Begin inline citing key details from the following sources: Birth record of Thomas Kraitchar's grand-uncle Martin Krajča, born October 17, 1783 in House 6. Mentions Thomas Kraitchar's paternal great-grandparents, Jan Krajča and Anna.
—G 248` 45: 5047, Jasenná (Augsburg confession) Czech Brethren Evangelical Church birth index 1782 - 1856, image 8/243, p. 10. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4860?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005047-000000-00-B07276-00080.jp2).

Birth record of Thomas Kraitchar's grand-aunt Rosina Krajča, born July 3, 1786 in House 6. Mentions Thomas Kraitchar's paternal great-grandparents, Jan Krajča and Anna.
—G 248` 45: 5047, Jasenná (Augsburg confession) Czech Brethren Evangelical Church birth index 1782 - 1858, image 18/243, p. 30. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4860?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005047-000000-00-B07276-00180.jp2).

Birth record of Thomas Kraitchar's father Tomáš Jiří Krajča, born July 3, 1804 in House 6, Lutonina. Mentions Thomas Kraitcher's parternal grandparents, Jiří Krajča and Anna Štalmach. 
—G 249` 46: 5048, Jasenná (Augsburg confession) Czech Brethren Evangelical Church birth index 1796 - 1856, image 7/175,  p. 8. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4861?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005048-000000-FM-B09980-00070.jp2).

1829 Cadastral Map of Lutonina. Identifier, MOR138818290. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/indikacniskici/skica/detail/1987/).

Birth record of Thomas Kraitchar's sister Marianna Krajča, born January 6, 1831 in House 6, Lutonina. Mentions Thomas Kraitcher's parents, Tomáš Krajča and Anna Matyjáštík and maternal grandfather, Jiří Matyjáštík from Ublo. 
—G 249` 46: 5048, Jasenná (Augsburg confession) Czech Brethren Evangelical Church birth index 1796 - 1856, image 21/175, p. 33. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4861?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005048-000000-FM-B09980-00210.jp2).

Birth record of Thomas Kraitchar's sister Theresia Krajča, born August 6, 1833 in House 6, Lutonina. Mentions Thomas Kraitcher's parents, Tomáš Krajča and Anna Matyjáštík and maternal grandfather, Jiří Matyjáštík from Ublo. 
—G 249` 46: 5048, Jasenná (Augsburg confession) Czech Brethren Evangelical Church birth index 1796 - 1856, image 22/175, p. 36. Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, (https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4861?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005048-000000-FM-B09980-00220.jp2).

Per a church record from Zádveřice, Anna Mikeska was born on June 11, 1846, in House 57. The document identifies her parents as Petr Mikeska and Anna Šilar, her paternal grandparents as Petrů Mikeska and Anna Nedbálek, and her paternal great-grandfather as Martin Nedbálek. Additionally, her maternal grandparents are listed as Pavel Šilar and Kateřina Marek, with Josef Marek as her maternal great-grandfather.
—G 257; 163: 5063, Zádveřice (Helvetic religion), p. 126, image 127/164, Moravian Provincial Archive in Brno, https://www.mza.cz/actapublica/matrika/detail/4872?image=216000010-000253-003371-000000-005063-000000-FM-B09989-01270.jp2

"Thomas Kreiker . . . Arrival Date: 14 June 1853 . . . Ship: Henriette"; Galveston Historical Foundation citing "GEUE, C.W., E.H.; New homes in a new land..." Texian Press, 1970. Galveston Immigration Database, (http://ghf.destinationnext.com/immigration/Search.aspx).

"In 1869 he moved to Washington county, where he settled on a farm and followed farming pursuits for the next year."
—"Thomas Kraitchar" in History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson Counties. Lewis Publishing Company, 1893, pp. 471-472. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth29785/m1/1/).

