The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1919-12-18
James Grandstaff.

James G. Grandstaff was wen
known and highly respecI Ha
throughout Decatur county: NE re
died at the Leon hospltal on Dec'
18th, 1919: He viii no Long De c remt
grand old men, having been elected
and discharged most honorably
some Of the county's important Of
fices. Served the town as Mayor
four years, and two years as Justice
of Peace. He was not man to
court favor, being OF a mild nature
and methodical in habit. re i exer-
ment in his business and thus his
endeayors proved successful. All
admit that he possessed a refined,
noble. soul, which was animated by
the highest principles. His genial
nature, ready smile, kind WORD,
helping hand, won for hlm TRENDS
in all circles. TO every good en- en-
SUPPORT, and could. always be relied
upon to assist in building. the home
tie. and the elements in him so
grandly mixed, that nature could
stand up before all the World and
say,-"This was a man.
James G: Grandstaff was born in
the age of ten he moved with his
parents to Guthrie Co.. Iowa, and
thev located near Redfield. The
family resided here until 1854 when
they purchased land near to Panora
and lived here until 1864: After
residing here for one year they soid
Center, and the family remained
here for seventeen years. Mr..
Grandstaff enlisted on August 18th,
1862, in Co. l goth, Infantry, and
served three years. He spent most
of his time in Arkansas west OF the
Mississippi river. He was engaged
With measles, and wounded by ac-
cident in the right limb in 1853. He
was mustered out after the war
ended on Aug. 10th. 1865. And
was returned to Davenport on Sept.
gath. 1865.
He was united in marriage to
Miss Matte Frazier at Greenville,
Illinois, in 1866. Then returned to
Guthrie Center Th ,geo they Tg made made
their home one child was given,
Otis Grandstaff. Of Dallas, Texas.
Mrs ..Grandstaff passed on to the
Heavenly home few years ago. He
moved from Guthrie Center in 1879
and located near Pleasanton, Deca.
tur county, Iowa, and resided here
for thirteen years: Then moved, to
continually since. While living IN
Guthrie Center he was elected
County Superintendent of Schools
in 1867 and was reelected to
second term, resigning this office to
move to Decatur county. In 1889
he was appointed County Recorder
of Decatur county to serve out an
uneXpired term. He was then elect
ed and served in this office for five
years. He was Justice Of Peace two
years, and acted as Mayor of Leon
four years
Mr. Grandstaff was converted in
1861 and Joined membership in the
NJ. E. church in Guthrie Center:
the Leon NJ. E. church in 1884 and
has enjoyed fellowship in this
church for thirty-five years. He and
his beloved wife we're valiant
workers, and occupied official
positions. Mr.. Grandstaff will be
long remembered for his faithful
devotion to the choir where he loved
to exult in the song of Zion. Many
remember the beauty of his service
as Sunday school teacher. He was
engaged in the implement business
for three years, then in the under
taking business for thirteen years.
associations, and won an innumer-
able host of friends who proved their
Loyalty by constantly visiting him
during the months of his sickness.
Funeral services were held Tues
day afternoon at the NJ. e. chruch.
conducted by Rev. A. f Jervis, in
terment in the Leon cemetery.