, Clinton County. She died May 12, 1983, leaving a 
son, Charles E. Shraft, who is now pursuing a course in civil engineering.

	Mr Shraft is a prominent member of St. Johns lodge, A. F. & A. M., also
of the chapter and commandery there, and has thus attained the Knight 
Templar degree of the York rite. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, a fraternal insurance organization. For a half century he 
has witnessed the growth and development of Clinton County and is widely 
known throughout his community as a man of business integrity and worth who 
owes his advancement not to any fortunate combination of circumstances but 
to his close application and diligence and in an active business career he 
has found that unremitting industry will solve the problem of how to win 
success.


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