Conrad Kraft
Born: ca. 1744 in Germany
Married: Dorothea Rosch (Rush) 30 Apr 1765 in Bucks Co. PA
Died: ~ Aug 1797 		Father: Martin Kraft
Mother: Maria Magdalena ?
Religion: Lutheran

Children: Maria Magdelena Kraft (2 Feb 1766 in Berks Co., PA - 11 Aug 1846) m. Jacob Baumgardner
Anna Dorathea Kraft (24 Apr 1767 in Berks Co., PA - 1768)
Catharina Kraft (23 May 1769 in Berks Co., PA - ) m. George Lerzenger
Christian Conrad Kraft (25 Dec 1770 in Berks Co., PA - ); m. Esther ? bef. 1797
Phillip Kraft (1775 in Berks Co., PA - aft 1850); m. Nancy Parker (ca 1774 - 1832) 5 Nov 1798 in Pittsylvania Co, VA
George Kraft (20/21 Oct 1779 in York Co, PA - ); m. Mildred Parker (4 Sep 1785 - ) on 9 Jan 1803 in Pittsylvania Co, VA

Discussion

The birthdate for Conrad is estimated based on his taking the oath of allegiance in 1765, which he probably could not have done until age of 21, and on his marriage in 1765, likewise probably no younger than age 21. Also, a descendant's recollection was that Conrad was a child during his voyage to America in 1751.

Reconstructed Bio

Born in the 1740s in Germany, likely Wuerttemberg, Conrad Krafft came to America, probably in 1751. He settled with his father, Martin Krafft, in Reading in Berks County, PA. He took up his father's trade as a shoemaker. A Lutheran, he attended Trinity Lutheran Church. He married in 1765 Dorothea Rosch, with whom he may have traveled to America as a child, and later that year took the oath of allegiance. They had four children in five years. They bought a house at 144 Richard St., Reading in 1767 and subsequently sold it in June 1774. In 1776 he served in the Continental Army, achieving the rank of sergeant. By 1779, the family had moved to Hellam Township, York Co., PA, where their last child was born. He served again in the Army in 1780 and 1782, moving the family to Codorus Township, York Co., PA about 1782. He died in August 1797, probably in his early 60s.

Supporting Information

Census

Church Records

Wills

Craft Family Bible

Land Records

1767 - Reading, Berks Co, PA, Deed Book 9, page 240 - "This indenture made the 11th of July in the year of our Lord 1767 between John George Gusler of the town of Reading in the county of Berks in the province of Pennsylvania. John Gusler and Rachel, his wife, of the one part and Conrad Krafft of the same place of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John George Gusler and Rachel, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of L55 lawful money of Pennsylvania to them in hand paid by Conrad Krafft aforesaid it and before the ensealing and delivering here of they do acquire and forever discharge the said Conrad Krafft and his heirs, executors, and administrators by these present have granted, bargained, sell, released and confirmed with the said Conrad Krafft ... all that measures of tenement and westermost moiety, or half part of the ...of ground situated on the north side of Richard Street in the town of Reading aforesaid and marked in the general plan of said town, no 144 (Granted to said George Gusler in fee by the Honorable, the Proprietar of the province aforesaid under the early rent of 7 shillings sterling."

Jun 1774 - Reading, Berks Co, PA, Deed Book 9, page 240 - Conrad and Dorothy Kraft sold above property to Henry Schreffler. Deed recorded Jan 1786.

Secondary References

Other Researchers

Other References

DAR Patriot Index - Centennial Edition lists Conrad Kraft (Croft) born ca. 1744 in Germany, died p 22 Oct 1792 PA; m. Dorothy Rush. Cpl PA #412673 Add 408. DAR application file by Camelia Brooks Pugh in 1957 includes family bible records and anecdotal information based on oral family history. Letter dated 4 Aug 1958 states: "...my grandmother always told us that Dorothy Rush and Conrad Kraft came over on the same ship as children. They knew this was so because a barrel of tar caught on fire on the ship they came on. The fire caused so much excitement that both children always remembered it.

Home Page
© 1997-2006 by S. Kauffman; Last Updated 7/4/06