brief and second pastorate in 1899. From 1900 to 1908 Rev. Henry served churches in Fredericksburg, IA and Marble Rock, IA before retiring to Decorah.

Their daughter Florence, born 18 Sep 1882 in Cleveland, OH married Albert H. Davis 12 Aug 1907. They resided in Helena, MT where she passed away 13 Aug 1950. They had no children.

Lucy Adams Grant passed away in Decorah 10 Mar 1910 after an illness of 2 years. She was buried in Phelps Cemetery beside her mother, Nancy Jane (Rickert) Adams. Two lengthy obituaries extolled her virtues as a pastor’s wife and loving helpmate. After his wife’s death Rev. Henry moved to Helena, MT to live with his daughter Florence and her husband until his death 5 Apr 1921. His body was returned to Decorah for burial beside his dear wife.

The Baptist church lost its steeple in a storm. The congregation dwindled and ceased activity sometime in the early 1900’s. For awhile it was used by the Seventh Day Adventists but in 1911 it ceased to be a meeting place. In 1922 the building was purchased and remodeled into a lovely home.

The Grants’ two sons, Edward Charles and Ulysses Sanford, remained in Decorah throughout their lifetimes and raised families here. Several descendants still live in the area.

Grant, Sanford and Mabel (Samuelson)

(Helen Grant Schmidt)

Ulysses Sanford Grant was born 12 Feb 1886 in Crawford, CO, the second son of Rev. Henry and Lucy Grant. He attended school in Fredericksburg, IA, moved with the family as his father was called to various towns, and finally retired to Decorah about 1908. Here, on 20 Sep 1911, he married Mabel Samuelson who was born in Decorah 12 Feb 1892.

They had 3 children: Lester (2 Nov 1912-6 Nov 1989); Baby (11 Feb 1914-15 Feb 1914); and Roger (Snooks) (18 Jul 1924-8 Dec 1981).

Sanford was a Linotype operator for the Decorah Public Opinion for many years and, like his brother Ed, was a volunteer fireman.

Both brothers married women named Mabel who were both marvelous cooks, a fact which caused a great deal of confusion among Decorah residents. People were always getting them mixed up. Mabel Samuelson Grant was the cook at the Green Parrot Restaurant for a long time. She loved cooking Sunday dinners for her children and grandchildren.

Sanford passed away 21 Nov 1953 after a long illness. Mabel died in Waukegan, IL 14 Aug 1963 while visiting her son Lester. Both are buried in Phelps Cemetery.

Grant, Wallace and Sylvia (Fjelstad)

(Helen Grant Schmidt)

Wallace Frederick Grant was born in Pleasant Twp, Winneshiek Co., IA, the elder son of Frederick A. and Hazel (Barth) Grant who moved to Decorah shortly after Wallace was born.

He attended Decorah Public Schools and became a star athlete during his high school years. He lettered in basketball, football and track and held the school record in hurdles.

World War II was raging all during those high school years and Wallace enlisted in the Navy with his father’s consent as soon as he turned 17. He was deferred until after graduation in May and was involved in mop-up operations in the Pacific theater.

Grant Family Singers

Back: Wallace, Scott and Brion. Middle: Sylvia, Dagny. Front: Freddie.

On 20 Aug 1948 Wally married Sylvia May Fjelstad who was born in Ray, ND. He graduated from Luther College in 1950 where he again set many athletic records. He was inducted posthumously into Luther’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wally was with Standard Oil Co. for 22 years during which time the family moved to various locations when Wally was transferred.

The couple had 6 children. Scott Wallace was born in Decorah, Brion Conrad was born in Forest City, IA and Frederick Joseph was born in Sheldon, IA they had twin girls, Sara Elizabeth and Elizabeth Sara, who were born 26 Mar 1956 and died 2 days later. Dagny Denise was born in Sheldon.

The family settled in Overland Park, KS where Wally became a TBA trainer for Standard. The couple founded Grant Real Estate and were both heavily involved in that business while Wally continued with Standard Oil. Wally and Sylvia helped to found Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park and later were instrumental in establishing a Crisis Fund for the church.