"He then moved to Burleson county, where he engaged in farming for seven or eight years, after which he embarked in the mercantile business at Caldwell, and has followed the same ever since."
—"Thomas Kraitchar" in History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson Counties. Lewis Publishing Company, 1893, pp. 471-472. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth29785/m1/1/).

Biographical sketch of Thomas Kraitchar. 
"THOMAS KRAITCHER, senior member of the well-known mercantile firm of Thomas Kraitcher & Son, of Caldwell, Burleson county, is a native of Austria, Bohemia, where he was born April 8, 1848. His parents were Thomas and Anna Kraitcher, natives also of Bohemia, the father born in 1799 and the mother in 1809. The parents, with their three small children, two daughters and one. son, emigrated to the United States in 1855 and settled at Houston, this State. There the mother died in 1866, and the father a year later. Both were thrifty, industrious, law-abiding and home-loving people, members for many years of the Lutheran Church, and faithful in the discharge of their domestic and religious duties. The daughters married in this State, the elder, Teresa, marrying Joseph Hajek and residing now in Houston, and the younger marrying first Paul Wickophen, and after his death, Joseph Augusta, with whom she now resides on a farm in Burleson county.  Thomas Kraitcher, the subject of this notice, was the youngest of the above family. He was reared mainly in Houston, in the schools of which city he received a common English education. December 17, 1867, he married Anna Mikeska, of Houston, and for the next three or four years continued his residence in that place, being variously engaged. In 1869 he moved to Washington county, where he settled on a farm and followed farming pursuits for the next year. He then moved to Burleson county, where he engaged in farming for seven or eight years, after which he embarked in the mercantile business at Caldwell, and has followed the same ever since. Mr. Kraitcher was one of the first settlers of Bohemian birth in Burleson county. The first five families that settled in this county came in the following order: Thomas Kraitcher, Frank Mikeska, Thomas Elshik, John Gavenda and Joseph Obadal, but two of whom now remain in the county, these being Mr. Kraitcher and Mr. Gavenda. The colony, however, has been greatly augmented by other arrivals. In 1870 there were five Bohemian votes in Burleson county; there are now about 550. Mr. Kraitcher has always been a leader among his people, having won their confidence and respect by his business sagacity, his honesty and uprightness, and his uniform kindness and indulgence to them. He has also taken standing among the best citizens of the community where he resides, regardless of nationality, being a progressive, enterprising and public-spirited man. He has served as Alderman of the town of Caldwell for two years, and is now a member of the board, being on his second term. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1877, and has held a number of positions in the order. He belongs to the Knights and Ladies of Honor and to the Bohemian Benevolent Association, of which last order he is now State Collector. While on the farm Mr. Kraitcher was identified with the best interests of the farming community, being a member of the State Alliance, of which he was Vice-President.  Mr. Kraitcher has had two children, Mary and Thomas, the latter being now the junior member of the firm of Kraitcher & Son. Thomas Kraitcher, Jr., married Mary Kocourek, a daughter of Joseph Kocourek, of Burleson county, in 1890, and has one child."
—"Thomas Kraitchar" in History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson Counties. Lewis Publishing Company, 1893, pp. 471-472. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth29785/m1/1/).

Assessment Roll of Burleson County, for the Year 1872.
Lands:
- Owner: Kraitchar, Thomas
- Abst No. 35
- Original Grantee: J. Hall
- No. of Acres: 219
- Value: $435
Horses:
- Number: 1
- Value: $30
Cattle:
- Number: 7
- Value: $100
Miscellaneous Property:
- Value: $30
Total Value: $512
State Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $2.56
- Poll: $1.00
- Frontier Bonds Tax: $1.80
- Total: $5.36
Country Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $1.78
- Special: $0.77
- Roads & Bridges: $0.64
- Poll: $0.50
- Total: $3.69
Justices' fees: $0.25
Total Tax and Fees: $9.30
—1872 County Tax Rolls, Burleson Co., TX, p. 33, Thomas Kraitchar. 

