Pages 126-131

WILLIAM JESS AND EVA MELZENA BREAKFIELD

Jess Breakfield and Melzena Murrell were married in Missouri on October 11, 1937 They had 2 sons, Leland Victor, born September 17, 1938, in Missouri; Merle Francis, born May 11, 1941 in Lebanon, Missouri; and one daughter Donna Joy, born October 18, 1944 in Carson, Iowa.

In March 1943, they moved to Iowa to a farm at Avoca and worked for Reno Walker from April until September, 1943. They then moved to Carson and worked for Manning Edic doing farm labor and started out at $85.00 per month and were making $100.00 per month when they moved to Carson town in 1947.

Jess was employed by Eldon Colvin, Vess Frain, Pottawattamie County, Marshall Ketchum and in 1960 he started work at the Carson-Macedonia school as a bus mechanic and bus driver until his death in May, 1970. Jess was an active member and Past Master of Coral Lodge #430 at Carson.

The 3 children received all of their education at the Carson School.

Victor entered the Air Force upon his graduation in 1956. In 1962 he married Cheryla Ferguson of Madison, Wisconsin. They had 2 daughters. Rhonda Marie born April 9, 1963 and Charisse Lynn born July 27, 1966. The family resides in South Saint Paul, Minnesota where Vic works in an oil refinery.

Merle married Jeanine Ann Husz in 1961 and they have 3 daughters, Raneta Jean born March 29, 1962, Teri Dawn, born February 18, 1964, and Beth Ann born September 21, 1969. They live in Carson and Merle is a carpenter and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Donna was married to Gary Livengood in 1964 and they had one daughter Annette Christine born April 26, 1965 and a son William Richard born December 7, 1967. Donna and her children live in Carson and she is employed at Mutual of Omaha.

CASPER AND FRANZISKA BRICH

Casper and Franziska Brich and children: Anna, Josephine and John; came to the United States in 1875 from Marienbad, Bohemia; now a part of Czechoslovakia. Casper was born June 3, 1823 and died July 5, 1903. Franziska Egger was born Feb. 10, 1832 and died Dec. 30, 1905. They were buried in St. Patricks cemetery in Neola, Iowa.

Military service in Bohemia was compulsory at this time and they did not wish their only son to go into the service.

Word was received of land for sale in Iowa. They bought 120 acres; 11/2 miles east of Neola in Pottawattamie County, Minden Township, from the Rock Island R. R. the family stayed with friends in Council Bluffs and the men erected a 2 room house on the land.

John Brich, born Nov. 18, 1864 and Catherine Nuschy born Nov. 26, 1868 at Festina, Iowa were married at St. Patricks Church in Neola, Iowa on May 30, 1893. Catherine’s parents, Joseph and Catherine Schloegle Nuschy came from Behringsdorf, Austria Hungary in 1868, just prior to Catherine’s birth. John and his wife lived with his parents on the farm, taking care of Casper and Franziska until their deaths.

Eight sons and four daughters were born to John and Catherine. Anna Nuschy, a sister of Catherine, also lived with them. Mary, Anna, Joseph, John Jr., Edward, Paul, Herbert, Clement, Laurence, Marcella, Phillip and Thecla.

Mary, single, died May 26, 1975. Kept house for father after her Mother’s death. In 1942 Mary and Anna Nuschy made their home together in Neola.

Anna Catherine (Sr. M. Thecla) died May 27, 1975, joined the Sisters of Humility in July 1916 and taught school until death.

Joseph died June 4, 1968 Single. In 1920 went to Yellowstone National Park and drove a sightseeing bus, doing mechanic work in the company’s garage in the winter. Served in World War I and II.

John Jr. married Angela Lustgraaf in 1924 and farmed all his life in Pottawattamie County, except for a few years in Shelby County. Owns a farm 2 1/2 miles east of Neola which his son Bill operates. John and Ang had 7 daughters and 4 sons Six girls; Dorthy, Donna, Rose Mary, Cecilla, Josephine, and Jeanette and three sons, Bill, Herb, and Dave are still living. Leonard and Roberta died when they were young. They have 42 grandchildren.

Edward John was born May 28, 1901 and died July 22, 1962. Married Gladys G. Smith June 10, 1925 at St. Peters Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They moved onto 130 acres belonging to John Sr., west of the original farm. They had six daughters and four sons.

Joan (Kemmish) Janson, Rolla, Missouri Her first husband died during the Polio epidemic, in the later 1940’s.

Marian Madden, Robert, Charlotte Stephens, M. Margaret Vorthman, Thomas, Francis, Stephen, Theresa Berriman, Virginia Kilts.

There are 49 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

In 1961 Ed had to quit farming on account of his health and moved into Neola. The farm was rented out for a number of years until Francis started farming. In 1969 Francis and his wife moved onto the farm and are still living there.

Paul James married Geraldine Atkins and rented a farm from his Dad until 1946. Moved to Neola and did carpenter work until his death, June 28, 1954 Had five sons and 3 daughters. Harold, Catherine, James, Carilyn and Marilyn (twins), Jerome, who died of injuries from an accident, Frederick, and Michael. There are 21 grandchildren.

Herbert Vincent died when he was 15 years old.
Clement Phillip. Served overseas during World War II. Then married Catherine and lived in Des Moines doing carpenter work.
Laurence Herman. Left Neola right after graduation and went to Chicaco where he was a mechanic. Married Margaret and had one son. Laurence served overseas in World War II. They have 2 adopted grandchildren.

Rose Marcella, single. Graduated from St. Catherines School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebr., moved to Milwaukee, Wisc. and was an anesthetist until retirement.

Philip Nicholas graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry. Married Maxine from Wisconsin After serving in World War II, he opened an office in Jefferson, Wisc. They have 2 children, Philip Jr. and Ann Catherine. Philip is now retired.

