Rutland

CRAMTON, John Willey

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 82-84

John Willey CRAMTON was born 10 November 1826 in Tinmouth [Rutland County, 
Vermont], son of Elihu and Lois CRAMTON. Receiving the customary education 
of the time in the schools of Tinmouth, Mr. CRAMTON, after working the home 
farm for several years, changed the scene of his labors to Templeton 
[Worcester County], Massachusetts, where for more than three years he was 
engaged in the business of peddling. In January 1853 he came to Rutland 
[Rutland County, Vermont], where he began the manufacture of tin ware, a 
business which he still continues. In 1860 he additionally became the 
proprietor of the Central House, at that time an hotel well known in Rutland 
County. In 1864 he purchased the Bardwell House, where he now resides.

Mr. CRAMTON is most widely and creditably known throughout the state. A 
description of the various positions he has filled, both in a private and 
public capacity would far exceed the allotted space of this sketch. In 1886 
he became a trustee of the Howe Scale Company, then in financial straits, and 
upon its reorganization, he was chosen vice president, which position he 
holds today. For more than ten years he was director of the state's prison, 
being appointed by Gov. BARSTOW to that post. He is president of the Baxter 
National Bank, the True Blue Marble Company, the Stam Stone Cutter Company, 
and the Rutland Street Railway, and has acted as chief executive officer of 
the village corporation of Rutland for several terms.

Nor does Mr. CRAMTON confine his efforts to financial trusts. He is also an 
extensive agriculturalist of the progressive type, owning large estates in 
Rutland and Clarendon [both in Rutland County], one of which is devoted to 
the produce of the dairy, and all are noted for the breeding of fine horses 
and blooded stock. During the war Mr. CRAMTON was largely engaged in buying 
horses for the army; and he is now director of the Vermont Horse Breeders' 
Association. For more than twenty years his voice has been potent as a 
director of the State Fair Association, and he has also held offices in the 
Fair Association of Rutland County. Strongly attached to the principles of 
the Republican party, he has never paid much attention to political office 
seeking, but has held it sufficient to confine himself to the duties of a 
good citizen and kind-hearted neighbor; he was chosen senator of Rutland 
County in 1888.

On 03 October 1882 he [John Willey CRAMTON] was married to Florence Belle, 
only daughter of Jacob and Mary Bucklin GATES. Mr. CRAMTON has not confined 
his pecuniary transactions to Vermont, but has varied and extensive interests 
in many other states. His religious creed is that of the Protestant 
Episcopal church, and he has entered the ranks of Free Masonry, being a 
Knight Templar attached to Killington Commandery. He also belongs to the 
Knights of Pythias and the Plymouth Rock Association. He has led a most busy 
life. It is much to his credit that he has filled so successfully the many 
and varied responsibilities that his active and honorable career has thrust 
into his hands.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly