The Schramm Family of Des Moines County, Iowa

JOHN SIEGMUND SCHRAMM.

A FEW years ago the city of Burlington lost by the hand of death a citizen whom she could ill afford to spare from the activities of her commercial and social life; one in whose heart her interests ever held a first place, and one whose passing was deeply mourned by those who were familiar with the rare (qualities of his heart and mind, as well as the great ability which distinguished him and was known to all. Mr. Schramm was born at Plech, Bavaria. Germany, a son of John Cliristo])her and.Anna Margaret (Kessling).Schramm. His education was begun in the public schools of I'lech, and at the age of thirteen years he went to Culmbach, where he served an apprenticeship of five years' duration in a mercantile house, at, the same time taking lessons in Latin and French. The father discharged his seven years' term of military service under Frederick the Third, and was engaged in the great battles of Jena and Auslerlitz, and others of less importance, after which he returned home and devoted himself to mercantile business. For political reasons the elder Schramm resolved to emigrate to America, crossed the ocean, and in September, 1837, landed with his family at the port of New York. few days later they started for Missouri, but on account of sickness were obliged to stop at Circleville, Ohio, where our subject secured a position in a printing office, which he continued to occupy for five years, thoroughly mastering the printing art and the English language.

In Augu.st, 1842. Mr. Schramm arrived in liurlington, and two days afterward secured employment with the Gazette; but the paper was sold shortly thereafter, and as his services were no longer needed, lie made a trip to St. Louis, where he invested his savings in a small stock of groceries, with which he established himself in business in )urlin.gton. He gave the strictest attention to business, and was successful from the beginning: but as he was a nnisician of pronounced ability, he spent at this early period of his career three evenings of each week in training a band which he founded, the first ever organized in Burlington. His musical tastes continued with him through life, and he long devoted a great deal of his valuable time to work of this character for the benefit of the public and his adopted city. On.March 15, 1843, he wedded Miss Harriet-Morgan, daughter of Jonathan Morgan, one of the earlier settlers of Des Moines county, but during the cholera epidemic of 1850 Mrs..'Schramm died, together with one child which hail been born to their union. The mother of Mr. Schramm al.so fell a victim to the ravages of this terrible plague, which desolated.so many homes throughout the length and breadth of the land, and her own demise had been preceded by that of her husband in 1849. r. Schramm afterward remarried, having on March 24, 1852, been united in bonds of matrimony to Miss Ameha Williams, a daughter of Silas Williams, and to them were born the following children, who survive him: Henry C, of Burlington, who married Miss Ida H. Copp; Lucia L., of Burlington, now the wife of T. G. Foster; Frank E., of Burlington, who married Miss Carrie Ashe Higgason; Charles E., of Burlington, who married Miss Fannie G. Anderson; Walter S., cashier of the First National Bank of Burlington; Ralph E., of Detroit, Mich.; Anna P., now Mrs. J. E. Doane, of Thompson, Conn.; and Miss Jessie.

In 1854 Mr. Schramm formed a partnership with his brother, Charles F., to conduct a dry-goods business. This arrangement was continued for five years, and then the partnership was dissolved on account of the ill health of Mr. Schramm's brother. He then assumed sole charge of the business, which he conducted at the store at 218- 220 Jefferson Street, enlarging it with the growth of the city, and always meeting the increasing demand with a promptitude, thoroughness, and energy that indicated a strong grasp of changing commercial conditions and an appreciation of modern methods. In this manner, and almost exclusively by his individual efforts, he built up the great business known as the J. S. Schramm Company, now for the most part owned and managed by the heirs of his estate. Three of his sons are now active in the firm, these being Henry C, Frank E., and Charles E. The mother and her daughter Jessie have their home in the large and handsome residence at 616 Columbia Street, where they dispense a generous but quiet hospitality.

The political faith of Mr. Schramm was that of the Democratic party, to which he gave his allegiance after long and careful consideration, and to whose tenets he was ever loyal. Fraternally he was for thirty-two years identified with the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar and a member of Malta Lodge of this city. He was also a member of the Commercial Exchange, and took an active part in its work. In his religious connection he was a member of the Lutheran church, although during the latter years of his life he attended the Presbyterian church, of which he and his family are members, while he himself, many years ago, assisted materially in the work of its choir. For a long term of years he was a member of the board of directors 'of the independent school district of Burlington, and was a stockholder, director, and vice-president of the German-American Savings Bank, as well as being financially interested in various other leading corporate institutions and enterprises of Burlington. He gave freely of his time and substance to the conduct and promotion of public affairs, assisting every movement that had for its object the upbuilding of Burlington, among other things lending substantial encouragement to the establishment of the public ferry, which he regarded as especially important. No form of pledge or subscription paper having that end in view ever passed him without his signature; no church or charity ever appealed to him in vain, and for the needy he was always a refuge. As an employer he was respected and beloved by those connected with his business during all the years of his mercantile activity in Burlington, where the greater part of his life was passed; and he was an ideal citizen; so also was he a model head of his family, — kind, considerate, self-sacrificing, cheerful, affectionate, and local. To few men have been vouchsafed so many of the graces and virtues that go to the making of a beautiful character. He ilitkl I\'l). 17. is(8. universally mourned.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES F. SCHRAMM.

