"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