Samuel Kramer, Merchant, was born in Berks County Pennsylvania October 31, 1810. He is a son of Henry Kramer, and his paternal grandfather also bears the same name. He was educated in Robeson, Berks county. When seventeen years of age, he was engaged by his brother to assist him in the Windsor Furnace at Hamburg, Pennsylvania, and also in the store which was attached to the same. While at this place he learned moulding. In 1829 he removed to Chester county, and affected an engagement with the proprietors of the Warwick Furnace in the capacity of moulder. In 1832, he purchased a little store by means of the savings he had made, and went into business for himself. By the practice of the severest economy and ??? industry he ??? ??? For a period of four years he remained at this point, and then sold his establishment and removed, in 1836, to Phoenixville, where he purchased a house and lot with eight acres of land, and again engaged in the store business. At first he was in partnership with Mr. Yeager, and afterwards with Mr. Nyce. In 1844, he disposed of his interests in the concern and removed to Philadelphia where he remained for about a year. Finally in 1847, he purchased his present business location, and as far as residence is concerned has remained stationary. From a very small beginning he has gradually but surely increased until now he commands a very extended line of business. He is no politician, although he takes a deep interest in whatever promotes the success of the right. During the War of the Rebellion he contributed freely to the cause of the Union. He has served as member of the Council of the borough during several terms. From 1857 to 1861, he was one of the Board of Directors of the Chester County Bank. He was a Corporator, and a Director of the Phoenixville National Bank; a projector, and now a Director of the Morris Cemetery. Although frequently solicited to accept public office, he has ever refused, believing that his proper sphere is in attending to his mercantile concerns. In this he is very strict, conscientious and just; besides being remarkably prompt in all his payments. He is entirely opposed to the credit system, and invariably purchases for cash, believing that the safest plan to pursue. He therefore stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and is noted not only for his strict integrity in business matters, but also for his liberality to the poor, his generosity and benevolence towards charitable objects. He has also done much towards the improvement of the town. He was married first, in 1831, to Keturah Oliver, of Berks county, who died leaving two children, one of whom is now associated with him in the store, and a daughter at present the wife of J.B. Pennypacker. His second wife, to whom he was united in 1835, was Asenath Oliver, sister of the first; she has also died, leaving six children now living, one of whom, James M. Kramer, is an Engineer in the Philadelphia Water Department, a very able and respected man. His youngest son is also interested with him in the store.
Transcriber's note: In the text, the surname is spelled Kramer, but on the picture, it is spelled Kreamer.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 224-225.
Contributed by: Nancy.