BIO: George Kramer, Jefferson County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kitty

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http://usgwarchives.net/pa/jefferson/beers/beers-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens. 
Chicago, Ill.: J. H. Beers, 1898, pages 1074-1075.
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GEORGE KRAMER (deceased) was for many years a leading citizen of 
Henderson township, Jefferson county, and it can be truly said of him 
that his influence was always a potent force for good.  His sympathy 
with the various progressive movements of his locality was shown in 
practical and effective ways, educational affairs receiving his 
especial attention.  In the wider interests of the nation he also felt 
a keen interest, and his patriotic stand during the Civil war drew upon 
him the bitter enmity of the numerous friends of the South in his 
vicinity.  His life was in danger more than once, but his outspoken 
loyalty never wavered or lessened.
  Mr. Kramer was born March 18, 1815, in Schuylkill county, Penn., and 
growing to manhood there was married to Miss Sarah Berkheiser, of the 
same county.  The first four years of wedded life were spent at Auburn, 
Penn., where Mr. Kramer was engaged in butchering, and then he moved to 
Tuscarora, Penn., and continued the same business for a year.  In 1847 
he removed to Winslow township, Jefferson county, and made his first 
purchase of land - a timber tract on the Big Sandy.  The following year 
was spent there in taking out square timber to be rafted down the 
Allegheny to Pittsburg, and in 1848 he bought 160 acres of forest land 
on Stump creek in Henderson township, where he made his permanent home.  
He continued his lumber operations there, clearing a large part of the 
place, and in time had a fine homestead with a commodious and 
comfortable residence, a bank barn and other modern improvements.  
Lumbering formed his chief occupation, but he also engaged at times in 
other pursuits, and became well known as a dealer in real estate.  
Politically he was a stanch Republican, holding a prominent place in 
the local organization.  For several terms he held the office of 
supervisor, and his interest in the cause of education was shown by 
long service as school director.  He died November 20, 1894, and was 
sincerely mourned in the community as well as in the circle of 
relatives and intimate friends.
  Mrs. Sarah Kramer, who survives him, and still occupies the old home, 
is a most estimable lady, and in the early years of toil and hardship 
she did her full share to win prosperity.  She is a devout member of 
the Evangelical Church at Troutville, and has always been in sympathy 
with its work.  Her family was among the oldest in Schuylkill county, 
where she was born April 25, 1824, and she received an education in the 
subscription school of that day, the instruction being given in German.  
Some of her ancestors took part in the Indian wars of Colonial times, 
several being killed by the savages, and a number of her relatives 
served in the war of 1812.  Her grandmother Berkheiser used to do the 
trading for the family at Reading, Penn., traveling on horseback the 
entire distance to and from the city.  John and Polly Berkheiser, Mrs. 
Kramer's parents, were among the well-to-do residents of Schuylkill 
county.
  Mr. and Mrs. Kramer had no children, but Mrs. Nettie Kicher, the 
widowed daughter of Mrs. Kramer's brother, made her home with them some 
years ago.  She has two daughters, Maud and Jessie, who are attending 
the schools near the homestead.