Walter C. Gregory(1844-1919)

GREGORY

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 8/30/2008 at 09:47:01

Jackson Sentinel
March 18, 1919

Another Honored Pioneer Answers Final Summons
Walter C. Gregory Passes Peacefully Away at His Home Early Sunday Morning.

There are few residents of Jackson county and surrounding community who did not learn of the passing of W. C. Gregory with a sense of sorrow for his death closes one of the most prominent lives which had been associated with the up build of the city and community which he loved and served so well. As an attorney Mr. Gregory was able, exceptionally so, and for years was termed as one of the strongest counselors as well as court lawyers in this section of the country. His legal practice had been gained by his strict attention to the details of his work and the conscientiousness of purpose. As a citizen, he played an important role when good men were needed. The early day problems were more difficult than those of today and with a firmness of conviction his stand on questions of public importance was founded upon his interpretation of right. For things educational and moral his efforts were always directed toward higher ideals, higher goals, that the future community might excel that of the past. Impaired health prevented Mr. Gregory from marked activity the past few years, but advanced years never weakened his interest in progressiveness along all lines of good work. He has always it seems always been held in the highest esteem by the community. Much is said in the foregoing sentence – it is a wonderful legacy. It means that he has erected a monument that will baffle the years to destroy; it means that the city, county and community is better than when he found it and just because he lived in it. But his work is done, the book is closed and with bowed heads we as a citizenship tender our respect, voice our homage to a man among men, a character that was strong in life and will be strong after death.
Obituary

Walter C. Gregory was born in Delavan, Wis., December 9, 1844, his parents being Samuel K. and Cynthia L. Gregory. In 1861 Mr. Gregory came with his parents to Jacksonville, Iowa, prior to this however, he had received his common and high school education in the schools of his native city. After coming to Iowa he engaged in farming until 1869, when he began reading law with B. F. Thomas, then of Andrew. In 1871 he was appointed deputy auditor of Jackson county, and afterwards served as deputy clerk. He removed to Maquoketa in 1875 and was admitted to the bar in 1876, and the same year was elected county auditor. For over seventeen years Mr. Gregory was a member of our school board and his interest in education was one of his strongest characteristics. In 1864 he was united to Miss Sarah R. Bell to which union were born two sons, Fred C. and James W., both of whom survive and who are residents of this city; also one brother, M. L., of Aledo, Ill. His wife preceded him in death several years ago. He was a member of the Christian church but there being no church of that faith here, he attended the M. E. church for many years.

The funeral was held from the Methodist church this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. J. J. Kidder officiating. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.