Decatur County Historical Society NewsletterVolume No. 2, Issue No. 3, July/August 2006 |
| Decatur County Museum The Museum will be open through September 29th, every Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum is located in the 100 block of North Main in Leon, Iowa. For viewing appointments, please contact Bob Bixby at (641) 446-3297 or Chet Redman at Great Western Bank (641) 446-4841. Museum Improvements This summer three #10 fire extinguishers have been added at the entrance to each floor. Repairs have been made to the lighting system for improved viewing. A restoration of the displays is ongoing. A new display for the late U.S. Congressman Steven Carter has been completed. A new roof will be coming soon. Also improved lighting for the upstairs hallway, living room display and the general store display on the first floor. The photo displays are being renewed. All of the photos at the Museum will be put on computer hard drive and enhanced for future use. Future Projects Future projects include: Increased hours depending on income and volunteers available. Painting the entrance and window frames. Repairing the front door. Plaster, wall and tile repair. Restoration of an existing bathroom that is not in working order at this time. A work table and desk are being considered for genealogists at the rear of main floor. Binning Family Reunion The Binning Family Reunion will be taking a tour of the Museum Saturday, August 5th, from 9-11 a.m. |
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| Jeffery and Joan Binning were the parents of Binning family members who eventually settled in and near Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa. Jonas Binning was born in 1841 and died in 1911. He married Annie Gummer. They lived at Clewer, Wedmore, Somerset, England and had twelve children. |
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 Sarah
Binning Baker was the oldest child who immigrated to the United States.
She married Joseph Baker on 21 July 1850 in New York. Four children were
born to this union while living in New York: Sarah Ann, Emma Jane,
Joseph and Elizabeth. Around 1856 the Baker family moved to Delaware
County, Iowa. In Iowa seven more children were added: Mary Ann, William
Henry, Emma Jane, Eliza Jane, Richard, George Edward and John Francis.
On May 10, 1871 the Baker family moved to Decatur County near Grand
River. |
| Grand River News From the "The Grand River Era" Feb 8, 1883 published in Grand River, Iowa. Editor is T. J. Fink "Weldon had a coal famine last week" "Seven for selling whiskey and four for keeping gambling houses, were indicted in Leon" "Scott Bros will have a supply of tin next week" “Dr Maxwell tells us that with the exception of colds the health of the community is good" "Go to Hileshers and get shaved" "L. D. Bosworth & Co. is buying corn" "S.C. Jennings & Co is buying oats" "S.C. Jackson has shipped seven cars of walnut logs to Chicago" "Mrs. Jorden Koger continues to suffer from her fall" "Those needing harness should call C. Smith a call" "H.P. Brothers went over to Weldon the other day" "Miss Ida Harris left on Monday for a week's visit with friends in Clearfield" "Hon Fred Teale has returned from England" "Wm Barber of Davis City, had his hand mashed off while coupling engines at Chariton" H & S Timetable [Train] Going East 2:35 P.M. Passenger 1:59 P.M. 8:21 A.M. Freight 4:47 P.M. 1:12 P.M. Freight 10:16 P.M. Activities Grand River will be holding a 125 Year Celebration on September 16, 2006. Page 3, Donations Donations to the Decatur County Historical Society and Museum may be sent to: Great Western Bank c/o Chet Redman 111 N Main Leon, Iowa 50144 Checks may be made out to: The Decatur County Museum. |
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