Kramer, Katharine (Bronner) 1832 - 1913

BRONNER, KRAMER, GRIESE, BIGALK

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 10/30/2010 at 08:55:00

Cresco Plain Dealer, October 10, 1913, page 2

KRAMER.

Jacob Kramer and wife Katharine were very early settlers in Howard county. Married in Alsace, Germany, in 1853, they emigrated to America in the same year, stopping first at Freeport, Illinois, and in 1854 permanently locating about 9 miles northwest of Cresco. Like all pioneers of this section they built their first home with logs from the surrounding forests. The Indians of that day were numerous and treacherous. Though the privations were many, still they persevered on and made for themselves and four children a comfortable home.

Mother Kramer was converted at a quarterly meeting held in Preston, Minn., in 1858 and became an earnest, devout Christian, herself and husband being charter members of the Evangelical society which erected a church in 1875 southwest of Florenceville, where until her death she was a regular attendant at worship.

Their home was a refuge to the early pioneer preachers, and the scene of many happy revivals and quarterly meetings. People came from long distances to attend these meeting and remained for days.

Eleven years ago her husband was called to his reward, since which time she and her brother Diebold Bronner have lived in Florenceville.

She was born in Alsace, Germany, Feb. 1, 1832, and after a brief illness, beloved by all, she passed peacefully away Oct. 4, 1913 at the ripe age of 81 years, 8 months and 3 days.

She is survived by her three children Jacob A. Kramer, Dexter, Minn., Mrs. Mary K. Griese, of Belmond, and Mrs. William Bigalk, of Albion twp. Beside 14 grandchildren and one great grandson she also leaves four brothers.

A large concourse of people attend the funeral service at the Evangelical church Tuesday afternoon to pay last tributes of love to the memory of the departed. The sermon from Rom. 8: 18 was preached by her pastor Rev. L. N. Day. Rev. Smith, of Harmony, Minn., also assisted in the service.

The remains were tenderly laid to rest beside her husband in the beautiful Evangelical cemetery nearby.

Obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa and contributed by Janice Sowers, 2010. Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer.