This Information was obtained from Mercer County History Books/Records, Ancestry.com & The Mannon Family History Recorded ~ by Duane Flewelling

ZERILDA E. (MANNON) COLE - CRAMER
Zerilda was the eighth of ten children born to Sally Scott (Wharton) and Aaron Mannon.

Her siblings included;
John Hartford b.November 5, 1811
Richard Wharton b.Nov 13, 1813
Cyrus Tribute b.April 5, 1816
Samual Rice b.March 9, 1818
Amos Preston b.July 6, 1820
Mary Amelia b.Sept 15, 1822
James Monroe b.Sept 16, 1823
Twins Aaron M & Sally W. b.Apr 18, 1829

Her mother gave birth to twins one day before Zerilda's third birthday, but never recovered, she died just 11 days after their birth on April 29, 1829, at which time she was only 34 years, 10 months, and 23 days old. Baby brother Aaron M. lived only two days and Baby sister Sally W, died at 1 month and 5 days old. Her mother was buried under an apple tree on the family farm, not far from their house in Wayne County, Indiana.

In 1830, Zerilda's father Aaron married his second wife, a widow by the name of Miriam Hill with two children of her own; Ahinoam and Reuben Hill. To this union was born another sister; Selina/Salinda b.May 2, 1831 in Wayne Co, Indiana. Her father and step mother also raised a grand daughter, Zerilda's niece, Sarah Ellen Mannon who was the daughter of her older brother Samual Rice Mannon by his first marriage.

Early in the Spring of 1836, when Zerilda was 10 years old, her father set out with his family on a journey to Illinois. After a long hard trip of forty days, all the family ecept for her brother Richard arrived in Mercer County on May 17, 1836. Brother Richard had ran away at the age of 16 shortly after their mothers death and went to live in New Orleans with their Uncle James Wharton all contacts with him were lost for fifty years after he went to California during the Gold Rush and for a long time everyone thought he was dead.

Zerilda was always cheerful and even tempered. She was rich in wit, and bubbled over with sayings that were original, never missing an opportunity to come back with a quick humorous answer. In her religious beliefs she favored Spiritualism. She took a great interest in studying and investigating it's manifestations. She had a beautiful singing voice and came from a long line of talent. She along with her brother James Monroe Mannon, sister Selina, brother Samuel as instructor and leader, composed a quartette and would sing at all the social gatherings for miles around. It was thought, that they were some of the most talented singers of that time.

On April 6, 1848, the same day that her brother James married Rebecca Shirkey, she was married to Edward Cole. Mr Cole purchased an 80 acre farm just outside of New Boston, Mercer County, IL. While living their the couple had their only child. A son, Levi Edward Cole, born Jan 20, 1850.

There is an old superstition about double weddings, and it came to pass in this instance, for Zerilda lost her husband, when they had been married barely four years. Edward Cole died of lung fever on April 23, 1853, at the age of 29 years, 1 month and 23 days old. Her brother James lost his wife just two and a half years after Edward's death when she was suddenly became violently ill of flux, supposedly from eating currents, and wasted away in a few hours.

The young widow was left with a small son, just over three years old to raise on her own. She struggled to do the best she could, dividing her time between her own farm, her father's home and her brothers for about four years. It was during this time a young widower named Richard S Cramer had come to live with her brother James. Richard had lost his wife, Charlotte Harris in 1856. He had come to Mercer County from Knox County, Illinois and engaged in business with H.H. Robers.

On Feb 8, 1857, Zerilda and Richard were married. After their marriage Richard moved to Zerilda's farm and took over running it. It did a good job and made a pretty good living raising melons and other garden products. Life was finally good for Zerilda again, except for the fact that her son Levi and his step father could not seem to get along. So Levi went to live with his Uncle James who happily adopted the young lad and made him welcome in his home.

Richard and Zerilda had no children of their own, but adopted her nieces daughter, Lottie D. Stark. Lottie was the daughter of Sarah Ellen Mannon and grand daughter of Samuel Mannon.

About 1887 Zerilda and Richard moved to New Boston and rented out the farm when Richard became ill. He died on Sept 14, 1887 after a lingering illness and much suffering. After she was widowed for a second time, Zerilda lived for a short time in New Boston. Then for a short time lived with her brother James before moving in with her son Levi who lived in Davenport, Iowa and that is where she remained for the rest of her life.

Zerilda had been a very proud lady, always tidy and exceedingly neat about her appearance. She always made sure her hair was done and she was dressed for company each night after her work was finished just in case she had a visitor. Even after she was an old lady, she would dress up, with a hat and cloak, polished to perfection and enjoy it as much as if she was at a society function.

Zerilda died on May 17, 1900 and was buried in Davenport.