"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 160 George L. and Zettie (McDowell) Bryant Family George L. Bryant was born Mar. 23, 1883. Zettie McDowell was born June 5, 1886. They were married April 7, 1903, in Leon, Iowa. To this union eleven children were born. Esther C. Wiley, Stanberry, Mo. 1903 Rose Wiley (deceased) 1906 Glenn L. Bryant (deceased) 1908 Cora M. Stubbs (deceased) 1910 Clarence G. Bryant (deceased) 1912 Harold H. Bryant Oraville, Calif. 1914 Opal I. Glazebrook, Ashland, Nebr. 1917 Phyllis A. Dukes, Mount Ayr., Ia. 1919 John E. Bryant, Buena Park, Calif. 1922 Ray E. Bryant, Simi Valley, Calif. 1924 Dwane L. Bryant, Anaheim, Calif. 1928 There were 45 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. They lived most of their married life in and around Grand River with the exception of six years on a farm near Harold, So. Dakota, in 1909-1915. Besides farming, they owned the stockyards in Grand River; and George bought and sold hogs in a four county area: Clark, Union, Ringgold and Decatur, shipping by rail and later by truck to Chicago and St. Joseph. He was president of the telephone company in Grand River from 1940 until his death. He was also mayor of Grand River for several years. They had the privilege of celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 1953 in their home with their family and friends. After retiring they spent their winters in California with their five sons and their families. George liked to raise a big garden and share it with his family and friends. They were faithful members of the Assembly of God Church. George passed away Mar. 5, 1963. Zettie lived in their home for one and one-half years, then sold it and moved to a private home in Creston, until the fall of 1967, when she had the misfortune of breaking her hip. After being hospitalized she went to the Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. She passed away Dec. 9, 1967, at the age of 81 years. They were both buried in the Grand River Cemetery. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 10, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 159 Frank Bryant Family Frank Bryant, son of John and Betsy (Binning) Bryant, was born in Delaware County, July 3, 1874, and died at his home in Grand River, June 17, 1954. On Sept. 29, 1897, he was married to Blanche McDowell. She was born Dec. 20, 1876, in Decatur County, and died at her home in Grand River, April 1966. They raised a family of four children: Dewey Bryant (deceased), Myrtle (Bryant) Akers, Hazel (Bryant) Hopkins and Raymond Bryant (deceased). They lived on a farm near Grand River until they retired and moved into Grand River. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 10, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 158 Charles Bryant Family Charles Bryant's father, John Bryant, was born in Chuer-Lebaura, England December 31, 1843. On March 31, 1864 he was married to Betsy Binning at Chuer-Wedmore, England. In 1866 they immigrated to America and settled in Delaware County, Iowa. Here five children were born: Henry, Charles, Fredrick, Frank and Lillie. In 1882 the family moved to Decatur County where Burl, George, Arthur and Albert were born. Charles was born April 18, 1871, and married Lora Redd on June 29, 1892. To this union five children were born: Elsie, Dessie, Birdie, William and Enid. Elsie married Ezra Wycoff and they had two children: Charles and Velma. Dessie married Clarence Green and they had five children: Merle, Ray, Faye, Vaughn and Lura. Birdie married Clarence Lent and to this union were born six children: Deles, Wanda, Emma, Clarence Jr., Patricia and Richard. William: refer to the William Bryant family. Enid married Charlie Sutherland and they had one daughter, Donella. She married Duane Hawk and their children are Larry and Jim...... In 1939 Enid married Paige Hagen. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 10, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 154 Lewis Wiess Brown and Sarah Melissa McConnell Lewis was born August 12, 1860 in Decatur County, the son of Joseph and Hulda (Young) Brown. Sarah was born in Decatur County on January 14, 1865, the daughter of John and Melinda (Milstead) McConnell. They were married June 29, 1884 and lived in Grand River except for a short time in Nebraska. Lewis worked for the CB&Q railroad for many years. Their home, which was located in Southeast part of Grand River, can be identified by the cement fence posts at corners of the yard as well as at each gate. The cement posts have colorful sea shells imbedded in them. The sea shells were brought from California where Lewis and Sarah spent several winters during their later years with daughter Grace. Lewis died August 24, 1945, at the age of 85 years. Sarah died August 24, 1949, at the age of 84 years. The seven children of Lewis and Sara are: Carried Mae born April 27, 1885, died October 6, 1974, married W. Henry Green. Earnie Franklin born Nov 3, 1886, died Aug 20, 1970, married Nellie Kieser. Grace Elizabeth born Feb 23, 1889, died Aug 8, 1952, married A. L. "Hap" Ferguson. Frederick Earl born June 8, 1892, died May 24, 1974, married Grace Rieke. Mayme Opal born Sept 21, 1893, died Feb 8, 1962, married Wesley W. Jones. Pearle born March 21, 1899, married Raymond A. Tillotson. Icy born Oct 7, 1908, married Roy Ruby. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 10, 2005

