BIO: Titus M. GRAMLEY, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _______________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _______________________________________________________________________ 152 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. T. M. GRAMLEY, secretary of the Spring Mills Creamery Company, at Spring Mills, Centre County, and one of the substantial citizens of that pleasant village, is a man, who while giving close attention to business, has not lost sight of the value of the things which make for progress in ways that cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. Well- read, intelligent, and public-spirited, his influence in the community has always been exerted in helpful ways and to worthy ends. Mr. Gramley was born in Rebersburg, July 31, 1856, the third son and fourth child of Samuel and Sarah J. (Smull) Gramley. At an early age his intellectual bent became apparent, and after attending school in the Harter district in Miles Township, Centre County, until he had completed the course offered there, he pursued his studies in the County Normal School at Milesburg, preparing himself for teaching. His plans were carried out in the face of discouraging circumstances, the work at home requiring much of his time. Through strenuous efforts he succeeded, however, and when but a few months past sixteen he took charge of a school in Porter Township, Clinton County, where he at once established a reputation as an efficient disciplinarian and instructor. This success stimulated his ambition, and he entered Penn Hall Academy, then conducted by Prof. Wolfe, and fitted himself for college; but he was then persuaded to return to the district where he had taught his first term, and again take the school. He spent three terms there, receiving an increase of salary each term, and then taught the grammar school at Mackeyville. His abilities once shown, his services were in demand, and he continued to teach for fourteen terms, the summer seasons being spent in farm work. He holds certificates of all grades, including a State certificate. On retiring from the work of teaching, he entered into partnership with his brother, C. L. Gramley, in a general mercantile business at Rebersburg; but his health becoming impaired he sold out after two years of successful work in this line, and decided to follow agricultural pursuits. In connection with farming he taught school during the winter seasons until 1888, and in July of that year he formed a partnership in the creamery business with R. G. Eisenhart in the Spring Mills Creamery Company, limited, a stock company which is now the oldest concern of the kind in Centre County. Mr. Gramley is industrious, systematic, and persevering, carrying out with firm determination any plan once fixed upon, and the success of the firm is due in no small measure to his work and influence. He has a reputation for integrity in his dealings, which is in itself a source of strength to any enterprise with which he may be connected. On December 18, 1877, Mr. Gramley was married in Miles Township. Centre County, to Miss Agnes Loose, who was born at Millheim, September 7, 1856, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Brickley) Loose. They have one of the most comfortable and tasteful homes in Spring Mills. Mr. Gramley has remodeled the house formerly known as the "Old Peter Wilson" home, adding all modern conveniences. They have a bright and interesting family, to whom they are giving the best educational advantages at their command: Orpha L., born October 19, 1878, is in the senior class at Irving College at Mechanicsburg, Penn.; S. Ward, born December 29, 1880 is in the sophomore class at Susquehanna University, Selins Grove, Penn.: Windon C. born November 3, 1882, and Bruce S., born June 15, 1888 are at home. Mr. Gramley and his wife are leading members of the Lutheran Church, and he has held office in the Church ever since he was confirmed. His interest in the work has been demonstrated many times, and when the Rebersburg parsonage was built, he was one of the chief promoters of the enterprise. In politics he has always been a Republican, but though a stanch supporter of the doctrines of the party he is not a politician. On one occasion he was nominated for the office of Register, without solicitation on his part, and although no canvass was made in the county in his behalf, he was defeated by a bare plurality of thirty-two votes. Note: The 1870 Miles Township, Centre County census lists Samuel (40), Sarah (38), Cephas (18), Titus (13), Clement(8), Naomi (6) and Adah (7/12) Gramley.