Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 1 December 2004

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EZRA CRAVER, retired lumber dealer, Lebanon, was born in Frederick Co., Md., Feb. 19, 1812, He is the son of Peter and Margaret (Klise) Craver, natives of Frederick County. He received a limited education in his native county, and early learned the trade of a carpenter. He emigrated to Ohio, with his brother David, in 1833, and located in Lebanon, where they were for a year engaged in work on the court house, then being built. They afterward became the leading contractors and builders of Lebanon; and continued in partnership until 1855; when David retired, and moved from Lebanon, leaving the business in the hands of his brother, who continued it alone. In 1847, Mr. Craver embarked in the shipment and sale of lumber, shingles, lath, etc. and in that enterprise continued with considerable financial success, until 1879, when he retired from active business life. He has been twice married; his first wife being Melinda McCain, of Warren County, who died in 1838. leaving four children, two now living, viz.: James F., a prominent farmer of Kansas; and Mary J., widow of the late W. H. H. Shinn, of Columbus, Ohio. On the, 10th of July, 1855, Mr. Craver was again married, to Lavisa G. McBurney, a sister of ex-Lieut Gov. A. G. McBurney, of Warren County. By this marriage three children were born, viz.: Alfred B. and Florella G., both of,