W. S. KREMER.

View Portrait of W. S. Kremer
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         Few men have uninterruptedly served in public office for half a century but it has been the destiny of W. S. Kremer, of Wapello, to make a distinctive record and for fifty-four years past he has performed the duties of county surveyor of Louisa county. He has also occupied other public positions of responsibility and throughout his entire life his labors have been so wisely and prudently directed that he has gained and retained the respect and esteem of the people of the county regardless of political affiliation.

         He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Wilkes-Barre, January 1, 1833, a son of Jacob and Mary (Sleppy) Kremer, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father died at the age of sixty-six and the mother at the age of eighty-two years. There were five children in their family, namely: W. S.; Isabel, who married G. L. Dunn, of Keithsburg, Illinois, and is now deceased; Sarah, who became the wife of Joseph Venable, of Keithsburg, and is also deceased; Amanda, the deceased wife of Thomas Arundell, of Oxnard, California; and Wesley P., who is a resident of Rutherford, New Jersey.

         W. S. Kremer’s early educational advantages were limited, but he attended Howe’s Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for two terms. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching school and continued in that vocation for three years, at the end of which time he was elected county surveyor of Louisa county, an office which he has filled for some years, discharging his duties with general acceptance as county treasurer for ten years; was for many years a member of the school board; and has also been a member of the city council and mayor of Wapello.

         On the 14th day of May, 1859, Mr. Kremer was married to Miss Elizabeth Whicher, a daughter of Francis and Susan (Gregory) Whicher. Seven children came to bless this union, namely: Clarence and Dale, both of whom are living in Louisa county; Guy, who makes his home at Denver, Colorado; Kate, who resides at home; Stella, who became the wife of H. Limbocker, of Louisa county; and Pearl and Glenn, both of whom are at home. The mother of this family died January 31, 1890.

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         Mr. Kremer cast his first vote in 1856 for John C. Fremont and William L. Dayton as candidates for president and vice president of the United States on the republican ticket and during the years that have since passed has seen no reason to change his political affiliation. He is an advocate of obedience to the law and the well established usages of society and by his example of industry, patience and self-control has influenced many to lead lives of honor and usefulness. He has always given freely of his time, money and talents toward the promotion of worthy objects and he is recognized as a representative of the model American citizen. The family attend the Methodist church.