William Jefferson Cramer

Notes:

Dean Cramer shows that he died 17 Oct 1862.

Notes:

Per BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY (Ohio) "John Cramer was eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Seneca County, Ohio, and had then finished his education. Until twenty-one years of age he remained on the home farm, and then engaged as a laborer in a saw-mill in Seneca County for two years, and then, in 1847, he married and bought eighty acres of land, on which he at once located and cultivated until 1864, when he came to Van Wert and bought 120 acres in Pleasant township, where he now resides and still owns 75 acres of finely improved land. The family all worship in the Methodist Episcopal faith, and in politics Mr. Cramer is a prohibitionist; he is a member of the grange No. 82, of which he was the treasurer for 14 years."

FindAGrave lists his date of birth as 9 Oct 1822, and date of death as 10 Jan 1912. A photo of an engraved double tombstone, with a second wife, Sarah J. Cramer, shows the dates as 6 Oct 1833 through 11 Jan 1912. Dean Cramer has an earlier date of death, 11 November 1905.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Ohio, Seneca County, Bloom Twp
Enumerated 28 Sept 1850
1305-1333
Martin and Rebecca Schaffner
1306-1334
John Cramer 28 M Laborer Pa
Ann Cramer 20 F Ohio

1860 Census
Ohio, Seneca County, Bloom Twp, PO Bloomville
Enumerated 28 Jun 1860
Page 79
600-567
John Cramer 36 M Farmer 2000 844 Pa
Anne E Crame4r 30 F O
William J Cramer 8 M O
Sarah C Cramer 6 F O
Frank A Cramer 4 M O
Irene H Cramer 3 F O
Anne E Cramer 1 F O
Charles W Cooly 17 M Laborer O

1870 Census
not located

1880 Census
Ohio, Van Wert County, Fourth Ward Van Wert
Enumerated 14 Jun 1880
Page 31 SD One ED 151
Cherry Street
3
Van Danig John B M 20 Laborer Mich Penn Oh
Cramer, John W M 57 Farmer Pa Pa Pa
Cramer, Ann W F 49 Wf Keeping House Oh Pa Pa
Cramer, Frank W M 24 Son Farmer Oh Pa Oh
Cramer, Irene H W F 23 Dtr Oh Pa Oh
Cramer, Annie W F 21 Dtr Oh Pa Oh
Cramer, Martin S W M 19 Son At School Oh Pa Oh
Cramer, Ralph A W M 14 Son At School Oh Pa Oh
Cramer, Charles W M 12 Son At School Oh Pa Oh

Johannes married Ann Eve Shaffner on 29 Dec 1847 in Seneca County, Ohio. Ann (daughter of Martin Shaffner and Ann E. Wirt) was born on 17 Sep 1830 in Crawford County, Ohio; died on 28 Mar 1901 in Van Wert County, Ohio; was buried in Woodland Union Cemetery, Van Wert, Van Wert County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Clarence E. Cramer writes that his baptismal sponsors were his maternal grandparents, Johann and Elisabetha Neidig. He was named in honor of Johann(es) Neudig. He indicated that after his marriage, he and Catharina lived near the Stone Church. He moved to Fostoria, Ohio sometime between 1837 and 1840...(with) printed records for each of these dates, as well as Family tales. (P. 57).

Edith Beard Cannon, in "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, p. 52, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1843, cited the following deed:

(3A, 29) December 26, 1814. Johannes Cramer of Shrewsbury Township, yeoman; to John KOLLER: for $1.50: lot 18 in Shrewsbury town.

According to the "Biographical History of Van Wert County (Ohio), Volume II" John Cramer Sr came to Ohio in 1840 and settled on a farm in Seneca County, where he died June 29, 1856, his wife having departed September 16, 1854. They were both members of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics, Mr. Cramer was a democrat. He had served in the war of 1812 as a captain, and was an honored man in his community, where he left a fair fortune. (p. 154) In the book "Seneca County, Biographical Sketches" it says that John and Catherine (Slote) Cramer settled in Loudon Township, Seneca County, in 1838, and purchased 160 acres of land, most of which they cleared and improved and where they lived; here the father died in 1855, in his sixty fifth year; and the mother in 1854, in her sixty second year. (Loudon Township, p 893)

According to Dean Cramer, John donated some of his own land for the Cramer Cemetery in Fostoria, Ohio.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Ohio, Seneca County, Louden Twp
Enumerated 24 Sept 1850
Rome
85-85
John Cramer 59 M Farmer 3000 Pa
Cathrine Cramer 57 F Pa
Wm. Cramer 18 M Farmer
Sophis Cramer 16 F Pa
Sarah A Cramer 13 F Pa
John Hook 12 M Oh

