The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-12-22
BUDGET FROM BEAUMONT
Judge Gray, . Pioneer Of Jefferson County,
Is Dead.
THE CITY is PREPARING TO PAVE STREETS
city Council Has rns.cd the Nsccs-
snry Ordtnnuccs--rursc Containing
vniunbics snatchcd from n Lady.

Beaumont, Texas. December 2L--Judgo
Ed Z. Gray, aged 80 years, died at his
home in this city at I o'clock this morn
Ing after a lingering Illness. and in his
death Jefferson county loses one OF its mott
useful and progressive citizens. The de-
ceased was born In Canton. Miss. on Sep
telnber z. lSiS, ana III February, 1883, or
whta he Mas but years old his parents
moved 60 Beaumont aud since then this
| city has been his constant place OF resi-.
dence In February, 1870. he was married
10 Miss Eliza Jlrou, daughter OF one OF The
most prominent families In tho county, and
MS wife, five daughters and two sous are
LETT TO mourn HIS death.
coming TO Beaumont In the early days
nc accused WAS reared pioneer. When
young he attended tho public schools, but
SO 5000 as he became strong enough for
MANUAL labor he entered the immense Pine
ma cypress forests In Jefferson ana nd-
)acent counties ard soon won the reputa-
tion OF being ore OF the most popular and
efficient woodsmen lin this section. In
1850 no became a candidate for tax asses
sor OF Jefferson county and was elected
by ilattering majority. He held this Of
nee for six consecutive terms or until 1882
when. at tho solicitation OF friends, no
announced for county judge ANA after a
vigorous campaign VAS elected over the
strongest possible opposition. Ho was re-
elected in 1891 and again in 1896, but was
defeated at the last olection his defeat
being LARGELY attributes TO the sickness
which finally caused death and which pre-
vented his making an active campaign.
AS county judge the deceased Is largely
responsible for the present development
OF the agricultural resources OF Jefferson
eouaty. So soon az he was inductod into
Office he began a policy OF improving the
county roads and building substantial
wagon bridges and as n result this county
now boasts of roads equal to any in the
state except where macadam has been used
and several splendid iron bridges. These
roads and bridges opened the agricultural
lands to settlement and since their con-
stFuction many hundreds of acres have
peen planted in rice and much heretofore
vacant land Is now under cultivation.
inc deceased also completed the hand
some court house which was begun by his
predecessor and was instrumental In build
ing the new county Jail. While county
judge he also systematiged the county
public schools and they are now regarded
as efficient as are the ordinary city schools
In private life the deceased was much
loved and highly respected. He was genial,
warm hearted. Arm, constant friend and
at all times ready to lend his energy in
huence or money to advocate the interest
OF the city or county or bring pleasure 10
a cherries life, or sunshine to an un-
happy home.
he was consul commander OF Curley Pine
camp, Woodmen OF the World, was also n
member OF the Mystic Circle, and his re.
mains VIII be Inferred In the Magnolia
cemetery at O'Clock tomorrow afternoon
with the impressive Woodman ceremony
Whiie the death of Judge Gray is n mis-
fortune 10 the city and county and will be
universally regretted the blow 10 saddest
to MS bereaveG wife and children To them
1t Is indeed an aifIiction and In their sor.
row they have the sincere and heartfelt
sympathy Of the entire community.