Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-02-04
IN MEMORIAN.
HON. JOHN GRAY.


Although he had been perceptibly
! failing for some time, it was pain
ful surprise to this community when
the intelligence spread that the ven-
erable John Gray had died at his
home last Thursday evening. He ewas
able to be about the house on Tues
day, and not considered seriously ILL.,.
On Wednesday he was confined to his
bed, and by Thursday a severe case
of pneumonia had developed, which
ended his life at o'clock that night.
John Gray was born at Redruth,
England, in April, 1877, and hence
was almost so years Of age. In lSll
he married Miss Susan Thomas, who
survives him. He emigrated with his
family to America in 1911, 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 acknowledgements
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 n 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 Sdefence 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 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
his benevolence overtlowed to sisters,
grandchildren. nephews and nieces,
to many Of whom he fully compen-
sated for loss of husbands and fathers.
One son and eight daughters were
born to him. Two of the daughters,
Mrs. T. Allen, Jr., and Miss Lizzie,
| died before their father. The others
are, Mr.. John l.. Gray. member Of
the firm of Gundry & Gray, Mrs. Ed
win Andrews, of Denver, Mrs. j. r.
Toay, Mrs. II. j. Penhallegon, Jr.,
Mrs. +. +. 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. r..
Kent, and Masonic burial ceremonies
at the cemetery.
The following tribute to their de-
ceased brother was prepared by order
OF Mineral Point Lodge, +. A. NJ:
Resoired, That since by Him who
doeth all things well, our late brother,
John Gray, has been called from la
Dor TO rest, it becomes us his frater-
nal brothers, who are thus deprived
Of his genial society and companion
ship, to emulate his virtues, and to
forget and forgive his faults, IL any
he had. Further, That we sincerely
condole with the family and friends
of our late brother in their great be-
reavement; and may this dispensa-
ton be of real and lasting benefit to
them and us, in preparing our minds
and souls for that great change which
awaits us all.
II