Johannes married Catharina Schlott about 1816 in York County, Pennsylvania. Catharina (daughter of Johann Adam Schlott and Anna Maria Catharina Holder) was born on 20 Jul 1794 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 21 Sep 1794 in Lower Windsor Twp, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 16 Sep 1854 in Seneca County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Settled in Crawford County, Ohio in 1829; both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of the 1850 census, a Martin and Rebecsa Schaffner were living next to Ann Shaffner and John Cramer in Bloom Township, Seneca County, Ohio. FindAGrave notes that "he became somewhat of a legendary person in the Shaffner genealogy, often noted for his "three wives and 21 children." In fact, he was widowed three times and married four times. He is also known to have had more than 125 grandchildren, many of whom were born after his death, even though he lived to be 83. He also had more than 300 great-grandchildren. "

Martin married Ann E. Wirt in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Ann was born on 10 Oct 1802 in Pennsylvania; died on 22 Sep 1831 in Crawford County, Ohio; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bloomville, Seneca County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From FindAGrave:

Anna was Martin Shaffner's second wife. She bore him three children, one of whom, Levi Brice Shaffner, died in infancy. Anna died and was originally buried in Crawford County. Later she was re-interred in the Woodlawn Cemetery with Martin and his two other wives

Notes:

The given name Helfer/Helfrig/Helfrick/Helfrecht is said to mean "helper" or "help-right."

Clarence E. Cramer, in a preliminary draft of his manuscript titled "The Family of Johan Helfer Cramer (Revolutionary War Pension w-2762)"---which was presented at the John Cramer Family Reunion, Bascom, Ohio, August 22, 1943---stated that "Helfer was our first native-born American paternal ancestor...born and spent his early life in Codorus Township of York County, Pennsylvania." His listing on FindAGrave instead shows that he was born in Manheim Township, York County, PA. An abstract of his Revolutionary service simply states he was born in the year 1753 in York County, Pennsylvania, names of his parents not given.

A Helfer Kramer is referenced in the index of the book "Pennsylvania German Pioneers" by Strassburger/Hinke. Gen Pub Co, Baltimore, MD, 1966. (Vol I 628,631,634) Don Billet of the York County PA genweb was kind enough to look up the information referenced in Vol I for me, since Vol I was not available in the San Antonio Public Library. He sent me the following email: "List A Ship, Phoenix, Qualified 1 Oct 1754, Phila, Johan Helfergramer, pg 628. List B, Johann Helffer Cremer, pg 631 and List C, Johann Helffer Cramer, pg 634. No women or children listed this ship." Perhaps these are relatives? Edith Beard Cannon shows that a Lorentz Cramer was also listed aboard the Phoenix, the passengers being described as 11 Roman Catholicks, 25 Menonists, Swissers, 300 Souls. 554 Freights. From Franconia Palatinate, Zweybreck.

According to a biography of one of his children, published in the BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY (OHIO), "Helfar Cramer came from Germany and took an active part in the American Revolution, and after the war settled in York County, PA, where he died, leaving seven children."

The book "Nine Months In York Town" by James McClure chronicles the period between September 1777 and June 1778, when the Continental Congress met and the Articles of Confederation were signed in York. Clarence E. Cramer writes that "York, a small town of 1,600 in 1775, was now the Nation's actual Capital...At York Horatio Gates was welcomed by the American Congress, Von Steuben came, and La Fayette reported. It was in York that Count Pulaski stopped and had his recruiting station. And here Congress remained through the darkest hours from Brandywine through Valley Forge to Monmouth. One York citizen, Hon. James Smith, signed the Declaration of Independence, six others became Generals in The Revolution..(and) some historians claim that York county sent more soldiers to the Revolutionary Army than any county in all of the 13 Colonies. When one considers that all of these came from this one small town and its surrounding county, despite the Friends and Mennonites unwilling to fight upon religious principles, others holding faithful to their Oath of Allegiance rather than to their homes, and a subtantial percentage of "Loyalists," something of the feeling of Helfer Cramer, his family, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens may be understood."

In Henry James Young's 1937 Compilation, "York County, Pennsylvania in the American Revolution," Vol. VI, p. 365, the entry for Helfer Cramer reads as follows: Priv. PA. Militia. Annual allowance $26.66. Received $66.65. Placed on roll 1/7/33. Start of Pension 3/4/31. Age 79. Act of 1832. On page 409 of the same book, a letter from the Veterans Administration to S. B. Bellows, dated Je 16, 1934 was transcribed as follows:

Helfer Cramer - W.2762

"Helfer Cramer was born in the year 1753 in York County, Pennsylvania, names of his parents not given.