Assessment Roll of Burleson County, for the Year 1873.
Lands:
- Owner: Kraitchar, Thomas
- Abst No. 35
- Original Grantee: J. Hall
- No. of Acres: 218
- Value: $436
Horses:
- Number: 1
- Value: $35
Cattle:
- Number: 4
- Value: $32
Miscellaneous Property:
- Value: $35
Total Value: $538
State Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $2.69
- Poll: $1.00
- Frontier Bonds Tax: $ 1.80
- Total: $3.87
Country Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $1.35
- Special: $2.69
- Roads & Bridges: $0.68
- Poll: $0.50
- Total: $5.22
Total Tax and Fees: $9.09
—1873 County Tax Rolls, Burleson Co., TX, p. 31, Thomas Kraitchar. 

Assessment Roll of property situated in Burleson County, for the Year 1876. 
Lands: 
- Owner: Kraitchar, Thomas
- Abst No.: [blank] 
- Original Grantee: Hall 
- No. of Acres: 225 
- Value: $405
Horses and Mules: 
- Number: 2 
- Value: $60 
Cattle: 
- Number: 12
- Value: $72 
Instruments, Tools and Machinery, Vehicles, etc: 
- Value: $20 
Miscellaneous Property: 
- Value: $20  
Total Value: $577 
State Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $2.88
- Poll: $1.00
- Total: $3.88
Country Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $6.05
- Poll: $1.00
- Total: $7.05
Total Tax and Fees: $10.93
—1876 County Tax Rolls, Burleson Co., TX, p. 9, Thomas Kraitchar. 

Assessment of Property in Burleson County, owned by Residents and Rendered for Taxation by the Owners or Agents thereof for the year 1877.
Lands: 
- Owner: Kraitchar, Thomas 
- Abst No.: 28
- Original Grantee: James Hall
- Acres: 116
- Value: $600
Horses and Mules: 
- Number: 1
- Value: $40
Cattle: 
- Number: 20
- Value: $80
Hogs: 
- Number: 2
- Value: $4
Goods, Wears & Merchandise 
- Value: $700
Miscellaneous Property 
- Value: $81
Total Value: $1595
State Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $7.97
- Poll: $2.00
- Total: $9.97
Country Tax:
- Ad Valorem: $12.76
- Poll: $1.50
- Total: $14.26
Total Tax and Fees: $24.23
—1877 County Tax Rolls, Burleson Co., TX, p. 27, Thomas Kraitchar.

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. visited the cotton exchange in Galveston. 
—The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 38, No. 162, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 27, 1879, newspaper, p. 4. The Portal to Texas History,  (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth463917/m1/4/).

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. visited the cotton exchange in Galveston. 
—The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 39, No. 158, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 23, 1880, newspaper, p. 3. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth462503/m1/3/).

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. traveled to Galveston with Samuel Bryson Murray and visited the Galveston Daily News and registered at their news office. 
—The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 39, No. 295, Ed. 1 Wednesday, March 2, 1881, newspaper, p. 5. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth462943/m1/5/).

The following has been translated from Czech to English: "From the road you can see that Caldwell Farm is about the size of Flatonia and lies on the prairie. There I stayed at the "City Hotel", which was owned by a well-known local man, Mr. Josef Mašík, and is now managed by Mr. Struve, Mr. Mašík's son-in-law. Everybody should stay at this hotel when they come to Caldwell, for everything is well arranged. At dinner I met Mr. Kalluš, who works in a local shop. After dinner we visited Mr. Mareš, who is a cellarman. On the second day, Sunday morning, in the company of Mr. Mašík, I visited the orchard "Nový Tábor", which is located about three miles northeast of the town. This settlement is almost entirely made up of our people and is in a very beautiful location. They have a well-equipped 'Bohemian-English' school, which is attended by a large number of children, taught by Messers, Krajča and Dušek. I stopped at F. Skřivánek's farm, but he was not at home. His farm is well arranged, which shows that he is a good farmer. The household also testifies to a good housekeeper. On my return to the town, I visited Mr. J. J. Holík in his house, where Mr. Kalluš accompanied me. Mr. Holík was at home, busy with his work, which I consider more blissful than any other occupation. He was taking care of his 'little ones', and I stayed there only a few minutes, because it was getting close to noon, and I wanted to leave on the noon train, which I did."
—Svoboda, Vol. 2, No. 48, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 15, 1887, newspaper, p. 4. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1294694/m1/4/).

