Bio of John A. LA CRAFT (b.1856 D.1919) Wabasha Co., MN USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Martha J. Berryman La Craft - John A. La Craft was for some thirty years a vital part of the business development of Plainview, and his life and work are intimately interwoven into the very fabric of the history of the village. He was known to all, he was the friend of all, and his genial disposition and helpful spirit were a blessing to those with whom he came in contact. His memory will remain as a pleasing fragrance in the souls of those who came to know him intimately. Born in Boltonville, Wisconsin, November 11, 1856, the son of John and Mary La Craft, his boyhood was spent in his native village, where he received his youthful education. From that place he went to Clark, South Dakota, and there engaged in the jewelry business. In the year 1889 he came to Plainview, then a flourishing village, where he entered the employ of the now historic firm of Landon & Burchard. A few years later he bought out his employers and then continued in business until his lamented death, April 10, 1919. Thus briefly is told the career of a truly good and useful man. In building up his own success he was ever mindful of the happiness and welfare of others, he took a deep interest in all that tended toward the betterment of the community, and he was beloved by old and young alike. As a man he stood high in the estimation of all. He was a loving husband and wisely indulgent father, he possessed a deep religious spirit and labored for the advancement of the church, he was of a fraternal disposition and faithful to his duties to the lodges, he was a useful citizen and believed thoroughly in conservative municipal improvement. In the Methodist Episcopal church he was an active official. In the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Modern Woodmen lodges he held various offices. Of his the public press has very appropriately said: "John A. La Craft was one of our most highly honored citizens, who will be greatly missed by the people of this community. He leaves behind a host of friends. His main characteristics were his sunny disposition, his companionable attitude, and his faith in mankind which never faltered. He possessed a true, rare faculty of making friends and holding them steadfastly, and maintained this to the last. He displayed outwardly his love for home, love for family and love for the townspeople; and his closer relationships, love for the community in which he so happily spent so many years of his life. All that are left behind of the thoughts and memory of a true and upright citizen will live on forever, and for all of these his life on earth will remain exemplary. His friends were numerous; appreciating all and blessing all, with his strong religious feeling, and faith in his Creator, he passed to the Great Beyond to receive the reward of the larger life." Mr. La Craft was married March 1, 1893, to Caroline Nicolay, by whom he had two children, Wyatt and Doris. The wife died July 1, 1901, his daughter Doris July 5 of the same year, and the son, Wyatt, April 2, 1918. Mr. La Craft was married August 27, 1906, at Minneapolis, to Ida Husby, who was born at Read's Landing, February 28, 1873, the daughter of John and Mary (Solberg) Husby, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Margaret, born November 21, 1910. Mrs. Ida Husby La Craft was reared in her native village and there attended the public school, graduating with the class of 1890. She then entered the normal school and was graduated from the kindergarten department, and for the following nine years followed teaching in the public schools at Plainview, both in the kindergarten and the grades. Mrs. La Craft is a lady of sterling qualities, interested in church and club work and music. She is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge and for several years served as organist of the local order. She is also an active member and worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She was one of the instigators and organizers of the Travelers' Club, in which she is an active worker, and is a member of the church choir. Her home on Jefferson street is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. Note: This biography was taken from the book "History of Wabasha County" copyrighted in 1920.