An American Family History

Gilles Joseph (Joe) Bertrand was born in Seraing, Liège Province, Belgium on October 10, 1863. His parents were Francois Bertrand and Catherine Hocquette. 

He came to the United States in 1870 when he was seven years old. He lived in Illinois for a few years and later moved to Chariton.

Joseph Burtram (sic) appears in the 1880 census in White Breast Township, Warren County, Iowa. He was age 16 and was working on the L. H. Rice Farm.

He married Viola Belle Long in 1887 in Des Moines, Iowa when he was 23 years old. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Joseph and Viola Bertrand.

He is listed in the 1889-1890 Des Moines Iowa Directory as a plumber for Laing & Scoville and in 1891 as a plumber for Scoville Plumbing Company. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. 

Joseph's daughter, Emma Bertrand Smith, kept a postcard collection which includes cards from Joe. The online collection includes both the messages and the pictures from these cards.

He died on April 18, 1910 in Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa of organic heart disease when he was 46. He was buried in the Chariton Cemetery after a service at the United Brethren Church. He is buried with his brother Henry, his sister-in-law, Flora, his nephew Robert Frances and Izetta F., 1902-1903.