Okie Legacy

submitted by Renee Carroll-Sampson -- rcarrollsampson@aol.com

James B. Cranmer was born Feb. 3, 1837.
He served in the 63rd Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.
In 1869 he was united in marriage to Emma Elizabeth Prettymen Beaver (Bever).

In 1878, with his wife and four children, Cora, Sylvia, George and Grace, he migrated to Kansas; arriving on Sept. 16 (Grace's birthday).

Here he filed on a farm, ten miles north of Logan, and labored to support his family. Three more children, Lillie, Lawrence and Florence (twins) came to bless their home.

In November 1884, his eldest daughter, Cora, died suddenly and a few weeks later, Dec. 13, his wife died while giving birth to twins, and both are buried in the Logan Cemetery. One of the twins was born dead. The other twin, Harry, was adopted by W.C. Reeder; an early day banker in Logan.

After the death of his wife, James Cranmer gave up farming and moved to Logan, Kansas, where he worked at various jobs to support his family. As his children reached maturity, they left Logan, Kansas, as moved to various parts of the country.

Grace married Clarence F. Wandell (who was born in Kerwin, Kansas, which was near Logan.), and four children were to bless the union. They moved to Coyle, Oklahoma and settled there. Both Clarence and Grace are buried at the Coyle Cemetery.

James Cranmer spent his last years with his daughter, Grace, and her family, in Coyle, Oklahoma. He died there on October 9, 1917, at the age of 80 years, 8 mo., and 6 days; and is buried in the Coyle Cemetery as well.

Timothy Wandell Obit - Grace Wandell Obit - Clarence Wandell Obit
Pearl Fransler - James Cranmer - Coyle Clipper Editor Story
Grace & Clarence Wandell's Golden Wedding Day