Thecla Lucille, born Sept. 6 and died Sept. 23, 1911.

John Sr. and his wife acquired more land until the holding totaled 530 acres, including already developed land and buildings. Part of this land is still in the Brich family and is farmed by a grandson, Francis. Another part was sold in later years and is now part of Arrowhead Park. At one time John Jr. his wife and later Paul and his wife lived on the acres west of the original farm.

Catherine died Dec. 13, 1922 and John Brich Sr. died May 20, 1942. They are buried in St. Patricks Cemetery in Neola.

After John Sr.’s death the estate was farmed by John and Ed to pay off debts accrued during the depression of the 1930. In the fall of 1946 the 530 acres was sold at public auction. John bought 80 acres, Ed bought the 130 acres he was living on (later adding 30 acres to it) and 320 acres were sold to a Mr. Kaven from Omaha, Neb.

There was an ice house on the John Brich Sr. far and he and the boys would cut blocks of ice from the Hesley Pond outside of Minden Then it would be stored between layers of straw for summer use.

John Sr. and neighbors jointly owned a threshing machine that was powered by a steam engine, and water being supplied by a water wagon. Ed ran the steam engine for several years after he was married, then tractor power was used.

ALBERT BRIGGS

Albert Filmore was third child born to Caleb and Alice (Cooney) Briggs in 1884 at Carson, Iowa.  He married Helene Golldap of McClelland in 1910.  She was born in Germany in 1885, came to Iowa with her parents when she was five years old.  They were parents of six sons and one daughter.  Albert passed away in 1963.  Helene in 1960.

Albert Jr. farmed for several years, then moved into Minden in spring of 1977 where he is employed.

Edwin, now deceased, served three years in the Air Force in World War II.  Most of this time was spent in Aleutian Islands.  The moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at National Cash Register until his death.  He married Margaret Brown of Dayton.  They had no children.

William, also, spent three years in the Air Force in World War II.  Most of this time was spent in England and France.  He then returned home to farming, now has moved into Minden.

Mary is married to Mervin Applegate and lived on a farm west of Oakland with a son, Martin, until 1963 when they moved to Oakland.  Martin came back to the family farm.  He graduated from Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa; then spent six months in National Guard.  He married Ilene Watkins of Griswold.  He was a Kindergarten Teacher, later started a Nursery School in their home which she still operates.  They have three sons:  Thomas, Todd, Timothy.

Earl, after spending one year in the Air Force in World War II, was given a Medical Discharge.  He married Beatrice Schmidt of Minden, farm near Carson and Minden until he had to leave the farm due to ill health.  They moved to Council Bluffs.  They have three daughters:  Sheryl married Norman Clark, has two sons, David and Richard.  They also live in Council Bluffs.  Jannelle, after graduating from College at Cedar Falls, Iowa is employed at Independence, Iowa.  Rhonda is married to Craig Forsythe, has one daughter, Michell, they live in Council Bluffs.

Robert married Let Mae Olsen of Hancock, Iowa, lived there for several years before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed as a painter, carpenter.  They have two children:  Robert Jr. is married to Patti Shaw, has a daughter, Laura.  They live in Omaha.  Pamela is married to David Melville, has two sons:  David Jr., Michael, they live in Omaha.

Lyle after graduating from high school at Treynor, Iowa, went to Omaha to work.  He married Martha Welton of Omaha.  They have two daughters, Diana - married to Paul Cavenaugh, has two sons, Kevin and Brian and live in Phoenix, Arizona.  Roxanne married Dennis Pettit and has two sons, Cory who was born in Germany while his father was stationed there with the Army and Aaron.  They live in Omaha.

ARTHUR AND MARY BRIGGS

Arthur Paul Briggs was born April 16, 1894 to William F. Briggs and Sara E. (Mastin) Briggs, the only child.  He grew to young manhood, attending school at Center School Washington township.  He was always a great help and blessing to his parents always looking out for their care and needs. 

He and his father farmed together until his father's death in 1931.  He was one of the Water Witchers and was very successful, always able to find water.  He used a forked plain wire.  He could also tell how deep they would have to go, using a long stick and each bob of stick was a foot. 

His great delight was raising Black Purebred Hogs and was a breeder well known selling hogs in many states; also showing at Nebraska Fair with very successful luck.  He kept this interest up even while in the hospital.  He was a member of United Evangelical Church at Fairview, also a very active worker after the chapel was restored, getting things donated for sale and also acting as auctioneer at sales.  In fact, he auctioned at the sale on Sunday and the following week was rushed to the hospital, but it was his wish that he be permitted to act just one more time.  He was a good neighbor, friend, and faithful to his family.

On March 6, 1918, he was united in marriage to Mary C. Thayer in the home of Rev. A. J. Matthews in their home in Council Bluffs.  They returned to the home of his parents and they lived here until the spring of 1959 when they moved across the creek to the Burns' farm which they had recently purchased.  To this union were born five children:  Arthur P. Jr., (Mary) Mrs. Marvin Carse, Sarah E. (twins), William F. and (Barbara) Mrs. Robert Deitchler.

Mary, born Jan. 23, 1921, married Marvin Carse and lives near Carson, Iowa.

Sadie, Mary's twin, at home, keeping the home up and caring for her mother with Arthur Jr.'s help and interested with the farm work and the Black Poland China hogs.

William, born May 25, 1926, married Dolores Virck, divorced, three girls, Joleen and Coleen (twins) and Melindia.

Barbara, born May 12, 1935, married Robert M. Deitchler, have three sons, David, John and Jimmy.

Mr. Briggs passed away October 17, 1967 in Jennie Edmundson Hospital just 36 years to the day after his father's death, after a long illness of cancer at the age of 73 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Mrs. Mary C. Briggs passed away June 17, 1975 of cancer after a long illness at the age of 79 years, 7 months and 19 days.

