The Albert Spray Family

SPRAY

Posted By: Stacey McDowell Dietiker (email)
Date: 11/3/2001 at 22:32:03

Subject: The Albert Spray Family
Date: Sunday, June 24, 2001 10:45 PM

The Albert Spray Family

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. 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 Ireland, 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 WW 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.

Copied from Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981 by Stacey McDowell
Dietiker

FYI: Juanita Overholtzer and Naomi Kerr have since passed away.

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