Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
FatherJacob Christman GRAY (1812-1881)
MotherCatherine HOUSER (1821-1897)
Spouses
ChildrenAda Blanche (1869-1954)
Obituary Online notes for Robert Dobbins (Spouse 1)
Son of George and Hannah Wilson Cramer.
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MARRIED.
CREAMER [sic] -- GRAY -- In Piqua, April 25th, at the residence of the brides' parents, by Rev. D. Shepardson, Robert D. Creamer [sic], Esq. of Memphis, Missouri, and Miss Sarah Gray.
The Piqua Democrat, Piqua, Ohio · Wednesday, May 01, 1867, Page 2, Column 3
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Maj. Robert D. Cramer, lawyer, was born in Ohio, May 12, 1836, the son of George and Hannah (Wilson) Cramer, natives , respectively, of Virginia and North Carolina.
The father came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1856, and has spent a successful life as a farmer and stock raiser, and is now in his eighty-third year. The mother died in 1860. Their children are Caroline, wife of N. M. Longfellow; Louisa, wife of W. T. Johnson; John W.; Vashti, wife of L. D. Johnson; Ann E., wife of T. Rowland; a deceased infant daughter, and Frances M., deceased wife of J. Gardner. Our subject is the fifth child, and received a good education at his country home in Ohio, so that he was able to follow teaching from his nineteenth year until he came to Iowa. In that State he taught school during the day, and was a vocal music teacher in the evening. In 1862 he joined Company G, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry. He was captain until after the fall of Vicksburg, when he became major, and as such was mustered out June 16, 1865. He was seriously wounded at Arkansaw Post. He had read law some before the war, and now entered the law school at Ann Arbor,. Mich. After his graduation, in 1867, he came to Missouri, and was admitted to the bar. He has been very successful, and had been a prominent Republican ever since the birth of the party. He served two years as county attorney, and several terms as attorney for the city. In 1884 he was a delegate to the famous Chicago convention, and in 1886 was a prominent candidate for Congress from the First District, but entered the race in convention under protest, well knowing the hopeless minority of his party. His first wife was Martha Pettyjohn, deceased. Their children are Lewis W., Flora E. (wife of C. M. Teeters), and Robert O. April 25, 1867, he was united to Sallie M. Gray of Ohio. Their only child is Ada B. Our subject has been commander of the G. A. R. at his place, and has passed all the chairs of the A. F. & A. M. and served as E. C. of Memphis Commanders No. 41. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. and I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is very prominent, being a lay delegate in 1880 from the Missouri conference to the general conference that met at Cincinnati, Ohio, and filling other important positions.
History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties Missouri, V.2 Biographical Appendix. Goodspeed Publishing, 1887, p. 1163, 1164
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MAJ. CRAMER DIED SUDDENLY LAST THURSDAY
Major R. D. Cramer, one of the best known men in this part of the country, died at his home in this city Thursday evening, December 19, about 4:10 o'clock after a short illness. The Major had been up town up to a very few days before and although complaining somewhat was not considered so near death's door by his friends. Although above four score years old, his tall straight form in army blue was an almost every day sight on our streets and his presence will be sadly missed.
For forty years he has been an official member of the board in the First M. E. Church and for as far back as the writer can remember -- 33 years -- he has taught a class in the Sabbath school of that denomination. He has been an active member in all branches of the church work as he has also been in close touch with all movements for the betterment of conditions in the community in which he has lived.
Major Robert D. Cramer was born and reared on a farm and followed that pursuit during his boyhood and young manhood. Then a gallant soldier in the Federal army during the Civil War; afterward a lawyer in active practice. Throughout all these years he has been held in high esteem throughout the country where he was acquainted, up to the time of his death in the evening of December 19.
Major Cramer was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on May 12, 1836 -- a son of George and Hannah Cramer.
His grand parents were among the first settlers in Fayette county and resided on the home farm the whole of their lives. George Cramer, the father, moved his family in 1856 to Jefferson county, Iowa, and took up his residence on a large farm near Fairfield, in 1861 the wife and mother died, while the husband and father lived until 1896 when he died in Oregon. Nine children were born to this union.
Robert Cramer was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district (word blacked out) of Ohio.
In 1860 he went back from Iowa to his native state and married Miss Martha O. Pettyjohn and they moved at once to his home in Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Louis, who is now dead; Mrs. Flora Teeters, of Keokuk; and Robert, of Montana.
Major enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. G. 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, but before taking this step he sent his wife and children back to Ohio to live with his wife's people. Soon after their arrival at the old home place, the wife died, while the father was away with his regiment.
