BIO: Henry W. KREAMER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. 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. _____________________________________________________________________ H. W. KREAMER, the leading merchant of Centre Hall, Centre county, is the senior member of the well-known firm of Kreamer & Son, the owners and proprietors of an excellent general store. He is also one of that beautiful little town's best citizens, and is a worthy representative of one of Penn's Valley's oldest pioneer families, which was founded here over a century ago, and has since been prominently identified with the progress and development of the county. Mr. Kreamer was born September 28, 1837, in Brush Valley, on a farm adjoining the village of Kreamerville, Centre county, and is the second child and only son of his parents, Daniel and Susannah (Weaver) Kreamer. The father was born in Brush Valley, November 7, 1815, and he was the youngest son of Jacob Kreamer. He obtained such an education as the district schools of that early day afforded and was reared upon a farm, early becoming familiar with its arduous labors, as but crude machinery was then used. In Brush Valley he wedded Susannah Weaver, who was born there, October 6, 1814, a daughter of John and Barbara (Brungart) Weaver. Five children blessed this union: Sarah (now Mrs. John Wolf) of Miles township, Centre county; H. W.; Amanda, who first married George Wolf, and after his death wedded A. Lukenbach, of Bellefonte; Hannah, who married S. S. Wolf and died in Brush Valley; and Emma, widow of E. Wolf, of Rebersburg, Centre county. Daniel Kreamer followed farming near Kreamersville until his removal to Rebersburg where for several years he successfully engaged in the hotel business. He died at that place at the ripe old age of eighty years, his wife passing COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 216 away a short time previously, at the same age, and they now sleep side by side in the Rebersburg cemetery. For years the father was a singing teacher, and served as leader of the choir of the Reformed Church, of which he was a consistent member. He was a medium-sized man, being five feet, eight inches in height, and was quite active and energetic. In politics he was a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and efficiently filled a number of local offices. Mr. Kreamer, whose name introduces this sketch, obtained a fair education in the district schools near his home, which, however, were much inferior to those of the present time. On leaving the farm at the age of fourteen, he entered the store of Gross Boger & Co., in Rebersburg, where he began clerking for $4 per month, but during the five years he was in the employ of that firm his wages were increased. Later he embarked in general merchandising on his own account in the same place, and subsequently engaged in farming at Spring Bank, Miles township, Centre county, for eleven years. Coming to Centre Hall, in 1884, he became a member of the well-known and reliable firm of Harper & Kreamer, general merchants, who were the first to successfully compete with the old established stores of that place. In April, 1896, he became sole owner of the business, which is now conducted under the firm style of Kreamer & Son. They carry a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise, and by fair and honorable dealing, have built up an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Kreamer married Miss Emma Strohecker, of Rebersburg, a daughter of Hon. Samuel Strohecker, who represented Centre county in the General Assembly and was one of the prominent doctors of Brush Valley. Three children were born to this union: Samuel S., who like his father, is also an only son, and is now the former's partner in business; Jennie (now Mrs. S. H. Heckman), of Lock Haven, Penn.; and Tacy, at home. The mother of these children departed this life in 1886. For his second wife, Mr. Kreamer wedded Miss Maggie Hanna, a successful teacher of Spring Mills Centre county. Like his father, Mr. Kreamer is a firm adherent of Democratic principles, and has served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents in a number of official positions of honor and trust, for the past six years being treasurer of Centre Hall. He and his wife are sincere and conscientious Christians, and he as a prominent member of the Reformed Church, in which he has also held various offices, including those of deacon and elder, she as an equally prominent member of the M. E. Church. He owns an elegant home, besides a half interest in the best business block in Centre Hall, and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his own energy, enterprise and good executive ability. He is one of the most methodical, popular and reliable business men of Centre county, and in social as well as business circles holds an enviable position. 1850 Miles Township, Centre County census - Daniel Kramer, 35 Susannah Kramer, 35 Sarah Kramer, 15 Henry Kramer, 12 Amanda Kramer, 11 Hannah Kramer, 8 Eliza Kramer, 3