Clarence H. Brainard, a descendent of Daniel Brainard who came to America in early colonial times (about 1650), was a business man in Oakdale most of his life. He was born in Wyoming, Iowa, May 17, 1866, while his father was in the Confederate prision at Andersonville, Georgia. He attended public schools in Iowa and as a youth learned the carpenter trade, working with his father.
As a young man he moved with his family to Nebraska, living a short time in Madison, then moving to Oakdale where he lived the rest of his life. In Oakdale he continued working with his father. His work took him to many neighboring towns. Within his first year after arriving in Nebraska he started working in the lumber business. In 1894 he became manager of the Oakdale yard and held the position for 21 years. In 1940 he became sole owner of the company. He continued in business for more than 59 years.
On December 24, 1889 he married Katie Leach, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. J. Leach. The newlyweds lived in their home for the next 47 years until her death in 1936. Clarence died in October 1943.
Source Unknown: Originally submitted for this website in June 2007