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. submitted a passport application, signed and endorsed by Engelbert Pollack as a witness.
—"United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925," database with images, FamilySearch, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24F-4VXC), Thomas Kraitchar, 1889; citing Passport Application, Texas, United States, source certificate #, Passport Applications, 1795-1905., 328, NARA microfilm publications M1490 and M1372 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. traveled to Fort Worth with A. W. McIver, Edward Reeves, J. H. Jenkins, Sam G. Ragsdale, and Frank Kallus, all of Caldwell, and stayed at the Pickwick Hotel.
—"Hotel Arrivals. Pickwick." Fort Worth Gazette, Vol. 15, No. 293, Ed. 1, Tuesday, August 4, 1891, newspaper, p. 2. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth89763/m1/2/).

In 1891, the first bale of cotton to arrive in Dallas was delivered by Kraitcher & Son. The bale was received by Messrs. Ballard, Webb & Burnette and had been raised by I. Hale of Burleson county, as reported in a contemporary news article. According to the article, "DALLAS, Tex., Aug. 8.—Messrs. Ballard, Webb & Burnette yesterday received a bale of new cotton from Kraitcher & Son of Caldwell. It was raised by I. Hale of Burleson county. This is the first bale of new cotton that has arrived in Dallas this year."
—The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 50, No. 138, Ed. 1 Sunday, August 9, 1891, newspaper, p. 2. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth466289/m1/2/).

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. traveled to Galveston and stayed at the Washington Hotel. 
—"Hotel Arrivals. At the Washington" The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 50, No. 189, Ed. 1 Tuesday, September 29, 1891, newspaper, p. 8. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth466152/m1/8/). 

Thomas Kraitchar Sr. received Royal Arch Degree at Masonic Lodge in Brenham, Texas; "The Masonic lodge here did work in the royal arch degree Wednesday night. This degree was conferred upon Rev. A. S. Blackwood, Thomas Kraitchar, Sr., and O. W. Johnston. The visiting Masons present were Messrs. J. P. Bell, J. A. Kopisch, B. J. Granville, J. W Brooks, P. Haring of Beeville, J. B. Moore and J. L. Gillis, of Cameron and Henry Harrison of Brenham."
―Brenham Daily Banner, Vol. 19, No. 127, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 2, 1894, newspaper, p. 3. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth484965/m1/3/zoom/?resolution=0.7951118801831356&lat=1484.1884277870313&lon=2589.647977592955).

