My earliest ancestor, Hiram Mason arrived in Wayne County by 1850 with the George, Hancock, Morris, Torr and Tubbs families arriving soon after.  Because I have a special connection to Wayne County through my father, mother and grandmother I thought I would contribute to the History of Wayne County, Iowa.

Let me honor the one person who started me down the path toward discovering my ancestry....Wilma West, Librairian at the Prairie Trails Historical Museum.  While attending a George Family reunion in Corydon, some 7 years ago, before we left town we thought we would visit the Museum.  After taking the tour, I thought I would check out the genealogy library there as well.  We explained our connection to Wayne County through the various names in our history and Wilma produced the marriage record for my grandparents Claude Victor Ross and Evelyn Mason.  I was amazed at what I found that day.  From that moment on I was bitten by the genealogy bug.  Other records would eventually lead me to Mercer, Putnam and Sullivan Counties in Missouri. 

My family and I recommend that when you plan a trip to Corydon, Iowa that you save time to visit the Prairie Trails Historical Museum.  Wilma and her staff are very knowledgeable in the history of the county.  You will leave the museum with a sense of your link to the past generations.

Over the years I have met some new cousins from all the lines I am researching from the George, Hancock, Mason, Morris, Ross, Torr, and Tubbs lines.  Through this experience, I have a greater appreciation for the history of this country. 

My purpose for this site is to attempt to portray the lives of the early settlers of Wayne County, Iowa, through their religion, occupations and their sense of community.  I hope that in some way I will be able to convey that to all visitors to this website.  Any comments, suggestions or offers to help by providing material on the history of Wayne County would be greatly appreciated.  You can email me.

Enjoy your visit and be sure that when you visit Corydon, Iowa and the Prairie Trails Historical Museum that you tell them that Mr. Ross from Wisconsin sent you.

Thank you for visiting and come back often as I continue to update with new material.