In a message dated 8/9/05 5:50:51 AM, WLStewart@ISUnet.net writes: > Since the History Channel has > recently relived the last days of WW II we now come to V-J Day. > > Where were you on that day? Youngsters are exempt from answering. > > I had just turned 6 years old in August of 1945 and I don't have a solid memory of either V-E Day or V-J Day. Oddly, however, I do have a strong memory of the earlier capture and killing of Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini. I was at a day care/pre-school in Los Angeles and the news came over an old wooden table-top radio and everyone cheered. Otherwise, my direct memories of the war involve camouflage netting over war plants, a sea of uniforms on trains and in depots, collecting scrap metal (including cigarette package tinfoil liners) and kitchen grease for the war effort, blackout curtains and one night-time air raid (so-called) with anti-aircraft fire that cause me to seek shelter behind our sofa. My Iowa-born parents each had a role in the defense effort. My dad was a civilian employee on the Alcan Highway project in Canada's Yukon Territory and my mom operated a drill press in a small carburetor factory that made parts for Air Corps bombers. I just used my young eyes to scan the skies for Zeros with my aircraft silhouette spotter book for reference <gg>. Rick

Wanda and all, I just entered a Ross family in Find A Grave and the Linn County Gen Web Gravestone project. This family is in Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion, IA. You never know when you can make a connection. This family came from James G. Ross who came from Ireland in 1823. Jane Dorsey ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wanda Myers" <wmyers2005@yahoo.com> To: <IADECATU-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 8:11 PM Subject: [IADECATU] Maybe will help > > Page 108 > > 814 > Ross, Charles /64/M/Farmer/VA > Ross, Polly /52/F/NY > Ross, Milton /28/M/Laborer/OH > Ross, Clarke /19/M/OH > Ross, Allen /18/M/OH > Ross, Hannah /16/F/OH > Ross, Levi /13/M/OH > Ross, Margaret A. /11/F/OH > Ross, Mary /9/F/OH > Ross, Abel /3/M/IA > > I do not know if this will be of help to anyone but I seem to remember > someone asking about a Hannah Ross...This was in the Mills Co Iowa Census > > Wanda >

Jeffery, Jr. and Elizabeth (Dove) were married in New York in 1853 and they moved to Delaware County in 1854. After raising a family of seven to adulthood, they moved to Grand River. Three of the sons and their families moved on farms purchased from the Hungarian settlement east of Grand River. After a few years on of the sons returned to Delaware County and one moved to Nebraska with only James remaining. Was there another Hungarian settlement in Decatur County? I know the story of the earlier settlement for which Decatur County’s New Buda Township was named. On another thought, every one has a mental list of historic events and remembers where they were on that day. Since the History Channel has recently relived the last days of WW II we now come to V-J Day. Where were you on that day? Youngsters are exempt from answering. I was working for John Morrell in Ottumwa for the summer before returning to Leon High for my junior year. Since Ottumwa was the site of a Naval Air Station the celebration on V-J Day lasted all night. These Navy pilots knew that they had just gotten a reprieve on being part of the invasion of Japan. NAS Ottumwa was also where our future President Richard Nixon was stationed. Since no one wanted to sleep the guy who rigged a steam whistle to a muffler cutout was forgiven.

Wests married Boles and McKee Barry WEst In a message dated 8/8/05 6:54:49 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Momdit@aol.com writes: BOLES - MCKEE

