Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-04-22
CIR AND RAPIDS DAY By DAY.

The New York papers of Wednesday
chronlcled the death OF Col. George
Gray, an announcement OF which will
be received with much concern by the
older residents of Grand Rapids. The
cause OF Colonel Gray's death was that
incurable malady, paresls. He suf-
Tered An attack of paralysis IN 1889.
and was forced to aetire from the office
of counsel tor the Northern Pacific
railroad, position which he exercised
with signal ability for many years.
Upon the announcement OF his disablli-
ty the board Of directors of the road
voted him an annuity of $4,000, gra-
tuity which showed in what high ap-
preciatlen his active services to
that corporation were held. MI.
Gray's salary up to the time
If his forced retirement had
been s2O, 700 per year. Colonel Gray
MAS born in Tyrone, Ireland, in 1924.
Ills youth was passed in that country
and before coming 10 America he had
graduated 81 the famous Trinity COL
lege, Dublin. He located In this city in
1855 aud was admitted 10 the bar the
following year. Beeides being q gifted
lawyer, he WAS also proficient civil
engineer, an accomplishment which
peculiarly and advantageously fitted
him for the responsible position he held
IN the latter years OF ms life. In the
rebellion, IS colonel OF the Sixth Michi-
gan cavalry, OF which regiment Gen.
X. A. Alger was lieutenant, he proved
to be . gallant and daring officer and
Won ali OF his honors in the thickest OF
the fight. After the war he returned 10
tnls city and resumed the practice of law
continuing until 1870, when he went to
Washington, shortly alter which he
entered the service OF the Northern
Pacific road. Colonel Gray was indeed
q master of his profession, His mind
was logical and his insight keen and
alert. He possessed UNUSUAL power OF
analysis, aud hIs natural genius in ar
gument, and ready, forcible way OF
putting things, together with his
polished oratory made him formlda-
Die, as well as successful advocate. He
was eminentiy social, genial, in fact.
to a fault, as his old friends here we'll
remember, and many are the anecdotes
that are told TO this day OF his wit,
story telling, biting sarcasm and bril-
liant repartee. He Was IN all q man of
many parts, polished IN manner, &C
com plIshed In all the attainments
which would cause him To be marked
a. . dignity IN his profession and so
versatile In scholarship that il esta-
blished hlm as a central figure, around
which other bright minds and in
tellects loved 10 cluster. Colonel Gray
left widow whom he married IN 1875.
His only child. George Gray, Jr., died
about two years ago.
The closing recital of the 81. Cecilia
society tonight will end . brilliant sea-
son of progress and entertainment.
The society not only reflected credit
upon itself, but upon the Valley City.
This association of bright and sincere
women, together with the Ladies' Lit
erary club, the Orstorios aud numar-
ops other organizations whose object Is
advancement IN literature. music, sci
ence and other refined arts, combine
in forming . powerful argument in
support of the statement that Grand
Rapids u the Bostcn, the intellectual
hub Of Sichlgsn.
A very prominent citizen made the
remark yesterday, that "sx inchss Of
snow today would he worth a million
Of dollars TO the wheat crop of Michi-
gan THIS vas certainly not esmpli-
mentsry to the April shower, which
vas pouring down vigorously. Az the
citizen u interested IN wheat, h. wss
probably on the bear side. Ard meant
and wished for just the opposite OF the
purpoft Of hls statement.
lie gratifying 10 note the PRIDE thai
thu members take IN the Press club.
The club reens are nov neatly far.
sisheS and the walls sttrsetive with
the pictures sf eminent journalists asa
plsvsFs. fsYs, the nert picture TO
rang 10 TEE cish fsosn should be tat
Of ths Hon. A. n. Turner. ths Sestof
ef dssiy newspapers in efsnd Hspiss.
TIE Dsns IN Abe bistsrv II ioufns am
~ weststa Msehisaa. ifow do ysa
Isse ths sugzsstisn' Irssne.