Johann Helfer Cramer

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:

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.

1. Juliana Cramer was born on 17 Feb 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 11 Mar 1786 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died about 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania.
2. Catharina Elisabetha Cramer was born on 6 Apr 1787 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 20 May 1787 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died between 1811 and 1816 in York County, Pennsylvania.
3. Christian Cramer was born on 30 Jul 1788 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 31 Aug 1788 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 12 Jul 1863 in Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio; was buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Seneca County, Ohio.
4. Juliana "Julyana" Cramer was born on 28 Mar 1790 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 5 Apr 1790 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 10 Feb 1858 in York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania.
5. Johannes "John" Cramer, Sr. was born on 25 Aug 1791 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 10 Sep 1791 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 29 Jun 1856 in Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio; was buried in Cramer Cemetery, Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio.
6. Anna Margaretha Cramer was born on 21 Sep 1793 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 3 Nov 1793 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died in in York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Shaffers Church Cemetery, Seven Valleys, York County, Pennsylvania.
7. Henrich "Henry" Cramer was born on 18 Oct 1795 in York County, Pennsylvania; died on 12 Aug 1865 in York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania.
8. Johann Lorentz "Laurence" Cramer was born on 10 Aug 1798 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 2 Nov 1798 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 13 Oct 1840 in York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

Notes:

A Daniel Kramer is referenced in the book "Pennsylvania German Pioneers" by Strassburger/Hinke (Gen Publishing Co, Baltimore, MD, 1966) Vol I, p 488. A lookup volunteer from the York Co, PA genweb page reported the following: "List 183C, ship "Richard and Mary," John Moore, Master and last from Portsmouth. Foreigners who took the usual qualifications 26 Sept 1752 included Daniel Cramer among 88 others (males age 16 and over). No (X) by his name so apparently he signed his own name."

Also referenced, relationships currently unknown, are Johnannes Peter Kramer Vol 1 p 353,354, and Louise and Philip Cramer Vol II, p 59. Louise and Philip Cramer were passengers aboard the ship COLUMBIA William Maley, Master, from PA Sept 17, 1793.

According to Bob Givens, A Johan Helffer Cramer & Lorentz Cramer arrived on ship Phoenix on 1 Oct 1754 & he believes these are Daniel's brothers. Keith Dull's book EARLY GERMAN SETTLERS OF YORK COUNTY, PA revised edition 1997 agrees with the relationship of Daniel, Helfer and Lorentz. Clarence E. Cramer notes this relationship as well, stating the Helfer's "uncles (were) Johann Helffrich and Lorentz CRAMER, and that he had a "probable-uncle, John KRAHMER (p. 52).

Daniel was on the 1762 tax list; was warranted 109.126 acres in Codurus Township on 14 Oct 1768, and his will was probated on 7 March 1780 (source DULL, p 43-44)

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 1943, cited the following deed (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 release 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. On page 72, Mrs. Cannon indicates that a John CREAMER, owing allegiance to the King of Bavaria, was naturilzed on August 4, 1844; and that Andrew CREMER, owing allegiance to the King of Wurtemberg, was naturilzed on April 20, 1858.

The book ABSTRACTS OF YORK COUNTY, PA WILLS 1749-1819 shows the following:

---,---. Mar 6, 1780. Cramer, Daniel. Executors Jacob Shares and Haefer Cramer (German Will).

---,---. Mar 7, 1780. Kramer, Daniel. Executors: Jacob Shaves and Halfor Kramer. (German Will).

(Index 1780 E-75).

Roger Cramer (RKCedar@aol.com) believes him to be a son of Johan Georg Kramer and Elisabeth Blaicher, who arrived in America on 3 December 1740 with their family aboard the ship "Robert and Alice". They were from Saulgau, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany.

However, Rosalie Sommer (rosaliesommer@comcast.net), shows different parents, listing him as a son of Johann Daniel Friedrich Cramer, husband of Anna Catharine Wilhelm of Rommelshausen, W?rttemberg, who emigrated on 26 Sept 1852 on the "Richard and Mary" to Philadelphia from Rotterdam. She shows that Daniel and Catharine has two sons born in Rommelshausen, and that Daniel married secoind Sofia PFEIL of Leutenbach, W?rttemberg, by whom he had six children, including Daniel Cramer, the husband of Anna Margareta Schmidt. In her tree, however, the Daniel Cramer born in Rommelshausen was shown as born ca 1743, and as his eldest son, Helfer, was born 1753, this seems unlikely.

Rosalie also indicates that an unrelated Cramer family, that of Hans Adam Cramer, of Rheinhessen, Hessen, had arrived in York County earlier aboard the ship "Pennsylvania" on 10 Sept 1731.

Rosalie Sommer's 2008 database, showing Daniel and his descendants, can be found here:


http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?p=GET&db=rosaliesommer&id=I6743

Daniel married Anna Margaretha Schmidt about 1752 in York County, Pennsylvania. Anna was born about 1730 in York County, Pennsylvania; died before Sep 1815 in York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Anna Margaretha (Schmidt), wife of Daniel Cramer, on the baptismal records of her daughter, Eva Elisabetha Cramer. Often shown as the daughter of Heinrich SCHMIDT.

However, Scott Michael Troutman, smtroutman@atlanticbb.net, in February 2005, had the following in his notes about the family of Heinrich and Anna Margaretha SCHMIDT: "Research of William S. CRAMER in Smith family file 2711, 1992, York Historical Society Library states that "Henry Smith emigrated aboard the ship Pennsylvania Merchant 11 Sept 1731 (Strassberger & Hicke pps 43,45,46.) List as Johan Hendrick Smit and Johan Hennrich Schmidt with Margarite Smit (his wife). Children also include a Rosina Smit.

Daughter Anna Margaretha is thought to be married to Daniel Kramer. Info in the Smith family file at York Historical Society give her birth as 1740, death 1803. However, she is listed in fathers will ca 1771 as married to Jacob Harbaugh, and NOT Daniel Kramer. IF Daniel Kramer died before 1771, or if Anna Margareta divorced and remarried, this might be possible. Otherwise, the information that Anna Margaretha Schmidt-the daughter of Heinrich Schmidt-was married to Daniel Kramer MAY BE IN ERROR."

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." (P. 52)

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, pp. 1-72, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1943, p 48

Notes:

Married:
Robert Givens is cited by Dean Cramer as the source of this marriage information. Daniel Cramer and Anna Margaretha Schmidt Cramer are also shown on York County, PA Church records for Codorus as the parents of Anna Maria Cramer, baptized in 1762 and Eva Elisabetha Cramer, baptized in 1766.