Mrs. Briggs was a baptized member of the Fairview Evangelical Church, where she remained an active member, having taught Sunday School classes, was secretary and played the organ.  She was also president of the Keystone League of Christian Endeavors.  Having spent her entire life in Washington Township.  She was active in the restoration of the Fairview Memorial Chapel and Cemetery and in the continuation of Memorial services held there.  Much of the continuing upkeep of the grounds and cemetery has been due to the interest of Mrs. Briggs and her family.  She loved her home and her family and took a great interest in her grandchildren. 

Joleen Briggs married Robert Richwine October 25, 1975 in Council Bluffs.  Coleen Briggs married David Guhl August 9, 1975.  He is in the Marines.  They were in Japan, now in Yumaiz.  Mindy is home with her mother in Council Bluffs.

GEORGE AND GRACE BRIGGS

George was born in 1901 to Caleb and Alice Briggs, eleventh of twelve children.  He grew up with his family in Washington Township, attending school in District No. 8.

I was born in Missouri in 1910, third of seven.  My parents, Andrew and Ethel Kelsay, came to Oakland in 1923, I attended Oakland High School.

George and I were married in 1927.  He worked as a farm hand until 1937 when we moved to Oakland.  He was employed at Vieth's Hardware until retirement in 1967.  George's profession was with tile, linoleum and servicing gas appliances.  Mine was housewife, seamstress, Avon representative.  No college degrees, but we mastered our work, which is a profession in any language.  We were parents of six, five daughters, one son.  The oldest died in infancy, our eleven-year-old son.  George Charles, a victim of drowning in 1954.  Daughters Marian, Esther, Edith and Karen are graduates of Oakland High; all honor students, their extra activities being music and drama.  All were members of the Order of Rainbow for girls.

Marian is married to Robert T. Higdon, Col. USAF, retired.  They reside in Sacramento, California.  Marian was active in Officers Wives club, Red Cross and volunteer work.  Bob, a graduate of Omaha U., spent 321/2 years in the Air Force.  His first duty was in England as B17 bomber pilot in W.W. II at age 19.  He served as Air Attaché in Tangier, Morocco, B47 in Little Rock, Ark., two tours of SAC Hdqtrs., Offutt AFB, Neb., NATO Hdqtrs., Paris France, USAEUR, Stuttgart, Germany, Washington, D.C.,  and Beal AFB where he retired in 1975.  Bob is now in real estate.  The Higdon's hobby is gourmet foods of many countries.  They have four children, Janet Lynne, Arlington, Va., is a graduate of Woodson H.S., Fairfax, Va.  She attended Mathers Community College, is a receptionist, vocalist and fashion photographer's model.  Robert T. , Jr. is a graduate of Woodson and attended Mathers Community and Yuba Jr. College, California  He was active in music and sports, he and Janet both members of Symphonic Choir.  He is now restaurant manager and student at American River College.  Mark Andrew attended three years at Woodson, graduated from Wheatland High, California, was active in sports, music and drama, an accomplished guitarist, vocalist was a member of Virginia All-State choir.  He is recipient of four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship, senior at Cal. State, Harvard, Calif., a psychology major and member of ROTC Cadet Corps, Berkely, Mary Kathrn, eighth grade  honor student, is active in music, drama, and accomplished in swimming, piano and dancing.

Esther attended Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls.  There she met Frank Riney from Kahuku, Hawaii.  Frank graduated from I.S.T.C in 1953 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutentant in the U.S. Marine Corps.  They were married in 1954.  During Frank's military career, The Rineys lived in Hawaii, Florida, Virginia and California. Frank served in Viet Nam, Okinawa, and aboard the USS Valley Forge.  Esther sold real estate in Hawaii and California.  She has been active with Church, choir, Red Cross and Navy Relief Volunteers. The Rineys have two daughters: Deborah Ellen and Ruth Noelani. Both are accomplished horsewomen, showing English hunter and jumper. Debbie is pursuing a career in textile merchandising: Ruth is in aviation, having obtained a pilot’s license at age 17. The family now lives at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Frank was promoted to Colonel in 1975 and is Commanding Officer of Hdqtrs. Bttn., 1st Marine Division, and Chief of Staff of 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Esther is president of Camp Pendleton Marine Officers Wives Club.

Edith was employed at Mutual of Omaha for eight years, during which time she married Ulysses F. Grant, then stationed at Offutt AFB. During Grant’s military career, they have lived in Nebraska, Florida, England and Maryland, have toured Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium and Holland Grant has spent twenty years in U.S. Army and Air Force in Intelligence field and holds the highest enlisted rank, Chief M. Sgt. (E-9), is currently stationed at Offutt AFB. In addition to military duties, he is Treasurer of SAC Federal Credit Union. He is a Master Mason 32o Scottish Rite member. They have two sons, active in band and sports. Edith is currently employed as computer operator at Columbian Fathers in Bellevue, Nebr., where the Grants now reside.

Karen lives in Grand Island, wife of John Wicht. John attended Milford, Nebr. Tech. School, is a contractor, and his most important project is the beautiful home they built at Davis Lake. Karen is graduate of Nancy Bounds modeling school, does some modeling in Grand Island, was employed as clerk-typist at Cornhusker Army Ammunition plant and is now employed by Bell Telephone. They have three children: Michael John, Daniel Lee and Brenda Grace. The boys are honor students, love music and sports.

George and I traveled after 1967, spending four months in Europe with the Higdons, then stationed at Stuttgart, Germany. With them, we toured England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany. We made three trips to Hawaii when the Rineys were stationed there. We were in Fairfax and Quantico, Va. While the Higdons and Rineys were there and in California when they were at Beal and Concord bases. George’s hobbies were sports, hunting, bowling and golf, his marksmanship the envy of many, his golf hard to beat. My outside interests are church, clubs, Past Matron of Eastern Star and collecting souvenirs. Together we enjoyed our children and eleven grandchildren, our pride and joy. We are a family that walks with God, from whom comes our strength, guidance, peace, hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. United Methodist is the church of our choice. We have had triumphs, disappointments, joys and sorrows, for which we accept and praise God. We are a close and devoted family.