CnAR[,ES F. ScHR.vM.M. Starting out to make his own living at the age of thirteen years. is now, a half century later, one of the most prosperous and prominent merchants of Burlington, having since 1863 been connected with the large dry-goods business, of which, conducted under the name of the Schramm & Schmieg Drygoods Company, he is the vice-president. A large ])percentage of the leading business men of this city are of German birth, and among those whose lifework has been creditable alike to the land of their birth and the land of their ado]>tion, Mr. Schramm is foremost.

native of Bavaria, Germany, he was born in 1823. and when eleven years of age, accompanied his parents, J. C. and Margaret Barbara (Kiesling) Schranun. to

America. They were also natives of the Fatherland, and were there reared and married. In 1837 they started with their family for the New World, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, which was seventy-seven days in making the voyage. Mr. Schramm, as a member of the Prussian army, had served in the famous battle of Jena, in 1806. He followed both farming and merchandizing, and after emigrating to the United States engaged in the grocery business in Circleville, Ohio. Later he came to Burlington, arriving on the 9th of May, 1849. He died the following day of cholera, being at that time sixty-seven years of age. His wife survived him until 1850, when she, too, died of cholera. A sister of Qiarles F. Schramm, Mrs. IMargaret Teuscher, resides in Burlington. Her husband, who was at one time engaged in the retail grocery business, and served as county treasurer of Des Moines county, is now living retired in Burlington.

Charles F. Schramm had no opportunity to attend school after leaving the Fatherland, and the education he has acquired, making him a well-informed man, has been gained through reading, observation, and experience. When thirteen years of age he began serving as clerk in the postoffice at Circleville, Ohio, and later engaged in clerking in the dry-goods store of S. & B. Olds, of that city, with whom he remained until 1843, when he came to Burlington, and accepted a position as salesman with the firm of Postelwaite & Craigen, drygoods merchants. He afterward went to Farmington, Van Buren county, where he clerked for his brother, George Schramm, who is now living retired in Des Moines, at the advanced age of ninety years. Charles Schramm remained in Farmington until

1853, when he returned to Burlington, and entered mercantile life on his own account with J. S. Schramm as a partner, this continuing until 1859. Having lost his wife and three children within a Aear, he went to Texas, where for one year he lived the open life of the plains for the benefit of his own health. Returning to Iowa, he joined Mr. Schmieg, in 1863, in the establishment of the business which has since had a continuous existence.

During the period between 1861 and 1862, Mr. Schramm spent two months with the Second Iowa Regiment as clerk to J. T. Stewart, a lieutenant at Bird's Point, Ky., and Cairo, Ill. He was also one month with the Seventh Iowa Regiment as sutler, and with J. R. Nelson as a clerk.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES E. SCHRAMM.

Among the most popular business men of Burlington was Charles E. Schramm, whose life was cut short on account of an accident when he was in the midst of a successful career. He was connected with the J. S. Schramm Company, the leading dry-goods house of Burlington, and contributed much to its success. He was known to a large number of people because of his pleasant and agreeable personality.

Mr. Schramm was a native of Burlington, born January 9, 1862, and a son of John Siegmund and Amelia (Williams) Schramm. The father was a native of Germany and in this country found the opportunity to display his rare business ability in building up one of the largest business houses in Burlington. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John Christopher and Anna Margaret (Kessling) Schramm, while the maternal grandfather was Silas Williams.

Charles E. Schramm spent practically his entire life in Burlington. In the acquirement of his education he attended the North Hill school, from which he graduated into the high school. He was a bright student and a ready learned and had many friends among teachers and pupils. After completing his high-school course he entered his father's store, and in due time he became acquainted with the dry-goods business in all its phases. His industry, honesty and thoroughness were the stepping-stones to his success. Mr. Schramm had most pleasing manners and his kindly personality attracted many new customers to his establishment, while it made old-time friends of those who were in the habit of trading there. Fair methods were inseparable from all his transactions and he was ever courteous and polite to all those whom he met in a business or social way. His employes idolized him because of his fairness and justness.