The major went into the army as a private, but by a vote of the people in his county he was mustered into the service as captain of his company at Keokuk, Sept. 23, 1862. He served three years and took part in the battles of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Jonesboro and other conflicts along Sherman's march to the sea, the capture of Savannah and engagements in the Carolinas. He marched with his regiment to Washington City and participated in the grand review -- one of the great events in the war period. After the fall of Vicksburg, Major Cramer was commissioned as major and retained his commission throughout the war. At the battle of Arkansas Post he was wounded in the left hand, the wound bothering him through life. He was laid up in a hospital for three months, the hand being saved with difficulty. On June 16, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Davenport, Iowa, and he returned to his home.
Soon after his discharge he began the study of law in the law department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he graduated in 1867. After his admission to the bar he moved to Memphis and opened an office. While at the University he became acquainted with Miss Sally M. Gray of Ohio. After locating in Memphis he went back to Ohio and married her in Piqua. They came at once to Memphis and have continued to reside here ever since. By this second marriage he became the father of one child, Ada B. Scott, who resides in Minneapolis, Minn.
Ever since he moved back in the 70's the major has been active in public affairs. In 1892 he was candidate for representative in this district and, although defeated, made a good race. He served as postmaster several terms and has been in the public eye perhaps more than any other man of late years. He was a Mason, Odd Fellow, Knight Templar and occupied the various higher offices in the G.A.R. post of this city. Of commanding, martial appearance, having a command of words, rich in reminiscences, and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, the major was frequently called upon throughout north Missouri and southern Iowa as speaker of the day at political and G.A.R. meetings and reunions.
For the past few years, although the major maintained an office up town, he did not attempt to do much but some pension and legal work. His friends of late had noted his faltering step and more than once marveled at the strength and vitality of the venerable old man of over four score years, who continued to be up and about town. When the end came it came hurriedly. The writer talked with him but two days before his death and saw nothing to make one believe that he would so soon be called upon to cross the river of Death.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday morning, Dec. 22, at the regular hour of service, 11:00, conducted by his pastor, Dr. Chase. the G.A. R., the Odd Fellows and the Masons, including an escort of Knight Templars, were represented. The beautiful flowers and the large attendance testified to the love and esteem of friends and acquaintances.
The Memphis Reveille, Memphis, Missouri • Thu, Dec 26, 1918, Page 1, Column 6 and Page 8, Column 4 [58057]
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MARRIED.
CREAMER [sic] -- GRAY -- In Piqua, April 25th, at the residence of the brides' parents, by Rev. D. Shepardson, Robert D. Creamer [sic], Esq. of Memphis, Missouri, and Miss Sarah Gray.
The Piqua Democrat, Piqua, Ohio · Wednesday, May 01, 1867, Page 2, Column 3
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Maj. Robert D. Cramer, lawyer, was born in Ohio, May 12, 1836, the son of George and Hannah (Wilson) Cramer, natives , respectively, of Virginia and North Carolina.
The father came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1856, and has spent a successful life as a farmer and stock raiser, and is now in his eighty-third year. The mother died in 1860. Their children are Caroline, wife of N. M. Longfellow; Louisa, wife of W. T. Johnson; John W.; Vashti, wife of L. D. Johnson; Ann E., wife of T. Rowland; a deceased infant daughter, and Frances M., deceased wife of J. Gardner. Our subject is the fifth child, and received a good education at his country home in Ohio, so that he was able to follow teaching from his nineteenth year until he came to Iowa. In that State he taught school during the day, and was a vocal music teacher in the evening. In 1862 he joined Company G, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry. He was captain until after the fall of Vicksburg, when he became major, and as such was mustered out June 16, 1865. He was seriously wounded at Arkansaw Post. He had read law some before the war, and now entered the law school at Ann Arbor,. Mich. After his graduation, in 1867, he came to Missouri, and was admitted to the bar. He has been very successful, and had been a prominent Republican ever since the birth of the party. He served two years as county attorney, and several terms as attorney for the city. In 1884 he was a delegate to the famous Chicago convention, and in 1886 was a prominent candidate for Congress from the First District, but entered the race in convention under protest, well knowing the hopeless minority of his party. His first wife was Martha Pettyjohn, deceased. Their children are Lewis W., Flora E. (wife of C. M. Teeters), and Robert O. April 25, 1867, he was united to Sallie M. Gray of Ohio. Their only child is Ada B. Our subject has been commander of the G. A. R. at his place, and has passed all the chairs of the A. F. & A. M. and served as E. C. of Memphis Commanders No. 41. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. and I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is very prominent, being a lay delegate in 1880 from the Missouri conference to the general conference that met at Cincinnati, Ohio, and filling other important positions.
