William H. Kraper

Transcribed by Debbie Woolard
Taken from "The Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope and Hardin Counties"
Published in 1893 by Chicago Biographical Publishing Co.

William H. KRAPER, cigar manufacturer of Metropolis, Massac County, is a son of William F. KRAPER, who was born in Osnabruck, Germany, and when ten years old his father brought him to the United States. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a sailing-vessel and was a slow and tedious one. Arriving in this country, William F. was apprenticed to a tailor in Cincinnati, where he became a complete master of the trade, and where he remained until 1866. He then removed to Metropolis, and engaged in his trade of tailoring, at which he worked until his death, which occurred in January, 1871. His start in life was made without any capital, but he made a success of his business and accumulated a snug little fortune. He was married in Cincinnati to Wilomena WILKINS who was of German ancestry. She is still living with a daughter in Metropolis. To her and her husband there were seven children, viz: Amelia, wife of William KOESTER, who works in car shops at Memphis, Tenn.; William H.; Henry F., who is working for William H.; Herman, Charley and Fred, deceased; and Louisa, who is working for William H., and with whom the mother of these children lives.

William H. KRAPER was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 19, 1859, and attended school in that city until he was seven years old. At fourteen years of age he started out in life for himself. His first position was in a grocery store at $13 per month, and he boarded himself. In this place he remained three years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business, and then went to work in the spoke factory of Yost, Bigelow & Co., at fifty cents per day. He remained there two years, at first in the warehouse tying and shipping. In 1881 he went to Cincinnati and was engaged in the commission business two years. He then bought a half interest in the flour and grain business, remaining thus engaged about six months. In 1884, by invitation of his brother, he returned to Metropolis and went into business with him as a partner in the manufacture of cigars. He remained with him six years and then bought his interest. He traveled for some time for the factory and was a successful salesman. His fine trade is due to his management of the business. He manufactures about one and a half millions of cigars a year and has from twenty-five to thirty hands on the payroll and keeps two men on the road. His is the largest factory in the district and is a credit to the city of Metropolis. He has a pleasant home and is situated as comfortably as any one needs to be.

Our subject was married in September, 1882, to Carrie BAUMBUSCH, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is of German ancestry. Her father is now living in Cincinnati, her mother having died when she was one year old. Mr. and Mrs. KRAPER have one child, Willie, ten years old in June, 1893. Politically, Mr. KRAPER is a Republican, and he is an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias. He is one of the genial, whole-souled gentlemen of Metropolis, and one whom it is always pleasant to meet. He is a successful business man, and has made what he possesses through his own industry and correct understanding of business methods.

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