"Caldwell was visited last night with the most destructive fire in her history. Eight Business Houses Are Burned. The Entire Eastern Portion of the Town Has a Narrow Escape. Loss $18,900, Insurance $2000.  On the 29th of April, 1895 at about 10 o'clock, the alarm was given. A fire was discovered in the Ben B. Hunt building on the northeast corner of the square, occupied by F. Kiesling hardware, and it was almost ready to fall in. A stiff south breeze caused the flames to spread very rapidly and eight business houses, with their contents, were totally destroyed along with their contents. One or more kegs of powder exploded in one of the buildings, creating a slight panic. The origin of the fire is thought to have been incendiary. The matter will be thoroughly investigated. There is very small insurance.  The brick wall of Thos. Kraitcher & Son's store was all that saved the entire east part of town from destruction. The fire boys and citizens worked manfully and got the flames under check in as short a time as their limited facilities would allow. Eight Caldwell business houses were totally destroyed."  [Total losses from the fire were estimated at $18,900. This was an immense sum for 1895, representing hundreds of thousands in today's dollars when adjusted for inflation. However, the total insurance held across all damaged and destroyed properties was just $2,000. This amounts to only about 10% of the total losses being covered. Such a profound insurance gap highlights both how underinsured many residents and businesses were, as well as the limitations of insurance availability/affordability at the time. Without adequate coverage, victims were left personally financially devastated and facing bankruptcy from shouldering 90% of losses outright.]  "The principal losses and insurance are about as follows:  Thomas Kraitcher & Son, building $3800; stock $7000; no insurance. Schroeder Brothers of San Antonio, two wooden buildings $2300; no insurance. Ben B. Hunt, two buildings $1600; Insured In Phoenix for $600. F. Kiesling $1500; insurance $1100. O. Wallney, one building $800; no insurance. Anheuser-Busch beer and ice house, $800; no insurance. Frank Kallus, saloon, $500; stove saved; no insurance. F. M. Luechese. confectioner, $350; no insurance. Dr. H. H. Darre office and fixtures, $350; insurance $100. D. W. McKinney, goods and building, damaged $200; fully insured. J. P. Spacek, restaurant, $100; no insurance. Bil Cummings, restaurant, $100; no insurance.  F. M. Luechese lived in the rear of the store. His wife and a 2-year-old baby had to be carried out of the burning building.  The loss falls heaviest on Thomas Kraitchar, a Bohemian gentleman, who had by industry and economy accumulated a comfortable living, and this great loss falls heavily on them. The son is tax collector."
—"Work of Flames" The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 54, No. 38, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 1, 1895, newspaper, p. 2. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465768/m1/2/).
—"Our Neighbors" Brenham Daily Banner, Vol. 20, No. 105, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 2, 1895, newspaper, p. 2. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth481442/m1/2/).

"Tom Kraitcher, the merchant who lost so heavily at the big fire, will rebuild soon."
—The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 54, No. 40, Ed. 1 Friday, May 3, 1895, newspaper, p. 4. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465663/m1/4/).

The C.S.P.S. held a grand lodge meeting in Caldwell, Texas on June 15, 1895, where Thomas Kraitcher Sr. was elected as the delegate from Texas, and they announced that the next grand lodge meeting would be in La Grange, Texas, while the next supreme convention would take place in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The original text is as follows: "GRAND LODGE MEETING. The next supreme convention of this order C. S. P. S. will be held St. Paul, Minn., in 1896. The convention will be composed of a delegate from each state in the union. Thomas Kraitcher of this city was elected delegate from Texas."
—"GRAND LODGE MEETING." The Galveston Daily News, Vol. 54, No. 86, Ed. 1 Tuesday, June 18, 1895, newspaper, p. 3. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465943/m1/3/).

The News Chronicle moved to a new location that was formerly occupied by Kraitchar & Son, who had moved to the Wallney Building.
"The News Chronicle holds forth in the handsome brick building of T. Kraitchar & Son, and recently occupied by these gentlemen in the boot and shoe and gents' furnishing goods business. The Messrs. Kraitchar have moved into the Wallney building east side public square, and will soon add other lines of merchandise to their present stock. Mr. T. Kraitchar Sr., the presiding elder of the firm asks his friends and the public in general to call and see him." 
—Hutchings, E. P. & Rust & Joiner. The Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 18, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 20, 1897, newspaper, p. 10. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169154/m1/10/).

"...REMOVAL SALE... We have marked all our goods down to lowest Rock Bottom prices on account of our moving from our old stand: on the north side of the square to the Walling Building. Call and see us and get our prices. THOS. KRAITCHAR & SON." 
—"...REMOVAL SALE..." Rust & Joiner. The Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 18, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, May 28, 1897, newspaper, p. 4. The Portal to Texas History,  (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169155/m1/4/).

