William was the third child born to Karl and Doris (Reuter) Kramer. Both were natives of Hannover, Germany. Aunt Doris Chambers did not know when Karl arrived in America as his naturalization paperwork had a big X where that information should have been. Karl and Doris had 7 children, who made 10 total with his daughter and son with his first wife and a daughter from her previous marriage. It is unfortunate that Karl died as a result of a sea tragedy on January 19, 1883. Doris suffered from poor health after her husband’s death and died December 6, 1889. 

I tell you about Karl and Doris so that I can now tell you about Wiliam. Aunt Doris took to the typewriter and wrote down many of the things her father, William, told them about his life. Without radio or television, most people would tell stories to entertain them after meals or before the end of the day. Aunt Doris included them in the Kramer Family History which she compiled. If you have a copy or can get one, I encourage you to read it. There are many riveting stories included in it.

One of Williams earliest memories concerned the first night they spent on the Kramer Farm. It was early spring in 1880, he along with his two brothers, Charles and Herman were bedded down on a feather bed in the loft. Apparantly, they like most active children, moved about during their sleep. They had a rude awakening when they and the feather bed fell from the loft. Fortunately no one was hurt. 

William always lamented the loss of the natural prairie flowers and chickens. William said that during laying season, you could gather a basket full in just a few minutes. 

This next story is harsh by today’s standards, but it shows a time of discipline by their father to William. In Aunt Doris’ narrative, she calls William “Pat.” I believe that was a family nickname for him. One day a dead rabbit was discovered in the open well. Karl was unable to reach it so wanted to let William down by his heel to get it. William emphatically refused. Charles offered to go instead and was let down and secured the rabbit. Their father, determined to be obeyed, threw William in the well. Realizing that he might clutch the reinforcing beams in the well and not come up, Karl prepared to jump in, but William came back up and was pulled out safely. 

Another of the stories that William would tell involved a mystery. One day, a young man stopped at their house asking for lunch. While he ate, he told of a neighbor who had refused him and stated that he had put a curse on her. At the time, she had been churning butter, and he cursed her that she would never be able to gather the butter in that cream nor any other she would churn. The next day, the lady came to their mother carrying her cream. She said she “couldn’t get the butter to come.” Doris took the cream, churned it briefly, and butter came! As far as William knew, the neighbor was never again able to make butter. 

These are just a few beautiful stories that Aunt Doris Chambers compiled for us. What a wonderful gift she has given us! We will always have them to remember William and his life. There are more stories in the Kramer History book. I plan on showcasing them throughout the year for your enjoyment. Thank you, Aunt Doris, for all your hard work and wonderful writing.