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 149 Harvey and Druzilla Brammer Family Harvey (1853-1930), husband of Druzilla (McConnell) Brammer (both born in Indiana), were the parents of 9 children. John Wesley, (b. in Decatur Co., Ia., on April 26, 1875) died on March 23, 1936, in Grand River, Ia. On Jan. 26, 1898, he was married to Dora Hukill of Jamison, Mo. Dora was born April 18, 1878, and died Nov. 12, 1942. Both are buried in Young Cemetery. John and Dora had three children born to them: Mildred, Glen and Jay. They adopted one son, Vern. More in the book. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981" p. 141 Samuel and Myra Jones Family Samuel Jones (1869-1946), the son of William and Malissa McConnell Jones, had three brothers: William married Jane Bohall, James married Minnie Denham and George married Alecta Smith and later married Dollie Collins. In 1896, Sam married Myra Hukill (1877-1963), the daughter of Ohio and Satira Burns Hukill. Myra had three brothers and one sister: Steven married Eva Woods, John married Lottie Overholtzer, Charles married Mable Gill and Helen married Ralph Daughton. Myra had two half-sisters: Margaret married Thomas Edwards and Ida married John Edwards. Sam was a farmer near Grand River and Westerville most of his life, with the exception of a few years spent in Colorado. They had two children: Floyd and Florence. Sam and Myra are buried at Westerville Cemetery. In 1917, Floyd Jones (1897-1975), married Catherine Cole (1900-1977), daughter of Dock and Candace Cole of Westerville. Floyd was a farmer most of his life in Decatur and Ringgold counties. Kate was a telephone operator for a number of years. They moved to Leon in 1974. They are buried at Oliver Cemetery in Ringgold County. Floyd and Kate had four children: Roy, Raymond, Francis Maurice and Ralph. Roy married Alma Boles and they farmed near Grand River. Raymond married Dorine Pidcock. He worked for Ed Harger's Tank Service of Grand River, and Dorine operates a beauty shop in their Beaconsfield home. Maurice married Doris Creveling. He, while a pilot in WW II, was shot down over Germany, in 1945. Interment was at Oliver Cemetery in Ringgold County. Ralph married Barbara Crees. They are partners in Leon Auto Parts store. Florence (1898-1951), married Ralph Emley in 1919. The first years of their marriage, they lived at Burlington, Iowa; then they made their home in Merino, Colorado. Florence died after surgery complications and is buried at Merino, Colorado. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 140 Walter and Susie Boles Family Walter Boles, son of William and Sarah Gilmore Boles, was born in 1869, in Long Creek Twp., in Decatur County. In the horse and buggy days, traveling many miles was a big factor, but distance did not hinder Walter because it was at the Mt. Zion Church, in the Tennessee neighborhood, where he met Susie Dean of Westerville. In 1895, Walter and Susie were married. She was the daughter of Silas and Armina Mickael Dean. At the age of four, she was orphaned and then made her home with Dock and Candace Cole of Westerville. Susie was born in 1877, at St. Frances, Kansas. Walter homesteaded a farm in N. E. Richland Twp. and lived on the same place for fifty-nine years. The farm was a great interest to him, so he did not look forward to the day when they had to retire and move to Van Wert in 1953. In October, of that same year, Walter passed away. His funeral was at Van Wert Christian Church. It was preached by an old time family friend, Rev. E. C. Vanderpool. He is buried at Grand River cemetery. In 1959, when Susie passed away, the same funeral arrangements were carried out for her. They had ten children: Willard, Ray, Ella, Nellie, Della, Orel, Violet, Everett, Wanda and Alma. Willard married Flossie West, and they lived most of their lives at Dallas, Iowa. Ray married Goldie Adams. They lived in Texas, but moved back to Grand River in 1927. Ella never married. Nellie married Andrew Miller of DeKalb but retired at Van Wert. Della married Pearl Woods of DeKalb and in later years lived in Leon. Orel married Beryl Woods; after her death he married Helen South. He farmed north of Grand River. Violet married Albert Hall and lived at Van Wert, retiring in Osceola. Everett married Frances Day and farmed near Grand River. Wanda married Mansel Smith of Leon, and they live at Fort Dodge. Alma married Roy Jones, and they farm near Grand River. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 139 BOLES - MCKEE Wesley (Weck) Edwin Boles Born June 26, 1865 Died November 5, 1954 Married September 13, 1885 Bertha McKee Born February 16, 1866 Died December 18, 1938 Farmers Children: Huldah, died in infancy Floyd Gilbert Boles Ethel Mae Kirkpatrick Sarah Ellen Wick Iva Blanch Fullerton Winona Alverta Bryant Irene Woods Morgan Reared two grandchildren: Glen (Dick) Wesley Wick Reba Kirkpatrick Lamb Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 132 The Binning Family Jeffery and Joan Binning were the parents of ten children all born near Ch eddar, Summerset Shire, England. Nine of the children came to America in about 1850. Jonas, the youngest, and his parents never came. The children were Sarah (Binning) Baker, Mary Ann (Binning) Hewlett-Anstey, George, Jeffery Jr., Charles and Lot. Most of them settled in New York for a short time before moving to near Dyersville, Iowa in Delaware Co. After a few years part of them moved to Decatur Co. settling around Grand River. Henry settled six miles southeast of Grand River and raised seven children. They were George, Frank, Henry, Arthur, Ida, Burleigh and Laura. Frank's descendents live in the Delray and Van Wert area. George "Wood" built several homes in Grand River. Jeffery, Jr. and Elizabeth (Dove) were married in New York in 1853 and they moved to Delaware County in 1854. After raising a family of seven to adulthood, they moved to Grand River. Three of the sons and their families moved on farms purchased from the Hungarian settlement east of Grand River. After a few years on of the sons returned to Delaware County and one moved to Nebraska with only James remaining. Jeffery, Jr.'s wife passed away in 1897. He remarried that same year to Louisa (Brammer) Brennaman, a widow with a young daughter named Mayne, whom he did adopt. James Binning married Annie (Stevens) in 1890 at Worthington, Iowa and resided near there until 1842 before moving east of Grand River. One son, Lewis, was born in 1891 prior to their moving. Three were born after they moved. They were Lawrence (1894); Floyd (1897); and Arthur (1900). Lewis (1891-1968) married Florence (Stout), a widow with twins, Dean and Dora. Born to them were two sons, Delbert and Harold. Lawrence (1894-1980) first married Neva McDowell and they had one son, Billie. Lawrence later married Era Burke and born to them were two daughters, Velva and Ruby. Arthur (1900-1969) was never married. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

