This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: KRAMER, BOOK Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/zk.2ADI/360.437.459.1.1 Message Board Post: I'm not related to this family but own a copy of the 1915 History of Shelby Co., Iowa, page 1214 has a bio for Joseph KRAMER, stating as follows: Joseph Kramer, the proprietor of 421 acres of land in Westphalia township, was born in Germany, August 28, 1853. His parents, William and Elizabeth Kramer, lived all of their days in Germany, the father dying there in 1867. William Kramer worked in a factory in Essin, Germany, all of his life and to him and his wife were born 9 children, only 2 of whom are living, Joseph, and Mary the wife of Peter Greve. Joseph Kramer was married in 1880 to Mary BOOK, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth BOOK, and to this union were born 8 children: Joseph, William, Mary E., Frank, Matilda, Carl, Clara, and Mary. The bio goes on to name others in this family. You can view this entire bio for free at the USGenWeb site for Shelby County, Iowa, at www.usgenweb.com. I hope this is helpful.