Hippolyte P. Brothers

H. P. BROTHERS, merchant at Grand River, was born in Canada, in 1834, son of Hippolyte and Pauline Brothers, of French descent. He was brought up in a cotton factory. In 1864 he enlisted in the First Massachusetts as a musician. At the close of the war he came West and settled in Decatur County, when he commenced teaching band music, in 1868, and continued that occupation until 1882. He is a composer of considerable note. He is at present engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Brothers & Fear. They keep a well selected stock of dry goods, notions, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries, flour, hardware, and Gliddon's barb wire. He was married in Massachusetts, in 1855, to Elizabeth Rice, born in that State in 1832. They have five children — Eugene G., Hattie P., Henry E., James C. and Alice F. Mr. Brothers is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically is a Republican. He is well known in business circles as a man of integrity, and socially is a gentleman.

SOURCE: “Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa,” p. 558-9

Lyman Forgrave

LYMAN FORGAVE, contractor and builder at Leon, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 10, 1844, son of John and Harriet (Gordon) Forgrave, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living – Andrew Perry; Louisa, wife of William Turner, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; Robert, a resident of California; Harriet, wife of Minor Wightman; John, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, this State; Albert and Lyman. In 1862, Mr. Forgrave enlisted as drummer in Band Four, Fifteenth Army Corps, and was mustered out July 7, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. He resided in Chicago for a time, where he built the Silver Smelting Works for the Swansy Smelting Company. He also built the court-house in Leon. He was married June 18, 1872, to Nannie, daughter of Judge Lorenzo H. and Mary A. (Wartenbe) Sales, natives of Ohio, who came to Decatur county in 1856, where they still reside. Their three children are – Lewis C., Frank R. and Mrs. Forgrave. Mr. and Mrs. Forgrave have four children – Harry S., Robert L., Leslie L. and Paul L. Mr. Forgrave owns a fine brick residence and a brick business block opposite the postoffice. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Masonic fraternity, and of the Knights Templar.

SOURCE: “Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa,” p. 548-9