"KRAITCHAR AND HOUSTON. Livery, Feed AND Sale Sable,  WE TURN OUT THE MOST STYLISH RIGS IN THE COUNTY.  We can always furnish a first-class turnout on short notice and at the lowest figures ever heard of. We Put Prices, Down and We Should Reap the Benefits of the Innovation. We give commercial travellers a splendid service and special attention.  Give Us a Trial Order."  
—"KRAITCHAR AND HOUSTON." Rust & Joiner. The Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 18, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, July 2, 1897, newspaper, p. 7. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169160/m1/7/).

"510. T. N. Houston vs. Thos. Kraitchar et al.; verdict for defendant." 
—"T. N. Houston vs. Thos. Kraitchar." Rust & Joiner. The Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 20, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, August 11, 1899, newspaper, p. 4. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169251/m1/4/).

Translated:  "Caldwell National Bank. [Caldwellská Národní Banka.] co-founder and original principal shareholder.  Translated from Czech:  "Caldwell National Bank.  (Caldwellská Národní Banka.)  CAPITAL STOCK . . . $25,000.00. Will begin trading in a few days.  Names of shareholders: T. KRAITCHAR, SR.,  J. DRGAČ, GEO. ŠEFČIK, MRS. A. M. NEWCOMB, J. W. RYAN, R. J. ALEXANDER, W. S. BARNETT,  C. C. NELMS, C. J. DANIEL, T. F. GILLEY, C. W. F. WINDELL,  VINC. LESHIKAR,  MRS. STANIE RIPPEL, JACOB PIWETZ,  A. F. GRABOW,  C. S. WILLIAMS,  JAS. PHILP, T. KRAITCHAR, JR.,  JOHN JANČIK, JR.,  E. B. ST. CLAIR, ENG. POLLACK,  J. KOCUREK,  FRANK DUŠEK,  MARGARET RIES,  FRANK KALLUS,  ROB'T ETZEL,  DR. B. O. MCLEAN,  M. D. ROGERS,  T. H. ŠKRABANEK,  J. J. LANE.  All of the above are residents of Caldwell, Texas.  J. G. STREAN, Cashier City National Bank, Kansas City, Missouri. OTHO S. HOUSTON, President, First National Bank, Stephenville, Texas. A. M. CLARK, Pres. Clark Bros. Cutlery Co., and Commonwealth Investment Co., Kansas City.  Directors: JOHN JANCIK, Jr.,  C. C. NELMS,  E. B. ST. CLAIR,  OTHO S. HOUSTEN,  J. J. LANE.  Officials: J. J. LANE, President. E. B. ST. CLAIR, Cashier. C. C. NELMS, Vice-President. T. KRAITCHAR, Jr., Assistant-Treasurer.   We invite you to do business with us." 
—"Caldwellská Národní Banka." Haidusek, A. Svoboda, Vol. 17, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 5, 1903, newspaper, p. 5. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1315025/m1/5/).

Translated:  "As the notice elsewhere shows, several residents of Caldwell and the surrounding area pooled their savings and established a national bank in the town of Caldwell, which was called the 'Caldwell National Bank.' The capital stock of this bank amounts to twenty-five thousand dollars, and among its shareholders are thirteen of our own countrymen, whom I know personally, and I am convinced that each of them possesses a goodly fortune, which makes this bank quite secure for any sum of money that may be deposited in it. If, therefore, some calamity should befall this bank, each shareholder is liable for as much as his shares are worth. I wish this enterprise every success, and cherish the hope that my wish will be fulfilled."  Original:  "Jak ukazuje oznámka na jiném místě, několik obyvatelů města Caldwell a okolí spojili své úspory a založili v městě Caldwell národní banku, která se zove 'Caldwell National Bank'. Základníkapitál této banky obnáší dvacet petétisíc dolarů, a mezi podílníky jejími je třináct našich rodáků, které znám osobně a jsem přesvědčen, že každý z nich vlastní slušný majetek, což činí tuto banku docela jistou za každý obnos pěněz, který v ní bude uložen.. Mimo našich rodáků jsou podílníky této banky Američané i Němci, kteří zajisté též vlastní značný majetek. Kdyby se tedy přihodilo a tuto banku stihla nějaká pohroma, každý podílník banky je zodpověden za tolik, kolik obnášejí jeho akcie. Přeji tomuto podniku mnoho zdaru a kojím se nadějí, že přání mé se splní."
—Haidusek, A. Svoboda, Vol. 17, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 5, 1903, newspaper, p. 1. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1315025/m1/1/).

