Brainard, Daniel Webster 1837-1918

BRAINARD, KINGDON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 2/23/2011 at 10:21:01

A BUSY MAN DIES

A Pioneer of Grinnell and Poweshiek County Passes to His Reward.

D.W. BRAINARD HAD PASSED EIGHTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE

Wonderful Record of Business Activity And Married Happiness.

When Daniel Webster Brainard passed away at 7:30 o'clock Tuesday morning, a man of upright character and sterling worth was taken from his field of usefulness in this world and city leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

Mr. Brainard was entitled to be called an old timer in this county. He was born August 11, 1837, at Middlebury, N.Y. He came to Grinnell in 1868, and soon after removed to his farm in Malcom township about five miles almost east of the Grinnell fair grounds. Here for 16 years he lived as a farmer, removing to Grinnell in 1884, where for thirty-five years he has followed a business combining insurance and real estate, and was for many years secretary of one of the Building and Loan companies organized in Grinnell.

January 1, 1863, Mr. Brainard was united in marriage at Stafford, N.Y., with Miss Susan N. Kingdon, with whom he lived more than 56 years of happy married life. In New York Mr. Brainard was both a farmer and school teacher--following the same occupations for some years after moving to Grinnell.

One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brainard, a son, who died in infancy.

The funeral was held at the home yesterday conducted by Mrs. Eva McCoy of Marshalltown, who paid an eloquent tribute to the character and worth of the deceased man. After the address by Mrs. McCoy, the beautiful funeral service of the Odd Fellows followed, Noble Grand Thomas Godfrey and Chaplain Chal Chacey officiating.

The Odd Fellows were in charge of the burial, the pall bearers being J.W. Harpster, John Jantzen, F.P. Marvin, John Selberth, George Mart and W.J. Nelson.

Mr. Brainard's love for the Odd Fellows lodge and its ritual was exceedingly strong and in taking charge of the ceremonies at the funeral the lodge was but following the often expressed desire of Mr. Brainard. Mr. Brainard was one of its oldest and most loved members and had been repeatedly honored by the lodge.

He was also an honored member of Hermon Lodge which took charge of the service at the grave in charge of Worshipful Master C.W. Mitchell.

Mr. Brainard's period of activity and usefulness in Grinnell extended beyond the length of years enjoyed by most business men. He was in actual enjoyment of his business until three days before his death, always the same kind, considerate helpful man which marked his entire life of activity.

The large concourse of friends who joined at the funeral service in paying tribute to his memory testify to the sterling worth of the man and his business integrity.

The loved wife who has been his loving companion for so many years has a large circle of friends who join with her in sorrow and whose love for the loved lady is being expressed in kind words of sympathy and esteem.