John Krambeer
Among the many sturdy, straightforward and reliable citizens
whom Germany has given America is numbered John Krambeer, now
engaged in general farming and stock raising upon a fine tract of
land in Post Township. he was born in Mecklenburg-schwerin on the
2nd of November, 1854 and is the son of John and Kora (Schultz)
Krambeer, also natives of that part of Germany, the former born
on December 6, 1831 and the latter on the 2nd of June of the same
year. The father owned and operated a small farm in Germany,
which he sold in 1866 and came to America, settling on a farm in
Garnerville Township, Clayton County, Iowa, in the same year.
Upon this he continued to reside for a number of years, disposing
of it finally in order to buy another tract of land 1 1/2 miles
North of Clayton Center, a property which he continued to develop
and improve until his death, which occurred about 1881. His wife
survived him some time making her home with her won until 1900,
when she passed away. To them were born 5 children, of whom the
subject of this review in this is the second in the order of
birth. John Krambeer was 12 years of age when he accompanied his
parents to America and his education was largely acquired in the
public schools of Garnavillo Township, Clayton County, and in the
German school of that locality.
From an early age he assisted with the work of the homestead and
afterward worked at farm labor in the employ of others until he
was 26 years of age, when he assumed management of his father's
property. After one year, however, he purchased a farm near
Hardin, in Post Township, Allamakee County, upon which he resided
for 8 years, selling it to buy his present farm, which was known
as the old Jamison property. He resided here until 1903 and then
retired from active life, moving into Postville. After 4 years he
moved to his farm.
On 18th of March, 1881, he married Miss Ida Harnack who was born
the 12th of December, 1862. To them were born 5 children. Bertha
born the 6th of December, 1881, who is now the wife of H.C.
Meyer; Matilda, who was born on the 10th of December, 1882 and
married Rudolph Bugenhagen residing on a portion of the Krambeer
homestead; John H. who was born December 18, 1885, who now
operates a portion of the home farm; Emma, born July 3, 1890 and
Hilma, born February 3, 1894.
John Krambeer served 2 terms director of school board and 3 terms
as its secretary.
-transcribed by Margo Harbridge
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