The Dickinson press., 1900-05-19
TAKEN FROM THIS WORLD.


May -, William Ray breathed
his last. Death came very easy,
he having been unconscious of
things in this world for "a hours
prior to the end; and during all of
his two and one-half weeks last
illness he suffered almost no pain.
He ate we'll for a person as sick
las he was and seemed satisfied
with everything that was being
done for him. He rested quietly,
slept a great deal, but grew
steadily weaker. 1t might be said
that he peacefully slept this life
away.
Mr.. Rays death was caused by
liver trouble. He was first taken
sick about a year ago and was
taken to the Brainerd hospital,
where he made rapid recovery and
returned home in a few weeks.
He had several attacks during the
past year, but was never confined
to his room for more than a few
days at a time. He was undoubt-
eddy up and around when he
should have been in his bed TAX
ing treatment; but such was his
nature that he could not be kept
in the sick room long at a time,
Notwithstanding his physicians
had repeatedly warned him to
throw aside all business cares and
take a long rest and a thorough
course of treatment
William Ray was born in Huron
county, Canada, on Sept. g, 1852,
making him 48years past at death.
When about IS years Of age he
moved to Minnesota with his par
ents, and while quite young he
took up railroading, commencing
at the bottom and working his
way up.
AT the age of "a Mr.. Ray was
married to Miss Catherine Flynn.
While Mr.. Ray was in the employ
of the Great Northern. they lived
in Minneapolis. In the Sos Mr..
and Mrs. Ray moved to Mandan,
this state. Mr.. Ray was made
roadmaster of the Missouri divi-
sion of the Northern Pacific and
was in Dickinson a great deal
prior to "a, when the family took
up their permanent residence
here.
In 1888 Mr.. Ray resigned his
position with the Northern Pacific,
his private business having be-
come quite extensive. He took
an active part in public affairs,
and had the honor of being elected
a member Of the Constitutional
convention, which convened at
Bismarck on July d. 1880. Under
| President Cleveland's administra-
ton Mr.. Ray was appointed post
master at Dickinson, serving the
people acceptably in this capacity
for a term of four years.
Mr.. Ray acquired possession of
several very choice business as
we'll as residence properties in
Dickinson. He also had good
properties in Duluth and other
parts of the Northwest at differ
ent times. At one time he was
quite extensively engaged in
stock raising. A little over two
years ago he became owner of the
St. Charles hotel, taking actual
management of the place a year
later.
William Ray was the Oldest of
six children. His mother died
while he va quite young. His
father, Geo. Ray, lives at Water
town, MINI. Twoof the deceased's
sisters, Miss Sarah Ray and Mrs.
Catherine Jennings, also live at
| Watertown. Another sister, Mrs.
Joseph Cuskelly. lives at Helena,
Mont. The only living brother,
Geo. Ray, is located at Larimore,
N. D. He was the only member
of the family unable to attend the
funeral.
Services we're conducted by
Father Claude from St. Patrfck's
church at 9 a. m. on Tuesday. and
the remains of one of the oldest
residents of this place were laid
at rest in the. Catholic cemetery
northwest of town.
During the funeral hour all bust
ness houses we're closed out of re-
spect for the departed townsman
The pail bearers were, T. H
Ryan, Frank Lish, Farrell REILLY
William Kennedy, Timothy Gus.
kelly and Michael Mckinley.
William Ray leaves a wife anc
six children-William G., Agnes
Ella, Frank, Walter and Donald
Who realize that they have los1
49, - -Ii---A - -.