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Henry James Grannis

Henry James Grannis, the efficient ex-Recorder of this county and a popular citizen of Randalia, claims Indiana as the State of his nativity. He was born near North Liberty, St. Joseph County, July 18, 1841, and is a son of John and Rhoda (Bennett) Grannis, who removed from New York to Indiana. The year 1860 witnessed their arrival in Iowa, and in Fayette, where they located, they spent their last days, the father dying in December, 1860, and the mother in June, 1869. They were parents of four sons and a daughter who grew to maturity: Alonzo B. married Corrilla Thompson and died in Nuckolls County, Neb.; Charles A. wedded Rhoda Grannis, a distant relative, and both died in California; Joseph L. married Annie Brown and is living in Fayette, Iowa; Samuel B. married Sarah E. High and is located in Elmer, Howard Co., Iowa; Henry J. is the next younger; and Hammond, who completes the family, died in childhood. The eldest and youngest brothers living raised a company for the late war for special service but it was not mustered in. 

Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the Fayette High School and the Upper University of Iowa. He enlisted for the late war on September 15, 1861, as a Sergeant of Company C, Twelfth Iowa Infantry, and was color bearer of his regiment during the entire term of four years and four months, except while a prisoner. He took part in the capture of Ft. Henry and was engaged in the battles on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of February, 1862, which resulted in the capture of Ft. Donelson. At Shiloh the Twelfth Regiment was brigaded with the Second, Seventh and Fourteenth Iowa Regiments under the name of Iowa Brigade, which was commanded by Gen. Tuttle. The Twelfth after being under fire from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m., was captured while supporting a battery in company with the Fourteenth, after a desperate fight and being surrounded by the enemy. This was on Sunday evening, April 6, 1862. Mr. Grannis was made prisoner with his comrades and taken to Montgomery, Ala., where he was held five weeks and then transferred to Macon, GA., where he remained until October 18, 1862, when he was paroled and exchanged November 10, following. He was robbed of his clothes and valuables and subjected to much hardship and suffering. He rejoined his regiment in Davenport, Iowa, in December, 1862, and was ordered to the front. He took part in the battle of Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863, and in the siege of Vicksburg, participating in all the principal engagements during that siege until June 22, when the regiment was sent to Black River to guard the rear from an attack by Johnson and was engaged in that service when Vicksburg surrendered July 4, 1863. He took part in the battles of Tupelo, Miss., in July, 1864, and Nashville, Tenn; was in the expedition against Mobile and was with his regiment in the front line in the siege of Spanish Fort, which was the last service rendered by the regiment. During his term of service he was under fire one hundred and fifty days. Sergt. Grannis veteranized December 25, 1863, was commissioned First Lieutenant November 22, 1865, and was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1866.

On his return from the army Mr. Grannis was in the railway mail service for six months and then purchased a farm in Illyria Township, this county and also operated a sawmill of which he was owner. The farm, which is still in his possession, comprises one hundred and sixty acres. The year following his return, he was married in Westfield Township, on April 5, 1866, to Miss Carrie A. Hubbell, daughter of Mark E. and Elizabeth (Sherman) Hubbell. The lady is a native of New York City and came to Iowa with her parents in March, 1860. Five children have been born unto them, three sons and two daughters - Harry Theodore, Bessie Beulah, Herbert Richard, Abbie Helen and John Sherman, all of whom were born in Fayette County. The parents, their eldest daughter and second son are members of the Baptist Church.

In politics Mr. Grannis is a stanch Republican. He was elected Recorder of Fayette County in November, 1888, the following December removed to West Union, and on January 8, 1889, entered upon the duties of the office; he was an efficient officer in every respect. Socially, Mr. Grannis is a member of West Union Lodge, No. 69, A. F. & A. M., and of Abernethy Post, No. 48, G. A. R. He was a charter member of Warner Post, No. 46, G. A. R. of Fayette, from which he withdrew on removing to West Union. He has proved a capable and faithful County Recorder, was a brave and patriotic soldier and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens in a marked degree.