John Cramsey was born in Ireland on December 13, 1820. Possible siblings could be Catherine, Mary Ann, Margaret Ellen and Charles Cramsey. All living in Illinois and some listed as baptismal sponsors for John and Anna's children.

His wife, Anna Thompson was born in Ireland in August 1814-1820. She died in Adams County, IL on August 20, 1898. She married John Cramsey(place unknown) between 1845-1848. She was of Methodist faith, but is listed in the Catholic church records after marrying John. Anna may have had a sibling, Samuel Henry Thompson, born 1821. He traveled with them from PA to Adams Co, Illinois. John Cramsey and Samuel Henry Thompson owned farms side by side in Gilmer Twp, Adams Co, IL.