George passed on in September, 1975. Our family plot is in Fairview Cemetery, near his birthplace. Whatever good our lives contribute to history, we thank God for our Pottawattamie County heritage.

Bertha Clausen
Arthur Clausen
Roy Clausen
Elsie Schmidt
Willie Behrens
Bernice Jeffries
Vivian Bolton
Mamie Clausen
Rudolf Behrens
Lawrence Busch
Henry Boege
Sophie Boege
George Briggs
Clarence Busch
Mabel Busch
Lily Clausen
Hage Behrens
Julius Behrens
Willie Briggs
Lizzie Boege
Cecilia Busch
Bertus Behrens
Erwin Clausen
Martha Behrens
Frank Busch

GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIGGS

George Washington Briggs settled with his family in Pottawattamie County about 1850. There were seven children: Edd, George, Frank, William, Caleb, Mary (Fichter), and Ella (Strong).

Caleb married Alice Cooney and took a homestead in Washington Township. Caleb and his father were carpenters, building many of the houses in the area, including Fairview Church. Caleb’s home was a ten-room house, with wash house, smoke house, ice house and outhouse. He maintained an orchard with all the native fruits and berries. Mr. Briggs farmed his land and was an extensive stock-feeder. He was a good provider, and Mother Briggs mastered all the culinary arts of her day; the family enjoyed the bounteous country living of their time.

They had twelve children; all married and lived in Pottawattamie County Dan married Elsie Bell; their children were Donald, Merrill, Mary, and Avis. Susie married Jesse Ford; their children were Guy, John , Alice, and Lloyd. Bert married Helen Goldapp; their children are Bert, Edd, William, Mary, Earl, Robert, and Lyle. Minnie married Lou Heiman; their children were Ivan, Elvin, and Evelyn. Her second marriage was to Chet Hanlon; their children are Leota and Vera. Effie married Matthew Mullen; their children are Michael, Rozella, Bernadette, Peter, Burnard, and Mary. Edith married Frank Ring. Jake married Rose Hamm; their children are Roberta and Harold. Mary married Louis Zoeller. Martha married Foster Carter; they had a daughter, Lavonne. Frank married Margaret Carter; their children are Jean, Frank, Jack, Judy, and Joanne. George married Grace Kelsay; their children were Marian, Esther, Edith, George, and Karen. William married Clara Greenfield; their children are Reba and Rosemarie. Edith Ring is the only survivor of the twelve.

The Briggs girls all inherited their mother’s cooking skills – their tables a feast to behold.

WILLIAM F. BRIGGS

William F. Briggs, son of George and Effie Briggs was born near Shiekshinne Lucerne County, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1853, passed away October 17, 1931 at the age of 78 years, 6 months, 5 days. His early childhood was lived in Pennsylvania, his parents moved to Illinois for a short time. The subject came to Iowa in 1873.

Mr. Briggs lost his hearing at an early age of 8 while working on the Erie Canal On account of this misfortune, he was unable to take an active part in public service although he was able to read the lips of his many friends when they conversed with him. After reaching the mature age, he attended school for the deaf in Council Bluffs When he came to Iowa, he settled in Washington township and built a little cabin down on the creek, then he built up on the hill where he resided until his last sickness; when he first came to Iowa there were no houses between here and Council Bluffs, no bridges, nor roads, he was a real pioneer, and wolves were very plentiful. In 1881 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Campbell at Pulo, Illinois. To this union two sons were born. William B. and Frank, the mother passed away in 1886 with cancer, leaving her husband with two small sons at the age of 29. Mr. Briggs’ sister, Mrs. Mary Fichter who lived close helped him care for the little boys. Frank passed away September 23, 1958 and William Briggs in 1964.

William F. Briggs was united in marriage to Sarah E. Masten of Niles, Michigan at Council Bluffs, October 4, 1888. To this union was born one son, Arthur P. Briggs, who was engaged in farming with his father. Mr. Briggs was converted to Christ and united with the Fairview Evangelical Church and was consecrated and faithful until death.
Sarah Elizabeth Mastin was born at Milford, Delaware, September 11, 1853 to John and Sara Elizather (Bennett) Mastin. She was the eldest sister of William, James, Barbara and Lydia. At an early age the family moved to Niles, Michigan. When nineteen years of age her mother passed away and left to her the care of her brothers and sisters. It was this responsibility she carried until the younger children were all grown. One sister died at an early age, one brother, James was burned to death in a fire in 1918 when he gave his life in trying to rescue a fellow worker. Lydia married a Mr. Post and she passed away in Florida at the age of 85; she had four children, two girls and two boys, no record of the son’s whereabouts, one daughter Mildred passed away in Florida. Miss Mastin was a well known dress-maker in Niles, Michigan. She loved to sew and was a very good seamstress, sewing for the select classes. On October 4, 1888, she was united in marriage to William F. Briggs in Council Bluffs. She took to her tender-loving heart, the two motherless boys William and Frank, and with the help of her husband raised them to young manhood besides caring for their only son, Arthur. Mrs. Briggs made her acceptance of Christ many years ago, and united with the Methodist Church in Niles, Michigan, then transferred her membership to the United Evangelical Church at Fairview. She was a constant attendant at its services as long as they were held and her health permitted. A real pioneer woman, a good neighbor, a devoted wife and mother – always ready to help a person in need. She was 87 years, 2 months and 18 days. After her husband’s death she still resided in her old home with her son Arthur and family, where she passed away after a long illness that finally developed into pneumonia.

THOMAS BROCK

Thomas Brock and Harriett Summers were united in marriage on January 25, 1862. To this union were born: Don, Dol, Roxena (Roberson), William.

