Joel R. Brace

Joel R. Brace was born on March 30, 1832.Originally from New York, at the time the regiment was formed Joel Brace was working in Belleville as a carpenter. He enlisted in Company F on August 13, 1865, and was mustered into service on August 15. At the age of 30, he was older than most of the recruits. He was discharged for disability at Frederick City, Maryland on November 13, 1862 for unspecified reasons. Thus, he served with the Regiment for only 3 months. It is likely that he fell victim to one of the "camp diseases" that ravaged virtually all new Regiments.

He returned home and later Moved to Wayne, where he and his brother, Curtis, operated a foundry on Michigan Avenue (where Park street ended). By 1873 this business was known as C. Brace & Company, a foundry and agricultural works. In 1875, Brace and Brother operated a marble works, and the foundry was listed as Brace and Pettingill, founders and machinists.

The Wayne City directory of 1870 lists Joel as a furniture dealer. In 1877, 1879, and 1881 he and his brother Curtis advertised as Brace and Bro. Marble Works and Undertakers. In 1889 and 1891 Joel is listed as an undertaker. In 1893 he is listed as running a feed mill.

Joel R. Brace died on October 18, 1907. He is buried in Glenwood Cemetery in the Brace lot with his brother Curtis and Curtis' wife Huldah, and his father Norman.

Descendant: Susan Lindquist slindquist@ameritech.net