James E. McCray 1864-1916

MCCRAY, MORRIS

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 8/28/2010 at 18:00:51

WAPELLO BUSINESS MAN SUCCUMBS

James E. McCray Passes Away Monday Evening.

FUNERAL ON WEDNESDAY

He Was Engaged In Business In Wapello For Twenty-five Years - Retired When Health Fails - Funeral Largely Attended Knights of Pythias Conduct Services at Grave - Woodmen Attend in Body

James E. McCray, third son of Columbus and Mary E. McCray, was born in Dodgeville, Des Moines county, Iowa, Feb. 13th 1864, died at his late home in Wapello, Iowa, May 29, 1916, at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 16 days.

At the age of three his parents moved to Louisa county, settling on a farm near Newport, where he grew to young manhood. When twenty two years of age he went to Janesville, Wis., entering the business college of that place; upon the completion of his course, he came to Wapello and engaged in business, opening up an implement and music store; for a number of years his store was known as the largest business house of the county. No man in the county was better known or had a larger circle of friends than James McCray.

About four years ago, because of failing health, after twenty-five years of business life here in Wapello, he retired from active business. But the health and strength of former years were not to be regained, but on the other hand a gradual decline, and at times a great sufferer. Especially was this true of the last few weeks.

The deceased was a member of Blackhawk Lodge No. 281, of Wapello, and the Modern Woodman of America, Camp No. 3005, of Wapello. In both of these he was an active and enthusiastic member.

On Jan. 20, 1899 he was united in marriage ot Miss Mattie Morris of.... ( the remainder of the obituary is missing.)

Source: LCHS scrapbook