"PROTECT YOUR MONEY  We are often asked, 'what is use of me keeping my money in the the Bank?'  Here are some of the reasons: Your money is never safe in your home. The house may burn and your savings of years be destroyed. Then you may be held up and robbed, or the proceeds of much of your hard labor stolen in your absence.  WHY DO YOU TAKE THIS RISK?   Your money in the Bank is protected by a FIRE PROOF VAULT, A BURGLAR PROOF SAFE, and in addition we carry burglar insurance protecting us against daylight hold-up or any loss that may occur by robbery. You cannot lose.  We offer to our customers the services of our vault as a safe keeping for their valuable papers. No account too small for our best attention.  CALDWELL NATIONAL BANK"  
—"PROTECT YOUR MONEY." Joiner, R. Lee. Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 27, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, January 11, 1907, newspaper,  p. 1. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169628/m1/1).

Gramm & Kraitchar operated a pharmacy referred to as "The First Czech Pharmacy". As advertised in Obzor, their inventory included essential items such as quinine, carbolic acid, turpentine, linseed oil for paints, chloroform for cattle, and golden engine oil, highlighting the important role that pharmacies played in community life during this era. The mention of proprietary medicines like "Gramm's Liver Regulator" and the stocking of specific Czech medicines such as "Severovy's, Formánkovy's, and St. Nicodemus' medicines" indicates the importance of proprietary and cultural remedies in the healthcare practices of the time. The pharmacy emphasized its commitment to providing "pure medicines of all kinds" at "astonishingly low" prices. 
"THE FIRST CZECH PHARMACY Caldwell, Texas GRAMM & KRAITCHAR, owners.  Here you will always find pure medicines of all kinds. Our prices are astonishingly low. Below are the prices of some of the most needed items in the drugstore:  The best Quinine . . . 50 cents per ounce.  Linseed oil for paints . . . 70 cents per gallon.  Carbolic acid . . . 50 cents per pound.  Turpentine . . . 35 cents per quart.  Golden engine oil . . . 60 cents per gallon.  Chloroform (for cattle) . . . 10 cents per ounce.  Gramm's Liver Regulator . . . 20 cents per box.   Many other drugs, both manufactured by us and patented, will be brought to you more cheaply than anywhere else in the State. Severovy's, Formánkovy's, and St. Nicodemus' medicines are always in stock. Visit us when you need anything in the drug business.   At Your Service,  GRAMM & KRAITCHAR"
—"The First Czech Pharmacy." Obzor, Vol. 16, No. 21, Ed. 1, 15 June 1907, Halletsville, Texas, p. 9. The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth394800/m1/9/).

"A Dangerous Deadlock, that sometimes terminates fatally, is the stoppage of liver and bowel functions. To quickly end this condition without disagreeable sensations, Dr. King's New Life Pills should always be your remedy. Guaranteed absolutely satisfactory in every case or money back, at Gramm & Kraitchar's drug store. 25c."
—Shannon, Frank W. Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 28, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1907, newspaper, p. 1. The Portal to Texas History,  (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169676/m1/1/).

"Gramm & Kraitchar Leading Druggists Phone 66" 
—"Gramm & Kraitchar." Shannon, Frank W. Caldwell News-Chronicle, Vol. 28, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1907, newspaper, p, 1. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth169676/m1/1/).