On the 16th of January, 1893, Mr. Schramm was united in marriage to Miss Fannie G. Anderson and they had one daughter, Frances, who with her mother survives him. There were also a number of brothers and sisters who mourned his death: Frank E., Ralph E. and Henry C. Schramm; Lucia L., who married T. G. Foster; Anna P., the wife of J. E. Doane, of Chicago; and Miss Jessie Schramm.

Mr. Schramm was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Burlington and was always interested in the progress of the city. Although he did not care for public honors he took an intelligent interest in governmental affairs and carefully weighed the qualities of a candidate before he would give his support. The accident which caused his demise was most tragic. Although an excellent swimmer he had misjudged the depth of the stream when taking a plunge in the river and, striking his head, injured his spine. He first was taken to his home and later to the Burlington Hospital. Although the best possible care and attention were given him and experts were summoned not only from Burlington but from Chicago, the inevitable could not be averted. A most delicate operation was performed which at first seemed to hold out promise, but soon the hopes of family, friends, physicians and nurses came to naught and Mr. Schramm passed away August 25, 1913. Even his magnificent constitution could not overcome the severe shock to his system. When the news of his death spread throughout the city from house to house general morning prevailed and all extended their deep sympathy to the bereaved family. With his death there came to a close a most promising career of a man who had been a loving husband and father, an able business man and an American citizen of the highest type.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

F. W. SCHRAMM.

F. W. Schramm is proprietor of a shoe store devoted exclusively to the sale of men's and boys' shoes. This establishment was opened on the ist of August, 1913, and business has since been successfully conducted, for previous experience along commercial lines, combined with energy and laudable ambition, have made the owner one of the wide-awake and progressive merchants of the city. He was born in Burlington, October 7, 1885, a son of Arthur and Mary (Gage) Schramm, the former a native of Farmington, Iowa, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The family is of German lineage and was founded in America by Charles F. Schramm, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Germany and when ten years of age came to the United States with his father, the family home being at that time established in Circleville, Ohio.

At an early period in the development of Iowa Charles F. Schramm came to this state, arriving in Burlington at about the same time as Frederick Schmieg. Mr. Schramm first settled at Farmington, but afterward came to Burlington and embarked in business with Mr. Schmieg. They established a dry-goods business on Jefferson between Water and Main streets and there conducted their trade for twenty years. They afterward opened a wholesale house on North Main street and in 1903 the business was incorporated with Frederick

Schmieg as president and Charles F. Schramm as vice president with the latter's son, Arthur Schramm, as secretary and treasurer. The business grew to extensive proportions and their trade now covers a large territory. The business methods of the house have ever been unassailable and the thorough reliability and integrity of its founders were never called into question. Mr. Schramm was for an extended period classed with the most honored and valued business men of Burlington and he remained in active connection with the wholesale dry-goods trade of which he was one of the founders until his death, which occurred in February, 1906.

His son, Arthur Schramm, was reared in Burlington, and, endowed by nature with superior musical talent, engaged in teaching that art in the early years of his life. He then joined his father in the wholesale dry-goods business under the firm name of Schramm & Schmieg and he continued actively in the business until January, 1909, when he wut to Seattle, Washington, where he now lives retired. His wife and two sons are with him in that city. In the family were three sons: F. W.; Arthur, who is now an attorney of Seattle; and Charles Edwin, who is attending school.

The eldest son, F. W. Schramm, passed through consecutive grades in the public schools until he became a high-school pupil. He was of the third generation to become actively connected with the Schramm & Schmieg Dry Goods Company and, like his father, was associated therewith until January, 1909, when he accompanied his parents to Seattle, where he remained for a year. He then returned to Burlington and went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the Welch Cook Company of Cedar Rapids for three years. At the end of that time he opened a shoe store at No. 208 Jefiferson street, where he has a twenty-foot frontage. This was on the ist of August, 191 3. He carries an exclusive line of men's and boys' shoes and his patronage has reached extensive and gratifying proportions. He has the business acumen and enterprise which have been a synonym of the family name through three generations in Burlington. What he undertakes he accomplishes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort.

On the 24th of April, 1907, Mr. Schramm was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Taeger, a daughter of Charles and Amelia (Bokenkamp) Taeger, the former deceased, while the latter survives. Mr. and Mrs. Schramm have one child, Lucia Elizabeth. Mr. Schramm belongs to the Elks lodge, the Loyal Order of Moose and the United Commercial Travelers, while in politics he is a progressive with independent tendencies. Practically his entire life has been spent in this city and he has been connected with its commercial interests almost continuously since attaining his majority. Advancement has come to him in recognition of merit and ability and yet he has scarcely compassed three decades on life's journey. There are few idle moments in his career and the energy which he has displayed in closely applying himself to his work has carried him to a point in commercial circles that many an older man might well envy.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.