William Marion Brock married Clara Maria Halladay of Hancock on September 30, 1884. Together they lived in James Township and later Center Township Their children were: Harriett Elizabeth born July 18, 1886 died March 18, 1891; Leo Everett born January 27, 1889 married Ina May Freeman, daughter of Levi and Eunice Luella Freeman of Oakland, on February 2, 1910; Hazel Glee born October 24, 1891 married Raymond Clark; Jessie Juanita born August 5, 1894 married Verbal Brown of Oakland; Cecil Vesta born in 1897, married Carl Francis Rodwell of Oakland; Virgil Marion born August 18, 1900, married Alma McLaughlin; Baby Brock born December 25, 1908 died January 3, 1909.

Max Hummel was born December 29, 1917 on a farm south of Oakland to George and Cora (Mellott) Hummel. On June 1, 1939, he married Fae Marie Brock. To this union 2 children were born: Larry Max on September 5, 1941. He graduated from Oakland High School, attended Ames Iowa State College, graduating in May 1963. June 16, 1963, he was married to Marlene Eloise Nilan, daughter of the Boyd Nilan’s of Oakland. After living in Iowa, Georgia, Oregon and California and working for International Harvester, they were making their home in Atlantic, Iowa, where Larry is in partnership in the International dealership. They have two daughters: Kersten Dawn born July 14, 1966 and DeAnne Leigh born March 26, 1968.

Ina Louanne Hummel was born March 10, 1947, also graduated from Oakland High School, attended Dana College at Blair, Nebr. Had training at Clarkson Hospital Laboratory where she is employed as a Histologic Technologist. She was married August 27, 1976 to Kenneth Gruidel of Omaha.

LLOYD AND MERTIE BROKMAN

Lloyd Vincent Brokman, born July 26, 1903, at McClelland, Iowa. Hardin Township Son of Samuel and Anne Brokman Lloyd was united in marriage September 7, 1937, to Mertie Beatrice Beldin, daughter of Verne E. and Dollie B. Beldin. Mertie was born at Pacific Junction, Iowa Nov. 2, 1917. They have one daughter, Nancy Irene Dose, married Dec. 23rd, 1962 to Robert W. Dose. They live at Underwood, Iowa.

Lloyd and Mertie have one son, Daniel Vincent Brokman. Daniel married Sandra D. Jorgensen, September 1st, 1962. Brokman’s have five Grandsons: Daniel Todd Brokman, David Shawn Brokman, Steven Scott Brokman, Ronald William Dose, and Michael John Dose.

Their son Daniel lives at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Lloyd and Mertie reside on the original home farm of Samuel Brokman where Lloyd has lived all his life.

Lloyd is Past Master of Amber Lodge AF and AM 569, Quick, Past president of the Hardin Township School Board, has been township trustee, Past President of West Pottawattamie Co. Farm Bureau, past township Committee member of A.S.C., is a member of Grace United Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, is a West Pottawattamie Soils Commissioner, is an executive board member of Resources, Conservation and Development Program, and a member of Land Preservation Board.

Mertie is a member of Grace United Presbyterian Church, of Council Bluffs, Past President of the United Presbyterian Women’s Association of Grace Church, was named Rural Homemaker of West Pottawattamie County in 1953, is an Honorary Member of Hardin ‘Work and Win 4H Club’. Past Chairman of West Pottawattamie Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Past Worthy Matron of Amber Star #328 at Quick, Member of Jennie Edmundson Hospital Auxiliary, Member of Iowa Soils Conservation Auxiliary, Past President of the HillTop Woman’s Club of McClelland, Past President of the McClelland Community Club, and is a tapist for the Iowa Commission for the Blind Library in Des Moines.

Lloyd and Mertie are also active in Hardin township Farm Bureau. Lloyd was recently a recipient of a 50th Anniversary Iowa Department of Agriculture Certificate for farming the same land for over 50 years.

The Brokman’s enjoy bowling, and also traveling.

GALE NOLAN BROWN

Gale Nolan Brown, son of Walter and Aldah Brown of Beaconsfield, Iowa was born in Ringgold County, Nov. 10, 1936. He attended Beaconsfield Consolidated School and graduated from there in 1955. He graduated in 1962 and received his Master’s degree in 1971 from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo. Gale moved to Neola in the summer of 1971 and has taught the sixth grade in the Underwood elementary school since that time. He is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Neola, having been a member of the choir and is now serving his second term on the session. He is also a member of the newly organized Lions Club of Neola.

GORDON W. BROWN

Gordon W. Brown, birth date August 21, 1920, and Flora Fern McKown, birth date August 13, 1919 were married February 28, 1940, at Rockport, Missouri. They maintained their residence in Council Bluffs, Iowa, all of their married life, Mr. Brown became deceased June 13, 1961; however, Mrs. Brown still maintains the family home at 2709 Avenue D.

Mr. Brown was Chief clerk to the Law Department of the Union Pacific Railroad Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, in private life at the time of his death. In public life, he was an elected City Councilman for the City of Council Bluffs. He served as Mayor of Council Bluffs for the year 1959. He served as Building Chairman for the Educational Unit for Epworth United Methodist Church, Council Bluffs; he also served several years as Stewardship Chairman of the Iowa Des Moines United Methodist Conference, holding this position at the time of his death.

Mrs. Brown is secretary to the Treasurer of Imperial Casualty and Indemnity Company in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of four children: Joyce Vivian Brown Hunter, born November 18, 1946; Warren Edward Brown, born January 19, 1949; Janet Anne Brown-Lowe, born January 15, 1952, and Dean Gordon Brown, born July 29, 1954

Joyce Hunter is married to Ronald L. Hunter, formerly of Council Bluffs, and they maintain their home in Garden Grove, California, where Mr. Hunter is in the construction business. Joyce is a supervisor for American Can Company in Anaheim, California. They have a son, Matthew Gordon.

