Ref: Joseph Pearce Cramer was born in Hubbard, Ohio, November 14, 1832, and died at Union township June 6, 1905. He was married to Miss Austia Kirk of Hubbard, October 8, 1857. To them were born eleven children, eight of whom remain to mourn the loss, two having died in infancy and one at the age of 17. The remaining ones are Mrs. Mary Moulton, Union township, Frank Cramer, Manchester, Kirk Cramer, Hopkinton, Mrs. Ellen C. Eberhart, Ryan, Mrs. Emma Stevens, Soo, NE, Mrs. Caroline Bentley, Rhodes, Mrs. Grace Houston, Hopkinton, and Charles Cramer of Monticello. He also leaves three brothers and two sisters, A. K. of Cleveland, OH; J. H., Hazel Green, and A. W., of Castle Grove; Mrs. H. C. Gilchrist, Pocahontas; and Miss Tillie Cramer of Mason City.

In 1864 he removed to Jones county, locating in Castle Grove where he remained for two or three years, then settled in Hopkinton, where he continued to reside until about one year ago, when owing to the failing health of both himself and wife they left home and went to live with their daughter, Mrs. Mary Moulton, where they continued to reside until death called them to their reward, his companion preceding him about six months. In early manhood Mr. Cramer united with the Baptist church in Hubbard, Ohio, and something like two years ago took membership with the Presbyterian Church at Hopkinton. He was blessed with a very genial disposition and made many friends wherever he went, and was held in high esteem in the community where he spent the most and best of his life. As a husband he was kind and considerate, as a Father , affectionate and devoted, always giving the best of his energies for the welfare and advancement of the children he loved so well.