of 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
Their story
What the record says
History of Boone County, Iowa.
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.
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.
Done-for-you research
Is this your family?
If this is your line, we trace it the whole way — every branch, back to the documented wall — into a written book & interactive family site. No DNA test; a free call before you spend a dollar.