Warren Brown maintains his home in Omaha, Nebraska, being associated with the U.S. Engineer Corps as an economist. Warren is a graduate of Creighton University and was granted a teaching fellowship to Oklahoma State at Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he completed his graduate studies.

Janet Brown-Lowe is married to Jerry Lowe, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa. She lives in Bettendorf, Iowa, where she is German teacher with the public system. Mr. Lowe is a social worker. Janet was an AFS student in Germany for a year following her graduation from TJHS. She received her B.A. degree in German from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa and was awarded a teaching fellowship to Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and has completed her Master’s Degree in German from that institution. Dean Gordon Brown maintains his home in Aurora, Colorado, where he is head mechanic for Brunswick Bowling Alley in Aurora.

JOHN H. BROWN

** See below
John H. Brown and Josephine Decker were married September 15, 1918, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Decker – 702 South 21st Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa. They both were natives of Nebraska. They were the parents of six children: Gordon, Richard, Merrill, Howard, Vivian, and Doris.

Their home at 702 South 21st Street was built by Mrs. Brown’s father, A. G. Decker. This house is a neighborhood landmark, having served as a rooming house since it was built. It first served UPRR employees and postal clerks. In later years, it has served many students from Iowa Western Community College.

Mrs. Brown’s parents, the late Augustus G. and Laura Decker, lived in Council Bluffs from the turn of the century until their deaths. Mr. Decker was a builder and built many west end homes; among them is the present parsonage of Fifth Avenue Church at 1616 Fifth Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Decker, as well as Mrs. Brown, were charter members of Fifth Avenue Methodist Church in Council Bluffs.

Gordon Brown, now deceased, was a former City Council member and Mayor of Council Bluffs in 1959. He was Chief Clerk to the UPRR Law Department at the Omaha Headquarters at the time of his death in 1961.

Richard Brown in now President of a community college in Wisconsin and is married to the former Barbara Brown of Council Bluffs. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Vivian Brown Markiewicz made her home in Washington, D.C. for a number of years before her death in 1973. She was a government employee during World War II where she met her husband Fred C. Markiewicz.

Merrill Brown is head of the Fine Arts Department of Toledo University at Toledo, Ohio He is married to the former Marianne Gineau of Council Bluffs. He served as Band Director of Thomas Jefferson High School for a number of years, going on to serve on the faculties of colleges in Wisconsin and South Dakota before becoming associated with Toledo University. He served in the army during WW II.

Howard Brown is associated with the Black and Decker Company at San Francisco, California and is married to the former Evelyn Bloomquist of Council Bluffs. Evelyn’s father was V. A. Bloomquist, former pastor of Fifth Avenue Methodist Church. He served with the navy in WW II.

Doris Brown Polson, is married to Hugh C. Polson, an electrician and they reside in Council Bluffs at No. 13 Circle Drive

**Mr. Brown was a U.S. Postal clerk until his retirement; Mrs. Brown majored in music at Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and taught music for many years.

KENNETH AND MADELYN BROWN

Kenneth (1923) Brown and Madelyn (1925) Dool were married in 1942, and have lived on this farm (Valley Twp. Sec 28) where she and her dad were born, with exception of 5 years, while living on her grandfather’s farm (Sec. 29). They had 3 children. Judith A. (1944), Steven E. (1948), and Richard A. (1953). All attended Oakland School. They farmed with her father, until 1959, when they bought his 120 acres, where they live. They have since, purchased 240 acres, more, nearby. Madelyn and their children, are third and fourth generations to live on farm, which was purchased by her grandfather in 1890.

The Dool ancestors came to America, in 1819 from Country Antrim, Ireland, settling in Ohio. Her great-grandfather, Thomas, born in Harrison Co., Ohio. In 1855, married Mary Bell, and had 2 children, Edward and William J. (1859 – her grandfather) in Ohio, moved to Mercer Co., Ill., where Margaret and Mary (Mamie) were born. Moved to Pott. Co. (Valley Twp. Sec. 29) later. Here, Will met, and married, Sarah M. Hough, one of 5 children, born in 1859, to Aretus G. Hough and Elizabeth Fitzgerald Tomlinson, in Fennimore, Wisconsin. She moved here to live with uncle, Hiram Hough, while teaching Valley No. 8 school, several terms, before marrying in 1886. They lived first place north of Hancock Cemetery for a while, where Frances Mildred was born, then bought and moved on farm where Browns now live, had 2 more children, Lawrence E. (1893) and Delphia. They lived here, until 1900, then moved to Hancock, where Will became rural mail carrier for number of years, then later, postmaster. He helped build new postoffice, the building, now known as Harold’s Place. He retired shortly after 1917, to help his son, who now lived on the farm. Delphia taught school for years in Hancock.

Lawrence Dool and Jessie M. VanDruff were married in 1917, and had 4 daughters, Betty, Virginia, Madelyn and Kathleen. They farmed, and Lawrence worked at A.A.A. Office in Oakland for quite a few years, before retiring to Ames in 1949. Jessie passed away in 1969 and Lawrence lives in Jefferson, Iowa Jessie (born 1896) was a daughter of Charles H. VanDruff and Laura Barr. He was born at Rock Island, Ill. (1850) oldest of 12 children. There’s a VanDruff Island there, in Mississippi River. Laura (born 1864) at Fremont, Ia., was a dressmaker with a sister, in Glenwood, before marriage. They lived on farm, southeast of Oakland, after marriage, until 1901, moving to Oakland, where he went into insurance business. They had 6 children, Archibald, Fred, Leonard, Anna, Augusta, and Jessie. Charles died in 1938, and Laura, 1948.