Page 108 814 Ross, Charles /64/M/Farmer/VA Ross, Polly /52/F/NY Ross, Milton /28/M/Laborer/OH Ross, Clarke /19/M/OH Ross, Allen /18/M/OH Ross, Hannah /16/F/OH Ross, Levi /13/M/OH Ross, Margaret A. /11/F/OH Ross, Mary /9/F/OH Ross, Abel /3/M/IA I do not know if this will be of help to anyone but I seem to remember someone asking about a Hannah Ross...This was in the Mills Co Iowa Census Wanda Wanda --------------------------------- Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 21 Early Pioneers Elba Shewmaker was born on the farm near Grand River in 1875. Elba attended high school in Grand River. His father died when Elba was 15 and he took over the farm. With the exception of two years spent at Hellman's Mercantile in Chicago, he spent his entire life in Decatur Co. In the fall of 1914 he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of Decatur Co. Treasurer. Elba never married. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 21 Early Pioneers Patrick Griffin was born in 1831 in Co. Kerry Ireland. He came to this country when he was 13 yrs. old. He could speak only the Gallic language on arrival, but soon learned English. He finished high school and taught school a year before coming to Grand River in 1885. His work was selling town lots, but with his popularity he was appointed postmaster in May, 1885 for four years. He remained in Grand River 35 years. Pat established Grand River's first bank in 1889. It was conducted as a private institution under the name of Bank of Grand River, later as the State Savings Bank and later yet as the First National Bank. It later became a branch of the Decatur County State Bank. Pat was president for 40 years. He married Sarah Elizabeth Wasson, and had four children: Homer, Helene, Hazel and Gussie. In later life they moved to Leon. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

"Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981", p. 20 Early Pioneers William H. (Bill) Campbell was a progressive farmer, pioneer, purebred cattle breeder and was also successful as a politician. He was the son of Marian and Phoebe (Hannah) Campbell, and was reared in Decatur Township. His grandparents were Robert and Rachel (Jolly) Campbell. Bill bought his grandparents 80 acres in southeast Grand River Township in 1862. They had settled on it in 1856. He sold it in 1890 and bought 344 acres near Grand River. Bill married Minnie Fear and they were parents of three children: Edith (married Ernest Street, Neal (died in WW I) and Floyd. Bill was one of the first breeders of polled Hereford cattle. He was elected to the office of State Representative in 1928 and served for two terms. Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