While residing in said York County, he enlisted July 10, 1776, served as a private in Captain John McDonald's company, Colonel Swope's Pennsylvania regiment [--"the Flying Camp"--] and was discharged January 15, 1777. He served in Captian John Miller's Pennsylvania company, from September 16, 1777 to November 15, 1777.

He was allowed pension on his application executed December 12, 1832, then a resident of Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

The soldier, Helfer Cramer, married April 5, 1785, Sophia Neetiz or Neteiz; the were married by "Parson Shrader," a Clergyman of the Lutheran Church of York County, Pennsylvania.

The widow, Sopia Cramer, was allowed pension on her application executed, December 5, 1838, then aged seventy-six years and living in York County, Pennsylvania. She died about July 1840.

Their children are referred to but Henry is the only one whose name was stated; he was in York County, Pennsylvania in 1840. "

Edith Beard Cannon, in "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, p. 62, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1943, cites the service listed above, along with the additional service as follows: listed as a private in the First (Captain John Shearer) Company, Seventh Battalion, according to an arrangement of Militia officers, June 17, 1779, and served in this rank when it the became the Eighth Company of the Fifth Battalion, according to an arrangement for 1780 and 1782.

Helfer, along with George Kreps, assisted with the pension application for Andrew Finfrock. Andrew was a brother-in-law to Helfer, married to Barbara Neudig. Cramer and Kreps swore that they say Finfrock in the Army as a soldier at Fort Lee.

Clarence E. Cramer writes that "The 1779 Tax Records show Helfer Cramer then owned a farm of 124 acres in Codorus Township (see page 12), and his mother is listed seperately as "Widow GRAMER" with the parental acres." He is continously listed as "Single" and with the 124 acres, in the 1780, 1781, and 1782 tax records. A second record of the 1782 appraisal shows he owned 2 horses and 3 coes, also an addtional farm of 66 acres. (p. 52). Cramer further indicates that "It would appear that Helfer and Sophia owned three farms in all, the 124 acre farm in Codorus Township acquired in about 1777 or 1778, perhaps adding 66 acres to it; the 109 parental acres from his father; and 51 acres in Codorus Township bought in 1812. Helfer's taxes were well above the average of his community. (pp. 56-57). They lived not far from the Stone Church.

After the conclusion of the war in 1783, Helfrich continued to continued to serve in the local militia. In a return for September 27, 1788, Helfrich Cramer is a private in the Seventh (Captain Philip Cramer) Company, Fifth Battalion. According to a return of the election of Militia Officers, February 21, 1794, Helfer Cramer was chosen Lieutenant of the Sixth (Captain George Creps) Company, Second Regiment of the Light Horse.


Edith Beard Cannon, in "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, pp. 52 - 53, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1943, cited the following deeds

(2R, 422) April 15, 1805. Helfrich Kromer of Codorus Township, yeoman, and Sophia his wife: to George WERNER; for (Pounds) 49.10.0: 8 acres, 140 perches, part of tract of 109 acres 126 perches surveyed ) October 14, 1768, to Daniel Kromer in pursuance of an application for 100 acres dated September 13, 1768, now the property of the said Helfrick Kromer as it appears by released of his brother Daniel Kromer bearing date Aug. 29, 1782, given to his brother Philip Kromer with Christina his wife conveyed the same to Helfrick on April 9, 1791.

(2W, 374) March 26, 1812. Helfrich Cramer of Codorus Township, yeoman, and Sophia his wife: to George WERNER: for $1.00: confirmation of 2R, 422.

(2X, 374) April 2, 1813. Abraham WEBER and Catharine his wife: to Helfrich Kramer of Codorus Township, yeoman: for (pounds) 256: 51 acres 51 perches in Codorus Township.

(3F, 484) December 26, 1817. Helfrich Dramer of Codorus Township, yeoman, and Sophia his wife" To Peter LONG: for $120: 3 acres, part of a tract of 109 acres patented to grantor May 22, 1810, called "Cramer's Addition."

In September, 1815, Helfrig Cramer was the administrator of the Estate of Anna N. Cramer, widow, of Codorus Township. Tenet in $200. Inventory filed March 11, 1816. Account filed December 24, 1816, shows a balance of $9. 41 1/2. Source: Cannon, Edith Beard "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, p.48

The York County German Gazette, October 1, 1833 had the following obituary: "Am 22sten September, im Codorus Township, Hr. Johannes Helfer Cramer, ein alter Revolutions Soldat, ist gestorben, im 80ste yahr seines alters. Der versterbne diente im Krieg der Vereinigten Staaten gegen Grossbritannien, und erdulte hunger und blose eines siebenyahrigen Krieges."

