Transcribed from History of Wyandotte County Kansas and its people ed. and comp. by Perl W. Morgan. Chicago, The Lewis publishing company, 1911. 2 v. front., illus., plates, ports., fold. map. 28 cm. [Vol. 2 contains biographical data. Paged continuously.] p. 569-567 transcribed by Justin Legg, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, on Septemder 12, 2000

Charlis C. Carft

CARLIS C. CRAFT, who is engaged in the business of house moving, was born at Polo, Missouri, on the 24th of October, 1875, and is a son of John M. and Margaret M. (Carroll) Craft. The father was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and as a youth learned the carpenter's trade. He came to Polo, Missouri, in 1870 and in 1880 moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he was engaged in the work of his trade and in house moving. He married Margaret Carroll in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1866, and they became the parents of three children, all of whom are living and of whom Carlis C. was the second in order of birth. The father is living and maintains his home in this city, where he is still doing carpenter work. He is a Socialiast in his political adherency and was a soldier in the war of 1861. The mother died December 23, 1910.

Carlis C. Craft, who was a child of but five years of age at the time of his arrival in Kansas City, attended the common schools here and early began to assist his father in his work. When he had attained to years of discretion he assumed full charge of the house moving department of his father's business and with that line of enterprise he has now been identified for fully fifteen years. His offices are located at No. 700 Kansas avenue, and in connection with his work he has a finely equipped outfit and commands an extensive business. In politics Mr. Craft is a stalwart in the ranks of the Democratic party and while he has never had any aspirations for political preferment of any description he is ever ready to give of his aid and influence in support of all projects advanced for the good of the city and state at large. He is a member of the Kaw Valley Drainage Board. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Order of Owls.

On the 16th of September, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Craft to Miss Edna Matthews, who was reared and educated at Independence, Kansas, she being a daughter of John and Lovina (Kraft) Matthews, both of whom are now living, residents of Independence, Kansas. The father in his occupation is a grader. To Mr. and Mrs. Craft have been born two children, namely, Russell F. and Raymond A., both of whom are enrolled as pupils in the public schools of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Craft are prominent and popular factors in connection with the best social activities in the community.


Biographical Index