STEPHEN "Steve" SYLVESTER BRAY - died 1911

BRAY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/1/2005 at 13:48:47

Stephen Sylvester Bray passed away Saturday about 5:30 P.M. after a lingering and painful illness of several weeks with Blight’s disease. Deceased was born at Scales Mound Ill. and was 54 years, 1 month and 23 days old. He removed here with his wife and brothers in March 1882, going to farming first on the Haines place in this township and later in Lafayette township. Since moving to town he has been engaged in selling farm machinery, and as a land agent. He was Justice of the Peace at the time of his death, being twice elected. “Steve”, as he was familiarly called, was a general favorite with all, minding his own business and not meddling with other people’s affairs. He was a charter member of the local camp Modern Woodsmen and always took an active interest in the society’s welfare. The neighbors turned out in a body at the funeral yesterday and accorded him the honor due to a true Woodsman. He is survived by a wife, three brothers, James of Apple River Ill., Elmer of Dubuque, and Richard of Kanawa and one sister, Mrs. William Johnson of Scales Mound Ill. The two latter were unable to be present at the funeral but his brothers James, Elmer and Mr. Wm. Johnson were in attendance. Rev. Norton of the M.E. church, assisted by Rev. Robinson of Waukon, officiated at the funeral, which was from the home on the Park and was largely attended.

Allamakee Journal, Lansing, Feb. 22, 1911 - contributed by Cindy Bray Lovell