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A. W. Cramer
Born April 30, 1846


A well improved farm comprising one hundred and eighty-seven acres in Castle Grove township, which is now the property of A. W. Cramer, has been in possession of the family since 1865. The parents, A. K. and Matilda (Pierce) Cramer, were both natives of New Jersey, whence the father went to Ohio in 1816, and purchased land, which he had to clear and on which he built a log cabin. The engaged in farming in that state until 1865 and in that year came to Jones county and purchased the farm on which the son now resides. His family numbered nine children, of whom five still survive. The father died on the home farm, November 20, 1875, and the mother, surviving for only about two years, was called to the home beyond on the 8th of December, 1877. Both were laid to rest in the Castle Grove cemetery.
A. W. Cramer was born during the residence of his parents in Trumbull county, Ohio. The date of his birth being April 30, 1846. His education was acquired in the schools of that district and he was a youth of nineteen years when the family came to Tones county. The country at resemblance to this district at the present time. Then few made, the homes were widely scattered and much of the virgin state. In a few years, however, the settlers began land and build homes and today Jones county is one of the advanced counties of the state of Iowa. Mr. Cramer was father to establish the home here and remained under the parental roof until be attained his majority. He then started out to make his own way in the world. After be had accumulated a sum of money sufficient to invest in property, he purchased the old homestead farm of one hundred and eighty-seven acres, located on sections 11, 14, and 15, Castle Grove township, and to its care and cultivation he has since bent his energies. The place is supplied with good buildings and everything about the place is kept in good repair, indicating Mr. Cramer's progressive spirit.
Mr. Cramer was married April 27, 1876, to Miss O. E. Smith, who was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of S. H. and Margaret H. (Wilson) Smith, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, whence they removed to Iowa in 1857. After spending about two decades in this state, in 1877, they removed to Texas and there made their home until they passed away, the father dying in May, 1908, while the mother departed this life in December, 1905. Their family numbered twelve children, of whom ten are still living that time bore little settlements had been land was still in its to come in, take up most prosperous and active in helping his
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have been born six children: Fred C., who is still at home, has served as assessor of Castle Grove township for the past four years. Margaret M. is the wife of S. C. Pfeil, of this township. Elsie E. is the wife of William Heller and they make their home in Delaware county, Iowa. The fourth member of the family died in infancy. Eda M. is the wife of Professor J. G. Van Buren, who is now connected with the schools of Little Rock, Arkansas. Olive H., who is a graduate of the Monticello high school, is now engaged in teaching.
Mr. Cramer is a democrat in his political views and affiliations and has served as a member of the school board and in other minor township offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His record has been one of unremitting and tireless toil but through this means he has worked his way up until he has become one of the influential and substantial citizens of Jones county.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 248.

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