Rago and Spivey

Zachariah and Ruth Amy Kramer moved their family from Pennsylvania to Kingman Co., Kansas sometime between 1880 and 1885. [based on census records]  Their son, William "Will" came with them.

Sometime between 1880 and 1885, Nellie's older brother, Joseph Kennedy Kramer (1859-1921), moved from Mattoon, Illinois to Kingman Co., Kansas to farm.

Nellie Kramer's mother died when Nellie was 9 years old (1883).  Nellie was sent from her home in Mattoon, Illinois, to live with a married relative (sister or aunt) in New Jersey.

After a short time, probably less than 2 years, Nellie was sent to live with her older brother, Kennedy, in Kingman Co., Kansas.  She took the train as far as it went, then traveled the rest of the way by wagon.

William Grant Kramer and Nellie Orelia Boyle married 10 May 1897 and settled in Rago, a small town near Spivey, Kansas.  Both towns are directly south of Kingman, KS.

William Kramer.  I believe this was most likely taken on their farm in Rago, Kansas,

though it could have been taken when they started clearing land for their home and diary in Wichita.

Home of Nellie & Will Kramer in Rago, Kansas.
Nellie is sitting on the porch.  Taller child is Mabel.  Shorter child is Ruth.

Ago sign, about 1998

Spivey town sign, about 1998

Will once had a business in Spivey.

An old shed in Spivey.