Photos Provided to Us By Nancy Graf

The photos below have been brought to us by Miss Nancy Graf. Miss Nancy lived in the Brays Mill for a time and is the daughter of Isaac Smith and grandaughter of Charles and Mar Mar Smith. Below are photos that she brought to us this past Saturday (May 26th, 2018) when she so kindly visited us. We were so happy to hear her stories and be able to get information on how the Mill was set up inside when she was there. Thank you so very much Miss Nancy.

 

 

Brays Ice Plant Ticket Book

 

When we moved to the Brays Mill, we were given a shoe box full of these Brays Ice Co. ticket books. When people needed ice, they were able to buy these tickets and have proof of purchase for their ice to be delivered to them.

- Becca

About Richwoods Township Via DNR

"Richwoods once had several blacksmith shops, stores, a wagon shop, and a schoolhouse as well as a post office. Later a mill was built on the banks of the tiny stream which flows through the town. The mill, once three stories in height, was cut down to two stories and used as a house. 15 Many of the people who now live in Richwoods commute to and from employment in St. Louis. "

Source: https://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/survey/WAAS001-R.pdf

Regional Ancestrial Names for Brays/Iberia, MO

These are names that I have come across during my research on the Brays Community. Below, you can see the names of people whom I have record of being at the mill or in Brays. They are marked with a star (*) and show approximate dates of them being there.

Regional Ancestral Names of Iberia, MO & Miller County

• Arendall *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1877-1942
• Bolien 
• Bray *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1862-1906
• Helton *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1912-1919?
• Humphrey
• Jones
• Lair 
• Lankeman
• Morrow
• Osbourn/Osborne *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1845-?
• Pendleton
• Renfrow
• Rowden *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1848-1862
• Skaggs
• Slawson
• Smith *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 
• Stephens *Name noted to be located in Brays Community approximately during 1862-1877
• Warman
• Whitaker
• Winningham
• Woody
• Airhart/Ahart
• Goforth
• Kirkwood
• Sherrell
• Wilson

I have also seen that Guy Smith was to appear in probate court in 1942, however I have not found out why yet. I am curious because in 1969, Isaac Smith was to appear in probate court for estate issues. I know that Guy and Isaac Smith ran the mill for some years. I also see that John Rowden, another owner of the mill, had been in probate court in 1938 but there is no explaination as to why.  I would like to know if anyone has information pertaining to this! Thanks. - Becca

Brays Community Timeline by Becca Berg: May 2018

Here is what I can gather from all of the history I have fouond so far. I would absolutly love more information if anyone has any. Below you can see the photo of the timeline that I have created. I hope that you enjoy and, as always, be bless.
- Becca

Meeting at the Miller County Historical Society Museum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miller-County-Historical-Society-Museum-1512921572256568/?ref=br_rs

Miller County Historical Society Museum

May 19 at 1:44pm · 

"Becca Berg and her family are renovating the Bray's Mill site. They visited with Karen Wyrick Smith, Museum Director, to review photos of the site donated by Nancy Martin. By 1854 a water-powered mill was constructed at Bray's. This industry was the first permanent installation marking the beginning of Bray's hamlet.

Nearby in 1889 Tom Bray constructed a roller mill near the original water-powered grist mill. During harvest there was always a back-log of work for the mills. Overnight camping at the mill site was common as people slept under wagons and large bushes for protection from the falling dew and mosquitoes. About this time Will Morrow rebuilt the wooden water wheel, and helped in overhauling the older mill."

Photos from Miller County Historical Society

These photos were given to us on May 19, 2018 by the Miller County Historical Society. They are of the Brays Mill during the 60's and 70's. We are truly grateful for all of the information that we have recieved from the Historical Society in Miller County!

#1   #2

#1 {Above} Diesel Engine & Wheel House 1970 

#2 {Above} Compressor 07/26/1970

#3  #4 

#3 {Above} Exterior wheel 07/26/01970 

#4 {Above} Steps and water outlet 07/26/1970

#5  #6 

#5 {Above} Stucture Joint on West Side 1970 

#6 {Above} "Work by Boerhoff" July 11, 1971

#7  #8 

#7 {Above} Brays Mill 1971 

#8 {Above} Brays Mill 1969

#9  #10 

#9 {Above} Fritz Wheel 07/26/1970 

#10  {Above} East Side of Brays Mill July 11, 1971

#11  #12 

#11{Above} Diesel Engine 1970 

#12 {Above} Brays Mill 1967 Photo: J. Martin

#13  #14 

#13 {Above} Brays by J. Martin 1967 

#14 {Above} Stone Mill 077/26/1970

#15  #16 

#15 {Above} SW corner of the Mill Framing 1970 

#16 {Above} The Wheel 07/26/1970