Part 4 From "Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981" p. 14 Grand River History It might be interesting to list the voters at this first election 81 years ago. Remember there were no women voting then. A. S. Ladd J. W. Burham W. H. Burham Ed Gale J. M. Miles J. H. Edwards J. B. Bradshaw O. E. Hukill T. M. Metts R. G. Brown Job Peterson Frank McConnell William Luce C. C. McCrosky J. Cole John Bradshaw R. W. Boger H. P. Brothers J. D. Brammer Wm. Snyder F. C. Ansty W. H. McConnell C. S. Ladd S. H. Covington W. B. Howard W. R. Green J. S. Hauenstien J. A. Bain A. A. Taylor G. R. Sullivan J. W. Brammer B. C. bay J. W. Robinson Carric Bradshaw W. B. Day A. L. Ackerley H. C. Jennings S. J. Landes R. F. Brammer F. S. Ticknor Lewis Brown W. J. Beck H. C. McConnell Chas. Edwards N. B. Eaves Clint McConnell Perry Brammer W. H. Doaw A. D. Speer Jeffery Binning J. H. Crees C. W. Hauenstien S. C. Jennings H. W. Drew H. Binning J. M. Stone R. Brenneman J. H. Miller Chas. Chapman J. N. Gilreath J. S. Davidson J. H. Davis A. R. Keller J. C. Brothers T. P. Taylor Clint Cole T. T. Beck Ed Bell Pat Griffin J. Switzer E. L. Armstrong J. M. Davidson Many regular and special meetings of the council were held during the first months of 1900 to pass ordinances. The first of which was to set salaries for the council services. Others were to set prices for licenses for pool tables, beer, dogs, etc. Robert Brammer was appointed Marshall at this time. Francis M. Brammer was Justice of the Peace for Richland Township. He became rather famous at this profession, marrying people, settling legal disputes, etc. Transcribed by Stacey McDowell Dietiker August 8, 2005

Part 3 From "Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981" p. 13, 14 Grand River History The first council was organized Dec. 26, 1899 and the town was incorporated in 1900. The Chapman Hotel was used for the first council meetings and headquarters. The first election held on March 26, 1900 consisted of 2 tickets. The Citizens Ticket Mayor Patrick Griffin Clerk J.C. Brothers Treasurer A. L. Ackerley Assessor John Burham Councilman T. T. Beck J. H. Crees F. J. Landes S. C. Jennings J. H. Davis J. W. Robinson The Administration Ticket Mayor W. H. Drew Clerk J. C. Brothers Treasurer A. L. Ackerley Assessor Charles Bezold Councilman J. Switzer J. Crees John Davidson T. T. Beck J. W. Robinson Wood Binning The judges for the election were Pat Griffin, T. T. Beck and J. R. Crees. The clerk was J.C. Brothers. The elections records show the new council as: Mayor Pat Griffin Clerk James Brothers Treasurer A. L. Ackerley Assessor John Burham Councilman (1 yr) T. T. Beck (2 yr) J. R. Crees (3 yr) J. Switzer (2 yr) J. G. Davis (1 yr) J. W. Robinson (3 yr) John Davidson The terms of councilmen were decided by lot. All the officers elected were sworn in and bonds were presented and accepted for those requiring them. To Be Continued....

Part 2 From "Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881 - 1981" p. 13 Grand River History Soon after the town was started lots were offered for sale and were taken very rapidly. Dwellings, store rooms, hotels, etc., were at once erected and soon the community had the appearance of a fast growing city. During the first year the presence of the hands who were at work on the extension of the Humeston & Shenandoah Railroad from that place westward across the state, helped to give the merchants of the place a good tradeuntil the business of the town could be built up from the surrounding country. The new town, however, had a good trade from the very start. One thing which at first very materially retarded the growth of Grand River was the difficulty in crossing Grand River at that point, there being no bridge and the river having to be forded. This tended to cut off a large part of her legitimate trade. In the summer of 1887, though, an iron bridge was constructed acorss the river 1/2 mile east of town, and the difficulty was removed. Among the early improvements was a fine church building, erected by the Presbyterians, but which was open to other denominations when not in use by the builders. The State Savings Bank at Grand River was originally established in 1889 by Patrick Griffin who conducted it as a private institution under the name of Bank of Grand River. Ten years later Mr. Griffin disposed of the business to A. L. Ackerly who conducted it as a private bank under the same name until July 1, 1900, when it was incorporated under the title of State Savings Bank of Grand River. This was known as the First National Bank. (At that time the bank was of that name and later became a branch of the Decatur County State Bank.) A. L. Ackerly was president; Patrick Griffin, Vice president; J. C. Brothers, cashier; and Charles Kelley, assistant cashier. The capital stock was $25,000 and the deposits amount to $118,000. The Farmers Bank was established in 1903. J. Switzer was the president and A. R. Switzer was cashier. The capital was $10,000 and the deposits amounted to $128,000. To Be Continued....