Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-02-04
Death of Hon. John Gray.

III lliO uCdlll VI MI. way
Point mournS the loss of a most wor-
thy citizen. He WAS among the pi-
oneers who made the city'S early his
tory. He died, as he lived, respected
and honored by his followmen, for
his sterling worth and fixed integrity.
His genial presence and kindly greet
ing will be sadly missed by his old
associates and friends. among whom
he has gone out and in for period of
more than sixty years; but he has left
a goodly heritage, and the noble ex-
ample of an upright and honorable
life.for those who come after to follow.
The editor of The Tribune, who knew
the deceased long, and intimately,
thus records his death and pays the
following we'll merted tribute to his
memory:
Although he had been perceptibly
failing for some time, it was pain
full surprise to this community when
the intelligence spread that the ven-
erable John Gray had died at his
home last Thursday evening. Hewas
day, and not considered seriously i'll.
On "Wednesday he was confined to his
bed, and by Thursday severe case
of pneumonia had developed, which
ended his life at o'clock that night.
John Gray was born at Redruth,
England. in April, 1917, and hence
was almost so years of age. In 1871
he married Miss Susan Thomas, who
survives him. He emigrated with his
family to America in lS44, settling at
Mineral Point. For number of years
he followed lead mining, and always
took a lively and intelligent interest
in mining enterprises. In 1851 he
joined the throng of gold hunters in
California, crossing the continent by
team. He remained in the gold fields
three years, being NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
full. Returning he entered into mer-
chandising, in connection with Jos.
Gundry, and the names of Gundry d
Gray have been associated ever since.
Mr.. Gray took proper interest in
public affairs and political discus
sions, was close reader Of current
events. He was a republican from
the organization of the party, but sub
servient to no bosses. The only pub
lie Office he held was that of Assem-
blyman-sitting in the Legislative
sessions of 1877 and 1878. He was of
strong convictions, and never shrank
from defence of his views, whether
supported by many or standing alone.
He detested shams and subterfuges
in any line, whether business, social
or political. a dishonest or design
ing man he had no patience with, and
any such met vigorous rebuff on his
discovery of them. But there was in
him Il strong vein of sympathy and
charity. Many honest poor men have
found in him a helpful friend.
Devotion to his family was his
most CONSPICUOUS virtue. Their COM
fort and happiness was his first aim,
and from his immediate household
mis- benevolence overilowed to sisters,
grandchildren. nephews and nieces,
to many OF whom he fully compen-
stated for loss of husbands and fathers.
One son and eight daughters We're
born to him. Two of the daughters,
Mrs. p. Allen, Jr., and Miss Lizzie,
died before their father. The others
are, Mr.. John l.. Gray, a member of
the firm of Gundry d Gray, Mrs. Ed
win Andrews, Of Denver, Mrs. j. II.
Toay, Mrs. r. J. Penhallegon, Jr.,
Mrs. +. T.. Hanscom, of this city, Mrs.
John Pettis, of Chicago, and Miss
Grace Gray, who is at home with her
mother. All were present at the fu-
neral on Sunday, which took place
at two o'clock, with religious services
conducted at the house by Rev. I.
Kent, and Masonic burial ceremonies
at the cemetery.
Resolutions of Mineral Point Lodge
No. l., Free and Accepted Masons:
Resolved That since by Him who doeth all
things we'll, our late Brother John Gray has
y t,l,. "A
his fraternal Brothers, who have thus been
deprived Of his genial and social compan-
ionship, To emulate his virtues, and for
get and forgive his faults, II any he had.
Further, that We sincerely condole with the
family and friends Of our late Brother In
their great bereavement; and may this dis