of Boone County, Iowa · from Pennsylvania · documented from the public record
The family in the record
John McCrea Brainard b. 1836
John McCrea Brainard⚭ Martha Vale Wilson
childrenJustin Brainard · Walter L. Brainard · Frank S. Brainard · Elmer E. Brainard · Mabel Alice Brainard · Emma Vale Brainard
Source: History of Boone County, Iowa
Their story
What the record says
Educated at Jefferson College and an academy in Pennsylvania.
Family removed from Pennsylvania to Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1853.
Married Martha Vale Wilson March 18, 1856, at Callensburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania.
Moved to Iowa July 1856, becoming a resident of Charles City (Floyd county).
Teacher, bank/store clerk, then longtime newspaperman.
According to History of Boone County, Iowa, founded the Clear Lake Independent (first newspaper there) with partner Silas Noyes.
Age 23 at that time (~1859).
Later published a paper at New Amsterdam, Hancock county.
Seven children born, one a twin who died a few days after birth.
Resident of Boone, Iowa.
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