Kenneth’s grandfather, Joseph Albert (Al) Brown, born in Warren Co., Ill. (1871), and moved here later. He married Minnie Stevens, born in Mason Co., West Virginia (1874). She moved to Malvern, Ia., then to Living Springs, near Treynor. Al and Minnie had 3 sons, Ralph V. (Ken’s father – born 1896), Lewis, Ia., Elmer J., and Edgar (Dick). They farmed in area, and lived later years, in Avoca. Their son, Ralph, married Karoline (Lena) Dethlefs in 1917, lived on farm in James Twp. Sec. 1, and later moved ½ mile west Sec.11, onto her father’s farm. They had 6 children, Esther, Ruth, Wilbert, Kenneth, Dorothy, and Lawrence. They moved to Hancock in 1948. Ralph died (1968), and Lena (1972).

Lena’s parents were August P. Dethlefs, born 1871, Holstein, German, and Katherine Heesch, born 1874, in Pleasant Twp. They lived in James Twp., Sec. 11, where Kenneth was later raised. They had 11 children, Karoline (born Shelby Co., 1897), Edythe, Edward, Bertha, Emma, Lily, John, August, Rosie, Viola and Margaret. August died 1940, she in 1943.

At present time, Kenneth and Madelyn’s family – Judith has been married to Kenneth Nielsen, since 1963, live in Walnut, have 2 children, Jeffrey A. (1963), and Sherry (1964). Steven married Lucinda Russell in 1970, served 3 years in Marines, have 2 children, Stephanie (1973), and Jodi (1975), and live in Oakland. Richard has been employed at Cedar Falls, Ia., past 2 yeas, after 3 years of college, there, and still single.

MRS. WYTHEL BROWN

Jennie Drake and Wythel Wellington Brown were married in 1910 by Rev. P. H. Green. They have one daughter, Norma Lorene Brown, Nilan, born in 1912.

Jennie is the daughter of Francis Royal (Frank) and Ellen Potter Drake. Jennie was born at Oakland 1889. She had two brothers, Charles (1886-1961) is buried at Arroya Grande, Calif. His occupation was manager of the Oakland Fullerton Lumber Yard of Oakland, Iowa. Later he owned lumber yards at Long Beach, Calif. And Calgary, Canada. Norman (1890-1920) was a Dentist in World War I. He is buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Oakland, Iowa.

Francis Drake came to Oakland, Iowa in 1882 and lived with his sister, Mrs. Freeman Reed. He worked for Freeman Reed who was part owner of the Corner Store. Two years later he returned to Hamilton, Ontario, Dominion of Canada and married Ellen Potter. Frank worked as a clerk for Steve Rust, Hank and John Spalti, and J. A. Luxford in their Merchantile Stores. They were residents of Oakland until death.

Wythel Wellington (1889-1959) was the son of Hugh J. and Mitilda Caroline Frizzell Brown. He had three brothers and one sister. Oran and Verbal are buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery at Oakland, Iowa Dr. Milton Brown, a Veterinarian is buried at Perry, Iowa Marcia Palmer Grier lives at LaMesa, Calif.

Wythel and Jennie were farmers in the Oakland vicinity until 1945. During this time, under the guidance of Rev. P. H. Green, Wythel spent several years rehabilitating parolees from the State Penitentiary. They moved to Bakersfield, Calif. where Wythel was a guard at the Lockeed Aircraft Plant. In 1949 they returned to Oakland and bought a 160 acre farm in Wright Township (NW ¼ of Sec. 16). In 1955 this farm was sold and they purchased another 160 acre farm in Pilot Grove Township, Montgomery County. They resided here until Wythel’s death in 1959. Wythel is buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Oakland, Iowa. Jennie has lived in an apartment at Oakland, Iowa since 1959.

In the early 1920’s they helped organize the Columbia Church in Center Township (NW Corner of Sec. 12). This Church was about 6 miles East of Oakland, Iowa on the White Pole Road, now Highway 6. They were members of the Presbyterian division of this Church and later were members of Carson Presbyterian Church.

CHARLES BRUBAKER

Charles P. Brubaker was born at Oakland, Iowa, November 29, 1906, the son of Charles and Bertha Perdeaux Brubaker. His mother died when he was three years old, and with his sisters, June (Hoeppner) and Esther (Daniels) and one brother, Harold, he was placed in the Christian Home, in Council Bluffs, for a time. Another brother Steve remained with his grandparents… Later, a half sister, Leona Brubaker Johnson, and his father, made a home for the family in Oakland. When a young boy, he stayed at various farm homes, where he worked for his room and board, and attended school. Following graduation he joined the army, and spent two years at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Charles also had two half sisters, Ethel Harrison of Oakland and Flora Cox of Stockton, California. Both are deceased, as are two half brothers, who died when the family was living in South Dakota.

Helena L. Davis was born at rural Macedonia, November 2, 1908 the daughter of Howard and Beulah Davis. Her father came to this area from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, at the age of seventeen. In 1904 he married Beulah King, a Wheeler Grove resident, and the couple lived to celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary. They farmed for twenty four years, nine of which were on the farm just north of the north river bridge, near Carson Eight of those years they operated a dairy. On moving to Carson, Howard operated the Farm Service Oil Station, for several years.

He was a fifty year Mason, and Beulah a fifty year Eastern Star. He served on the town council, and was a member of the board of education, at the time of the building of the Carson school house, in 1923. He died October 18, 1964 and Mrs. Davis, died June 26, 1970.

Charles and Helena were married June 11, 1928, and lived their married life in Carson After their marriage, Chuck was employed for eleven years, at the C. H. Luxford Grocery Store… Like all small towns Saturday nights in Carson, in those days was a gala event. Everyone came to town to see their friends, do their visiting and to buy their weekly supply of groceries. Many a Saturday night, owner and clerks were not able to leave their store until after midnight.

In 1941, Chuck began operating the Farm Service Co-op petroleum truck, and was still active in that capacity, until he suffered a fatal heart attack, April 13, 1967.