History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties Missouri, V.2 Biographical Appendix. Goodspeed Publishing, 1887, p. 1163, 1164
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MAJ. CRAMER DIED SUDDENLY LAST THURSDAY
Major R. D. Cramer, one of the best known men in this part of the country, died at his home in this city Thursday evening, December 19, about 4:10 o'clock after a short illness. The Major had been up town up to a very few days before and although complaining somewhat was not considered so near death's door by his friends. Although above four score years old, his tall straight form in army blue was an almost every day sight on our streets and his presence will be sadly missed.
For forty years he has been an official member of the board in the First M. E. Church and for as far back as the writer can remember -- 33 years -- he has taught a class in the Sabbath school of that denomination. He has been an active member in all branches of the church work as he has also been in close touch with all movements for the betterment of conditions in the community in which he has lived.
Major Robert D. Cramer was born and reared on a farm and followed that pursuit during his boyhood and young manhood. Then a gallant soldier in the Federal army during the Civil War; afterward a lawyer in active practice. Throughout all these years he has been held in high esteem throughout the country where he was acquainted, up to the time of his death in the evening of December 19.
Major Cramer was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on May 12, 1836 -- a son of George and Hannah Cramer.
His grand parents were among the first settlers in Fayette county and resided on the home farm the whole of their lives. George Cramer, the father, moved his family in 1856 to Jefferson county, Iowa, and took up his residence on a large farm near Fairfield, in 1861 the wife and mother died, while the husband and father lived until 1896 when he died in Oregon. Nine children were born to this union.
Robert Cramer was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district (word blacked out) of Ohio.
In 1860 he went back from Iowa to his native state and married Miss Martha O. Pettyjohn and they moved at once to his home in Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Louis, who is now dead; Mrs. Flora Teeters, of Keokuk; and Robert, of Montana.
Major enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. G. 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, but before taking this step he sent his wife and children back to Ohio to live with his wife's people. Soon after their arrival at the old home place, the wife died, while the father was away with his regiment.
The major went into the army as a private, but by a vote of the people in his county he was mustered into the service as captain of his company at Keokuk, Sept. 23, 1862. He served three years and took part in the battles of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Jonesboro and other conflicts along Sherman's march to the sea, the capture of Savannah and engagements in the Carolinas. He marched with his regiment to Washington City and participated in the grand review -- one of the great events in the war period. After the fall of Vicksburg, Major Cramer was commissioned as major and retained his commission throughout the war. At the battle of Arkansas Post he was wounded in the left hand, the wound bothering him through life. He was laid up in a hospital for three months, the hand being saved with difficulty. On June 16, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Davenport, Iowa, and he returned to his home.
Soon after his discharge he began the study of law in the law department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he graduated in 1867. After his admission to the bar he moved to Memphis and opened an office. While at the University he became acquainted with Miss Sally M. Gray of Ohio. After locating in Memphis he went back to Ohio and married her in Piqua. They came at once to Memphis and have continued to reside here ever since. By this second marriage he became the father of one child, Ada B. Scott, who resides in Minneapolis, Minn.
Ever since he moved back in the 70's the major has been active in public affairs. In 1892 he was candidate for representative in this district and, although defeated, made a good race. He served as postmaster several terms and has been in the public eye perhaps more than any other man of late years. He was a Mason, Odd Fellow, Knight Templar and occupied the various higher offices in the G.A.R. post of this city. Of commanding, martial appearance, having a command of words, rich in reminiscences, and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, the major was frequently called upon throughout north Missouri and southern Iowa as speaker of the day at political and G.A.R. meetings and reunions.
For the past few years, although the major maintained an office up town, he did not attempt to do much but some pension and legal work. His friends of late had noted his faltering step and more than once marveled at the strength and vitality of the venerable old man of over four score years, who continued to be up and about town. When the end came it came hurriedly. The writer talked with him but two days before his death and saw nothing to make one believe that he would so soon be called upon to cross the river of Death.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday morning, Dec. 22, at the regular hour of service, 11:00, conducted by his pastor, Dr. Chase. the G.A. R., the Odd Fellows and the Masons, including an escort of Knight Templars, were represented. The beautiful flowers and the large attendance testified to the love and esteem of friends and acquaintances.
The Memphis Reveille, Memphis, Missouri • Thu, Dec 26, 1918, Page 1, Column 6 and Page 8, Column 4 [58057]