Prall Family

Nelson Prall settled in what is now Franklin township in 1857. In the night of July 1st, 1858, Mr. Prall, his wife and two children were drowned. Their house stood near what is known as Jim Branch, and during the night named the water became so high that the house in which the family was sleeping, was removed from its foundation and carried down stream one-third of a mile, when it struck a tree or something else and up-set turning all the occupants into the stream. Thomas Prall, his wife and one child, were also in the house, but Thomas Prall managed to save himself and wife, but while rescuing his wife lost the child. All the bodies of the drowned were recovered, and were buried in Turkey Grove. Thos. Prall now resides in Van Buren county. Wilson Prall, a brother to Nelson, settled in the county in 1857, and continues to be one of our citizens.

From "History of Cass County, Iowa Together With Brief Mention of Old Settlers," by Lafe Young, Atlantic, Iowa, Telegraph Steam Printing House, 1877, pg. 57-58.