He was a Mason, served on the Board of Education, and was on the town council, at the time Broadway was paved.

Helena was employed for several years as an operator for the Western Light and Telephone Company. The office was reached by going through a long hallway, which was entered at the midsection of the north side of Broadway. She also owned and operated the Carson Five and Ten Cent Store, for eight years.

The couple had three children, Charles Darrell (1929) of Lafayette, Colorado, president of the Arapahoe National Bank, at Boulder Colorado, Carol Joan Brubaker Core (19330 of Longmont, Colorado, manager of the Administrative Support Department at I.B.M., at Boulder, Colorado, and Howard Bruce (1950) of West Liberty, Iowa, cashier at the West Liberty State Bank.

Darrell married ShirLee Grobe, and has three children, Jana Hale of Kansas City, Missouri, Kristi and Sean at home. Carol, former wife of Charles Core, has three children, Michael of Canon City, Colorado, Patricia Brummer of Lafayette, Colorado, and Charles R. of Northglenn, Colorado. Bruce is married to Tracy Husz and has two daughters, Andrea and Allison. There is one great grandchild, Spencer Brummer.

JOHN ALBERT BRUNING

John Albert Bruning of Wachendorf, Germany came to the United States in 1880. Here he met Anna Tasto, born December 8, 1858, who came from Wickbragen, Hanover, Germany in 1884. They were married the fall of 1887 and settled on a farm 2 ¼ miles south of Treynor. One son, Albert Cord was born to them on November 9, 1888. Albert was only 8 months old when his father died in 1889. Mrs. Bruning continued to farm with the help of Fred Reuter and Cord Tasto. In 1892, Mrs. Bruning and

Albert returned to Germany for a visit. Later Mrs. Bruning met Fritz Freese, who came from Germany in 1892. They were married August 8, 1894 and moved to the Freese farm, 3 miles south and 1 ½ miles east of Treynor. The Bruning farm was rented to Albert Limburg until 1913. Mrs. Bruning Freese died September 9, 1939.

Albert Cord Bruning married Mary Anna Marie Westermann, February 26, 1913 and farmed the home place. They had 3 sons, Elmer, Clifford and Lawrence. Elmer died at the age of 5 in January 1919 of pneumonia and Lawrence died the same year in August of Tetanus. Mr. Bruning passed away October 30, 1921. Mrs. Bruning on July 30, 1966.

Their son, Clifford Albert Cord, married Aurelia Dorothea Vorthmann, daughter of William and Minnie (Hiethoff) Vorthmann, September 24, 1941. They live with Clifford’s mother on the home place. To this union 3 sons were born.

Burnel Clifford married Jeanne Chalik of Omaha on October 8, 1966 They live on a farm 2 miles south and ¾ mile east of Treynor. They have 2 children, Kimberly and Thomas.

Byron William married Lana Johnson of Villisca on August 20, 1965. They live at 108 East Main Street in Treynor. They have 2 sons, Ryan and Jonas.

Barton Albert married Cindy Springs of Council Bluffs on October 5, 1967. They lived in Council Bluffs and Treynor. They have one daughter, Sammy Jo. Barton lives in Council Bluffs. They were divorced in 1970.

OLIVER BRYANT

Oliver and Mary Bryant moved from Minnesota to Iowa in 1874. They had twelve children. Their son, Hartson and family came to Iowa from Jackson, Minnesota in 1874. He served from Minnesota during the Civil War.

In July 1866, he married Alice Cooke in Wisconsin. They had three children: Ida, Edith and Harry; and later in Iowa, Bertha and Eugene were born. They settled on a farm two miles north of Macedonia. The Bryant families belonged to the Methodist Church in Macedonia.

Ida married Nelson McDowell; they lived west of Carson, but later moved to Nebraska. Edith taught school several years, then married Sid Warren. Bertha married Willis Dye. Eugene married Pearl Comstock, on March 1906, and lived on the home place after his parents moved to Macedonia.

Oliver Bryant died in 1889, Mary in 1901. Hartson Bryant died in 1919, and Alice in 1922; all are buried in the Macedonia Cemetery.

Eugene and Pearl Bryant’s children are Clarence, who married Hazel Minick, and now live in Red Oak. Ross married Mildred Hillyer and farms near Imogene, Wayne married Paulene Miller and they reside in Colorado Gladys married Willis Lorimor and live near Imogene. Mae married Ronald Miller; Dorothy married Arnold Seifreid all live in Red Oak, Iowa.

MR. AND MRS RAYMOND BUBOLTZ

Mabel E. Drake, daughter of George I. and Dora V. Drake, was born at Walnut, Iowa She attended the same rural school her father had, Layton #5, graduated from Walnut High School, and from Peru State Teachers College, Peru, Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school in various areas including the rural Walnut, Iowa area.

On October 8, 1950 she married John Raymond Buboltz, son of John and Louise Buboltz, of Massena, Iowa at the Presbyterian Church in Walnut. They moved to a farm enar Bridgewater, Iowa. They have one son, Robert Drake Buboltz, born February 24, 1952 in Atlantic, Iowa. Robert is a graduate of Cumberland and Massena High School and the University of Iowa with a B.B.A. Degree. At the present time Robert is engaged in farming on the family farm. Father and son hold private pilots licenses and enjoy flying their little Cessena air craft. Robert is an avid collector of old vintage cars. Mabel likes flowers, the outdoors, music, history, and her work in American Legion Auxiliary.

JOHN BUCHANAN

Mr. and Mrs. John Buchanan emigrated from Carmodie, Scotland, April 2nd, 1873, to the United States of America, arriving at Neola, Ia. April 25th, 1873. Became an American Citizen at Council Bluffs, Ia. July 19th, 1875. They arrived at Neola, Ia., with a family of seven children. My father-in-law was number six at the time and was four years old.