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Note: The Kraner family originated in the village of Wilferdingen in Baden, Germany. The name was originally spelled KROENER - it was changed when they came to America. Parish records show that the Kroeners lived in Wilferdingen since the 1600's. Political unrest in Baden during the 1850's caused the Kroeners to decide to leave their homeland and sail to America.
Philipp, Augusta and their sons, Jacob, Georg, Johann Wilhelm (later William), David, Christian and Heinrich, sailed from Havre, France, on the ship, Woodside. They arrived in New York City on September 2, 1852. From there, they traveled to Marion County, Ohio, to join family that had already settled there. Marion County has a large population of German Immigrants, so they probably felt very at home there. This is where the spelling of the family name was changed to look and sound more American. In the Census Records of 1860, however, Jacob, who is now 23, is shown living in Crawford County, Ohio, in Galion, working as a baker. His brother, William, was living in Marion County working as a farmer. Although there is no mention of his parents or other brothers, it is known that they did indeed settle in Marion County. Philipp died there on September 14, 1878, and he is buried in the German Reformed Cemetary.
During the time between 1860 - 1870, Jacob may have been married, but no record has been found. We do know that Jacob had a son during that time, Frank Kraner. He is mentioned in Jacob's obituary as living in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Frank and Frank's mother, however, remain a mystery.
Anna Mary Slapp was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, to Christian and Magdalena (Moore) Slapp. When she was 3 years old, her mother died. Mary was moved to Barnesville, Ohio, where she was raised by an aunt. At sometime she made her way north and met Jacob. They married on October 5, 1870 in Monroeville, Ohio. They left Ohio right after their marriage and moved to Indiana, settling first in Rome City for a short time, then moving to Kendallville where they remained the rest of their lives. Jacob opened one of the first bakeries in Kendallville, The True Blue Bakery, on the corner of Main and Mitchell Streets. He also owned a restaurant and hotel at the train depot on Lincoln Street. Later, the True Blue moved down to 107 N. Main Street.
Jacob and Mary had seven children together, 6 girls and one boy. They were a very close family, and all of the children took their turn working at the restaurant or bakery. They lived in a large house at 103 N. Orchard Street, next to the railroad tracks. All of the children grew up there and most married and settled in Kendallville.
Jacob was a popular man in town. In the newspapers he is always mentioned as "Jake Kraner." He was a member of the Odd Fellows, and had many friends. He died of a stroke on September 16, 1909.
Mary was a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Rebekah Lodge, and the Jolly Mothers Club. Her obituary states, "She loved her family most of all, and did whatever she could to make them happy." She died of cancer on July 18, 1926, at her home on Orchard Street.
Both Jacob and Mary are buried in Lakeview Cemetery near Kendallville.
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