The English York Gazette, October 15, 1833 published his obituary as follows: "On the 22nd ult. in Codorus Township, Mr. John Helfer Cramer, a soldier of The Revolution, died, aged 80 years. He served and endured hunger and privations of a seven years's war, that his country might be free."

Both newspaper articles were originally transcribed by Clarence E. Cramer in his 1943 manuscript about the Cramer family.

His tombstone read "Hier ruhen die gebeine von JOHAN HELFER Cramer, gebohre im September, 1753 gesterben den 22sten September, 1833, im 80 iahr seines Alter Ruhe sanft in deiner gruft Bis duch iesus Stemine ruft"--in English this woud read "ohan Helfer Cramer, born Sept., 1753 - died Sept 22, 1833 In this 80th Year, Rest peacefuly in your grave Until Jesus's voice calls you." The inscriptions on the stone were copied by the Reverend Doctor Paul D. Yoder and Clarence E. Cramer, sometime prior to the 1943 publication of Cramer's manuscript about the family of Johann Helfer Cramer.

FindAGrave indicates that Helfer was 80 years 0 months and O days old as of his date of death, so it would appear that September 22 was both his birth and death day.

Johann married Henrietta Sophia Neudig on 5 Apr 1785 in York County, Pennsylvania. Henrietta (daughter of Johannes Neudig and Elisabetha ???) was born on 19 Sep 1761 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 12 Oct 1761 in St. Paul's Church, Upper Hanover, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; died on 20 Nov 1839 in York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

FindAGrave shows her maiden name being spelled Neudig versus Neidig.

Democratic Press, December 2, 1839 (York)

Died. On the 20th inst., in Codorus Township, York County; Mrs. Sophia Cramer, wife of Helfrick Cramer, aged 78 years, 2 months, and 4 days."

An identical article ran in the Pennsylvania Republican on December 4, 1839

Both newspaper articles were originally transcribed by Clarence E. Cramer in his 1943 manuscript about the Cramer family.

Her tombstone read:

Hier ruhen die Gebeine von Sophia Cramer eine gebohre Neudig, Sie starb den 20sten November, 1839. In einem Alter von 78 Jahr, 2 Monate und 4 tagen. Sept 16 1761 - Nov 20, 1839 78 years, 2 months, 4 days. The inscriptions on the stone were copied by the Reverend Doctor Paul D. Yoder and Clarence E. Cramer, sometime prior to the 1943 publication of his manuscript about the family of Johann Helfer Cramer.

Edith Beard Cannon, in her "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, page 49, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1943, shows an Administration Bond (SN, 155) was filed August 6, 1840 for the Estate of Sophia Cramer of Codorus Township, Henry Cramer, administrator. This book is lost. On Page 67 of her book, she has the following information that appears to have been related to his revolutionary pension"

State of Pennsylvania, York County, Personally appeared before me the Subcriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Francis SHAFER and Henry CRAUMER Credible Witnesses who being by me duly sworn According to law saith that Sophia CRAUMER the Widow of Helfer CRAUMER a United States pensioner of York County Pa. died in York County on the 20 day of November Annon Domini 1839 and that Christian CRAUMER and John CRAUMER & Julian WERNER and Henry CRAUMER and Margaret SHAFER and Lorence CRAUMER are the only sons and Daughters of Sophia CRAUMER deceased and Legitimate Heirs 1840. John W. HETRICK Henry CRAUMER Francis SHAFFER (Endorsed: Sophia Craumer widow of a U. S. Pensioner. Filed August 5, 1840)


.

Notes:

Married:
The DAR Patriot Index shows the following: Kramer, Helfer b 1753 PA died 9-22--1833 PA Pvt PA PNSR WPNS Married to Sophia Neidig. His baptism was by Jacob Lischy.

Clarence Cramer's family history shows that they were Married by Parson Shrader, Lutheran Clergyman. Dean Cramer notes this was probably a reference to Johann Daniel Schroeder, pastor of St. Matthew's, and instead has the date of marriage as 5 May 1785.

Notes:

In a letter dated August 9, 1935, written by A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, it was noted that Adam Schlott of York County was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War.

The Revolutionary War Record which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.2870, based upon his service in that war.

