Alpheus Cramer

Notes:

Dean Cramer indicated that Elias died in Glen Rock, York County, and was buried at the Lutheran Cemetery in the same location.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Pennsylvania, York County, South Codorus Twp
Enumerated 15 Nov 1850
Stamped 354
69-69
Elias Cramer 26 M Merchant Penn
Mary Cramer 25 F Penn
Saranda Cramer 5 F Penn
Alpheus Cramer 2 M Penn
Christina Fuhrman 64 F Penn

1860 Census
Pennsylvania, York County, Codorus Twp, P. O. Hetricks
Enumerated 3 July 1860
Page 34
232-261
Elias L. Cramer 39 M Merchant $6000 $8165 Pa
Maryann Cramer 37 F Wife Md
Saranda Cramer 15 F House Help Penn
Alpheus Cramer 11 M Pa
Emma J. Cramer 8 F Penn
Alice J. Cramer 5 F Penn
Christina Fuhrman 75 F Widow Penn

1870 Census
not located

1880 Census
Maryland, Baltimore County, Ashland
Enumerated 4 Jun 1880
Page 8D SD 1 ED 239
65-66
Cramer, Elias W M 54 Keeper Boarding House Illness? Ague Pa Pa Pa
Cramer, Mary W F 52 Wife Keeping House Mt Md Md
Tracy, Sennie W F 30 Dtr Pa Pa Md
Cramer, Alpheus W M 28 Son Butcher Pa Pa Md
Cramer, William W M 19 Son Pa Pa Md
Tracy, Irvin 8 Grandchildrn At School Md Pa Md
Tracy, Henry W M 6 Grandchild At School Pa Pa Md
Hoshour , Howard W M 7 Grandchild At School Pa Pa Md
Addtionally, there were 19 men boarding in the home, as well as two female servants

Elias married Maryann Fuhrman on 28 Dec 1844. Maryann (daughter of John Phillip Fuhrman and Christiana Wilhelm) was born about 1823 in Maryland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
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, shows that the couple also had Infants daughters, not named, who were buried at St. Jacob's (Stone) Union Church. One of these daughters was born July 18, 1859 and died the next day; the other simply had a death of death listed of February 14, 1862.

Notes:

Dean Cramer writes that Henry had 9 children, 8 by his first wife Eva, and one by his second wife Anna. His birth and death dates were obtained from his headstone at St. Jacob's.
FindAGrave shows that he was a lawyer, and also liked to write music.

Edith Beard Cannon notes, in "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, p. 49, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1843, that Henry Cramer was the administrator of the estate of his mother, Sophia Cramer, of his brother Laurence/Lorentz, also in 1843; and of Elizabeth Cramer, relationship not known, of Codorus Township in 1847. Clarence E. Cramer writest that he also administered the estate of George Krebs on April 1, 1847. (page 60).


(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Pennsylvania, York County, South Codorus Twp
Enumerated 15 Nov 1850
Stamped 354
69-69
Elias and Mary Cramer and family
70-70
Henry Cramer 54 M Farmer 5000 Penn
Anna M Cramer 55 F Penn
Henrietta Cramer 31 F Penn
Henry Cramer 20 M Penn
Priscilla Cramer 14 F Penn
Martin Cramer 8 M Penn
Louisa Cramer 5 F Penn
Wm. A Slough 29 M Physician Penn

1860 Census
Pennsylvania, York County, Codorus Twp, PO Hetricks
Enumerated 25 July 1860
Page 35
235-264
Henry Cramer 64 M Carpenter 10,000 2,000 Pa
Precilla Cramer 22 F House Domestic Pa
Leah Sherman 39 F Widow $--- $200 Pa
Delila Sherman 11 F Pa
236-265
Henry L Cramer 29 M Farmer $--- $825 Pa
Caroline Cramer 21 F Wf Pa
Joanna Emma Cramer 11/12 F Pa
Henry Koller 14 M Pa

Henrich married Eva Maria Lehmann about 1812. Eva (daughter of Anton Lehmann and Catarina Emigh) was born on 9 Dec 1794 in Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 22 Apr 1833 in Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Dean Cramer notes that her Baptismal sponsors were Christian Kleindienst & Wife, & the minister was a Mr. Melsheimer. Clarence Cramer stated that he possessed the orignal Baptismal Certificates of Eve Lehman, given to him by Capitola Cramer, and that these showed that Eva was born ot Anthony and Catharina Emigh Lehman.

Clarence Cramer writes (p. 59) that "The Pension Papers of Anthony Lehman, Revolutionary War Pension claim W-3430, states that in 1841, Henry Cramer of York County, Pennsylania, stated that he married a daughter of Anthony Lehman and that she was deceased, but did not give her name"

Edith Beard Cannon, in the "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, cited the following newspaper record of Eva's death:

Ap 22, 1833. Died- Mrs. Eve, wife of Henry Craumer, of Codorus Township, aged 37.

Notes:

Chuck Winter writes that he Served in the war of 1812, Captain J. Kerlinger, MD Militia

According to the Zion Church, Manchester, MD baptismal records, John and Christina Fuhrman were the sponsors of Mary Ann Heibly, daughter of John and Mary Ann Heibly, who was born August 3, 1830 and baptisized on October 3, 1830.

John died intestate, owning 2 tracts of land in Manheim Township, 100 acres, YCCH 5-11-1847

(All of the above courtesy of Chuck Winters)

John married Christiana Wilhelm on 13 Oct 1807 in St. Matthew's Church, Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania. Christiana (daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm and Eva Elisabetha Cramer) was born on 6 Jul 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania; died on 16 Aug 1860 in York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Chuck Winter shows she was also christened at the Stone Church.

At the time of the 1850 andf 1860 Federal census, the widowed Christina Fuhrman was living with her daughter and son in law, Maryann (Fuhrman) Cramer and Elias Cramer, in Codorus Township. She was shown as age 75.

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:

Revolutionary War Soldier, captured by General Howe 16 Nov 1776, exchanged in Jan 1777. Anton then reenlisted & was with Gen. Washington until the surrender at Yorktown. The only one of his father's children born in the "new world." Attended the First Lutheran Church, Carlisle, PA. Will dated 20 Jan 1827, probated 14 July 1827, Codorus Twp.; wife Catharine, children, George, Philip, Catharina, John , Poly wife of Lorance Cramer, Eve wife of Henry Cramer, Anna wife of David Wonderlich. Buried at St. Jacob's Church, pension certificate #3004, widow's file #W3430. He was a Miller by trade. (Source: Tootie (LayJ@aol.com) via Dean Cramer)

Anton married Catarina Emigh on 28 Jul 1778 in York County, Pennsylvania. Catarina was born before 1762; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The daughter of Johann and Mary Ann Emigh.

Notes:

Married:
Clarence E. Cramer (p. 59), transcribing information from H. J. Young's "In The American Revolution: A Source Book," MS., Black Series, page 395. "On August 29, 1854, Henry Cramer, a Justice of the Peace in York County, duly sworn, states the Catharine Lehman, a Pensioner of the United States, died July 24, 1854, and left the following children:" John, Philip, and George Lehman, Polly intermarried with Lawrence Cramer, Nancy intermarried with Daniel Wonderlich, and Catharine Lehman. [ a spinster sister of Mary Lehman Cramer]

Friedrich married Eva Elisabetha Cramer. Eva (daughter of Daniel Cramer and Anna Margaretha Schmidt) was born on 4 Jul 1766 in Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 20 Jul 1766 in Saint Jacobs (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 16 Apr 1807 in Pennsylvania; was buried in Saint Jacobs (Stone Church Cemetery), Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]