John A. Kraus, a leading and energetic dealer in automobiles and accessories at Covington, was born at this place, May 24, 1876, a son of John G. and Anna C. (Gensley) Kraus. His father, a native of Germany, immigrated to the United States in young manhood and settled at Covington, having assisted in the building of the Miami Canal. Later he took up railroading which he followed during the remainder of his long and honorable life. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom four survive: Emma, who married Charles Dunkle, of Greenville, Ohio; Clara, who married Roy Wieland, of that place; Addie, who married DeWight Diltz, of Greenville, and John A. John A. Kraus received his education in the Covington public schools, after leaving which he worked for a time on a farm. Later he went to Dayton, where he was engaged in candy-making for four years, this being followed by a period spent as a traveling salesman. For eighteen months he was in the employ of the National Cash Register Company at Dayton, his next employment being with the United States Express Company, in the service of which concern he remained for about two years. Eventually be embarked in the leaf tobacco business with a partner, as Hoeflich & Kraus, which constituted in existence from 1908 to 1915, inclusive. In l916 Mr. Kraus disposed of his interests in the leaf tobacco business and embarked in the automobile industry, as a member of the firm of Kellenberger & Kraus. In the following year he assumed control of the business by purchasing his partner's holdings, and at this time the enterprise is conducted by him as John A. Kraus. Mr. Kraus deals in pleasure cars and trucks and carries a full line of standard automobile accessories and has built up a splendid business in these lines. He is energetic, progressive and a good manager, and has gained a substantial business position solely through the medium of his own efforts and ability. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men, in which he has numerous friends. He has seen quite a good deal of public service, having acted as marshal and constable of Covington for eight years and was also deputy sheriff of Miami county for one year and his public record is a good one. Patriotic and public-spirited, he gave, his unqualified support to all activities of the Government and local authorities during the war period. Mr. Kraus married Sylvia, daughter of John J. and Mary A. White, of Eaton, Ohio.