"Committee Room, Austin, Texas, Jan. 23, 1911.  Hon. Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Sir, Your Committee on Roads, Bridges and Ferries, to whom was referred House bill No. 161, have had the same under consideration, and l am instructed to report it back to the House with the recommendation that it do pass, and that Mr. Kraitcher has been appointed to make a full report on same.  Schlick, Chairman."
—Texas House Journal of the 32nd Legislature. 1911. p. 227.

"Thomas Kraitchar, representative from this county, returned Monday from his legislative duties at Austin, the legislature having adjourned."
—Burleson County Ledger and News-Chronicle, Vol. 27, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, March 17, 1911, newspaper, p. 6. The Portal to Texas History, (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth168738/m1/1/).

Caldwell citizens held a meeting to discuss a proposed new railroad from Stone City to Giddings. They decided to support the railroad by granting a free right of way through Caldwell and collaborating to secure an affordable right of way through the . . .
"Stone City to Giddings  Caldwell Citizens Hold Meeting to Determine Sentiment Relative to Proposed New Railroad.  Special to The News.  Caldwell, Tex., May 24.—Last night there was held a mass meeting in the courthouse here to determine what the people of Caldwell will do toward getting by this place the new road from Stone City to Giddings.  There was a large attendance of representative citizens and business men. Ringing speeches were made by Mayor J. A. Gray, R. S. Bowers, W. M. Stone, P. H. Simpson, J. C. Womble, Jesse Gurrett, D. C. Carrington, Harry Hudson and others, favoring getting the road to come through Caldwell. It was decided that the citizens of Caldwell should give the road a free right of way and through the city and depot and switch yards.  It was also decided that it is the duty of the citizens here to co-operate with the railroad company in getting for them a right of way through the county as cheaply as possible. J. A. Gray, Harry Hudson, J. C. Womble, T. F. Gilley and Thomas Kraltchar Jr. were appointed a committee to confer with representatives of the company to devise plans for securing a right of way through this county."
—"Stone City to Giddings." Galveston Daily News, 25 May 1911, newspaper, p. 8. Newspaper Archive, (https://newspaperarchive.com/galveston-daily-news-may-25-1911-p-8/).

The death certificate of Thomas Kraitcher Sr. indicates that he passed away on May 28, 1911, and was subsequently interred on the same day at the Masonic Cemetery in Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas. His grave is marked with a headstone.
—"Certificate of Death for Thomas Kraitchar." Clerk's Reg No. 521. State of Texas, Department of Public Health and Vital Statistics, May 28, 1911. FamilySearch, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GY1W-K38).

"Sunday morning at 3 o'clock Thomas Kraitchar, Sr., died at his home here and the remains were laid to rest in Masonic cemetery that afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic lodge of which he was a member, He was also a member of the C. S. P. S., and the S. P. J. S. T. fraternal societies, and a member of the Sons of Hermann and many members of these orders attended the burial.  Born in Moravia, Austria, in 1848, he came with his parents to this country in 1853 and the family settled in the city of Houston where for many years they made their home. In 1868 Mr. Kraitchar was happily married to Miss Annie Mikeska, but they lived in Houston only a short time after their marriage and moved to Washington county where they resided for a short while. They came to Burleson county in 1870 they having the honor of being the first Bohemians to settle in Burleson county. Since first coming here, this county has since been their home. Deceased engaged in the mercantile business here for many years the firm being T. Kraitchar & Son. After they retired from the business which had been successful, Mr. Kraitchar engaged in the cotton buying business and was successful in this undertaking.  Last year he was elected representative to the legislature from Burleson county which is the 48th representative district, and he made his people a faithful representative.  He was a man of truth and honor, was of the strictest integrity and had the esteem of his fellowmen. He was a true husband, and indulgent father and a good citizen.  Besides his wife, he leaves surviving him two children, Mrs. Mary Richter and Thomas Kraitchar, Jr.. cashier of Caldwell National bank of this place. The family have the sympathy of the community in their bereavement."
—Burleson County Ledger and News-Chronicle, Vol. 27, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, June 2, 1911, newspaper, p. 5. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth168748/m1/5/).