"John Adam Schlott was born on 26 December 1761 in "Hessee Cassele", Middelsie, District of Schwartzenfeld, Germany. The names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Berks County, Pennsylvania he enlisted sometime in August 1776, and served one month as a Private in Captian John Golden's company under Colonel Dickender in the Pennsylvania troops; he immediately enlisted in the Flying Camp and served six months in Captain Jacob Bower's Company, Colonel Haller's regiment and was in the battle of White Plains.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 8, 1833, then a resident of Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania, where he had moved in 1788 from Berks County. He died August 3, 1833.

John Adam Schlott married April 29, 1788, Catharina Holderrien. It is not shown where they married; the place of her birth is not given, nor are the names of her parents stated.

The soldier's widow, Catharina Schlott, was allowed pension on her application executed June 17, 1839, then aged seventy-two years, eight months and twenty-five days, and living in Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

The following are the names of their children as found in the claim:

John Migel born March 7, 1789 Elisabeda born March 3, 1791 Johannes born October 8, 1792 Kaderina born July 20, 1794 Maria born March 18, 1797 Rebecka born April 29, 1799 Sofyia born January (?) 23, 1802 Machtdelena born August 11, 1805"

In 1941, the Rev. Edward C. Ruby, D.D., prepared a paper titled "Data Concerning Several Branches of the SCHLOTT, SLOAT, FAMILIES IN THE UNITED STATES (York, Pennsylvania). He noted that Johan Adam Schlott arrived on the ship "Union" from Rotterdam, and qualified on September 30, 1774. He cites the Penna. Archives, 2nd series, 17th Vol.---Immigrants.

He further noted that the Pennsylvania census of 1790 contains the names of- Michael Slutt -1-4-4 (4 sons under 16 and three daughters) Adam Slutt -1-1-1 (1 son under 16).

His paper supports the children listed above as children of Adam and Catharina. He obtained their names and birthdates from records at the Canadochly Lutheran Church in York, Pennsylvania.

He also wrote that Adam Schlott's Will is recorded at the York County Court House. In the will, which was made on August 25, 1832, and probated on September 3, 1833, the following children were mentioned: Michael; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Liphart; John; Catharine, wife of John Kramer; Anna Maria, wife of George Atting; Rebecca, wife of Wm. Matthias; Sophia, wife of George Dellinger; and Magdelena, wife of Adam Kromling.

(Research):From: FamilyHart < FamilyHart@aol.com> Subject: Re: SLOTHOWER Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 17:30:11 EDT

The Slothower family of York County are descendants of Niclaus Schlotthauer, b. abt 1730 of Hesse Cassel, Germany and his wife Anna Elisabeth. Many of the family changed their name to Schlott and Sloat.

Niclaus and Anna Elisabeth had the following children:

Heinrich Anthon Schlotthauer, b. 14 Oct 1753 chr. at Sherman's (St. David's) Union in West Manheim Twp, York, PA. Maria Christina Schlotthauer, b. 23 Dec 1755 chr. at Sherman's Union Johan Michael Schlotthauer, chr. 26 Jun 1757 (Rev. Jacob Lischey's Record) Christinia Elisabetha Schlotthauer, b. 2 Apr 1759 chr. at Sherman's Union Anna Margreth Schlotthauer, chr. 10 May 1761 (Rev. Jacob Lischy's Record) Johan Adam Schlotthauer, b. 26 Dec 1761, (Canadochly Church Cemetery) Peter Schlotthauer, (Name from St. Matthew's (Hanover) and Strayer's (West Manchester Twp.)) Magdalena Schlotthauer, b. 3 Dec 1770 chr. St. Matthew's (Hanover)

I come through the above Johan Michael Schlotthauer who shortened the name to Schlott.

NAME, BIRTH, & DEATH: SCHLOTT FAMILIES IN THE U.S., PG 14. REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN. BURIED CANADOCHLY CHURCH. CAME TO AMERICA ON SHIP UNION AND TOOK THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AT PHILADEL PHIA ON 30 SEP 1774

Johann married Anna Maria Catharina Holder on 29 Apr 1788 in Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania. Anna was born about 1767 in Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 19 Dec 1848; was buried in Canadochly Church Cemetery, Lower Windsor Twp, York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Could he be a relative of Catharines?

HOLDER, John. Windsor Township. March 29, 1802 April 16, 1802 Executors: Barbara Holder and Michael Beeker. Wife: Barbara Holder.

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/york/wills/willabstrf-k.txt

A John is also listed a holding land in Volume 9 of the York, Windsor and Lower WIndsor Township Name Index. (Page 168).

http://www.innernet.net/hively/PALand/York-Windsors%20Name%20Index.htm

Martin married Frances Halderman. Frances was born on 30 Sep 1762; died in in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]