Spray, Albert M. Family

SPRAY, MORAN, CLOSE, GIBSON, OVERHOLTZER, KERR

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/9/2019 at 06:18:38

BIOGRAPHY ~ THE ALBERT M. SPRAY FAMILY

Reflections of Grand River, Iowa: 1881 - 1981
Clarke Pub. Co. Osceola IA. 1981.

Henry W. Spray, his wife, and three children were among the boatload of Sprays that came from Heumaden, Germany, in the 1840's, settling in southern Indiana. In the late 1850's, his wife having died and his two older children having married, Henry and his youngest son, Gottlieb, migrated to Iowa, establishing their home about three miles northeast of Grand River.

Gottlieb married Emaline Moran at Westerville in October, 1867. They raised eight children to adulthood, two sons having died in infancy. Adult children were Francis, Martha (Bush), Marion, Albert, Fred, Mary (Close), Thurman, and Virginia (Jennie McClure).

On December 24, 1902, Albert married Josephine Gibson. They, his parents, and his unmarried brothers and sisters moved to Missouri. After one year, Albert and wife moved back "home" to Iowa, farming as renters until they bought a farm 1 1/4 miles north of Westerville where they built their new home in 1909. For health reasons, Albert had to leave the farm, so the family moved into Grand River in 1914. First, Albert ran a livery barn, then he operated the Grand River Lumber Company until he bought the Ford Garage from the Johnson twins (sic, should be Johnston, Horace and Herbert Johnston). Early in the 20's, he sold an interest to B. S. Baker, and together they operated the Spray-Baker Motor Co. until the Depression hit. Then Mr. & Mrs. Spray and Al, Jr., moved to Cherokee where Albert helped his son, Gerald, in his business.

Mr. and Mrs. Spray were busy people, supporting the community whenever possible. They were active in the Baptist Church, in 4-H, and in the Farm Bureau. They operated a theater and a skating rink, hoping to keep the young people at home. They helped to promote the Grand River Reunions and Stock Shows. They bought a tract of land in the northwest part of town. This being more land than they needed for their home, they divided it into lots where more homes were built. This area is known as the Spray Addition. Albert also helped in the planning and organization of the new Grand River Cemetery. Besides being a busy lady in the affairs of the community, being a No. 1 homemaker, and caring for their six children, Mrs. Spray provided room and board for school teachers for several years.

The six children (all living) are Gerald, Juanita Overholtzer, Naomi Kerr, Alberta, Dean, and Al Jr. To this family have been added 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Although Albert was spared serving in World War I by the signing of the Armistice, his three sons, a son-in-law (in W. W. II), and three of his grandsons (in Korean and Viet Nam Conflicts) served in the armed services, one giving his life. At this time, two great-granddaughters are in the services.

Buried in the family plot in the Grand River Cemetery are C. Gottlieb and Emaline Spray, Albert and Josephine Spray and Perry Albert Overholtzer, who was killed in a training accident at Fort Leonard Wood June 8, 1967. Great-grandfather Henry William Spray is buried in the Young Cemetery east of Grand River.

NOTES: C. Gottlieb was born in 1846, and died in 1921. Emaline (Moran) Spray was born in 1848, and died in 1929.

Albert M. Spray was born March 14, 1876, and died May 26, 1948, interment made at Grand River Cemetery.

Albert M. Spray was born March 14, 1876, and died May 26, 1948. Josephine M. (Gibson) Spray was born April 26, 1883, and died July 9, 1961.

Perry A. Overholtzer was born May 31, 1948, and died June 8, 1967. He was a private with Co. C, 1st BN 4 Est Brigade.

Notes courtesy of Sharon R. Becker

Copied from "Reflections of Grand River, Ia. 1881-1981" by Stacey McDowell Dietiker