This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Branstad's early years shaped a future governor
Branstad grew up on a farm near Minnesota border, learning strong work ethic from parents Edward and Rita. He balanced chores and school in Leland and Forest City, played football and baseball, and showed early political interest while in college. He joined the U S Army in 1969 as a military police officer, serving at Fort Bragg and guarding Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon during the Vietnam era.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Minnesota
Branstad
Edward
Rita
Leland
Forest City
Albert Lea
Minn
Terry
Rich Schwarm
Lake Mills
Morningside College
Sioux City
University of Iowa
Schwarm
U.S. Army
Drake Law School
Fort Bragg
North Carolina
Arlington National Cemetery
Pentagon