George J. Cram, the secretary and treasurer of the Marseilles (Illinois) Manufacturing Company, is the architect of his own fortunes, having worked his way up from an errand boy to his present honorable and responsible position. His parents moved to Canada, remaining there a few years, and while they were in Lindsay, Ontario, the subject of this biography was born, in June, i860. The parents were George C. Cram and Agnes (Jackson) Cram. The father was born in New Hampshire in 1823, and when he had attained mature years he engaged in the packing business at Brighton, a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. He then moved his family to Canada, and for nine years was a farmer of that country. In 1866 he moved to Bloomingdale, Du Page county, this state, and the year following to Marseilles, where he now resides. After locating here he dealt in meat and ice until his retirement from business. He married Miss Agnes Jackson, who was born in Edinboro, Scotland, and came to America in her girlhood. Her father, George Jackson, was a soldier in the British army, held a captain's commission, and fought in the battle of Waterloo. She died in 1878, leaving thefollowing children: Elizabeth, William F., a druggist, Jennie, George J., Agnes E., Lillian V., Lewis F. and Ralph M.
After graduating at the high school of this city, George entered the employ of the Marseilles Manufacturing Company, in the humble capacity of errand boy. He was retained in this department for one year, his cheerful obedience and attention to business winning him the commendation of his employers, with the result that he was promoted to the position of shipping clerk, where he continued two years. From there he entered the office and was assistant bookkeeper another year, when he took the road in the interest of the company, and for three years w-as one of the best traveling: men in their employ. They were in need of a head bookkeeper and tendered the place to Mr. Cram. Two years were spent in the office as cashier and bookkeeper, and he was then placed in charge of their collecting department, where, for one more year, he demonstrated his usefulness and interest in theconcern, and was again rewarded by being elected to the office of secretary and treasurer of the business, vice Oliver R. Adams, deceased, who had held the office for seventeen years.
Mr. Cram was married, in 1882, to Miss Allie Armstrong, of Marseilles, a daughter of John A. and Amy (Davis) Armstrong. They have three children: Roy V., Myrtle L. and George A. Mr. Cram is a Republican, but his life has been too busy to admit of dabbling in politics. He is one of our most prominent, public-spirited citizens, and is ever ready to advance the welfare of the city in any way in his power. He served as a member of the board of education for several years, and is secretary of the Manufacturers' Bridge Company, of this city. His industry and integrity have made him many friends, including the members of the company which he has so faithfully served and the general public; and few men can present a more meritorious record than George J. Cram.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 94-95.
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