Charles E. Schramm

As printed in 1915

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 History of Des Moines County, Iowa (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.