Mary Adeline (Gray) McCullow (1849-1928)

GRAY, MCCULLOW

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 7/9/2016 at 22:22:39

PIONEER LADY LAID TO REST

Mary Adeline Gray, daughter of Alonzo and Francis Rhea Gray, was born at Paris, Illinois, October 10, 1849, and died at her home in Sanborn on Thursday, March 8, 1928, after an illness of several mouths duration.

Mrs. McCullow's parents died when she was but three years of age, after which she made her home with an uncle, E. H. Gray, at Janesville, Wisconsin. With her uncle and his family, she came to Eden Township, Fayette County, Iowa, in December, 1862, the trip being made by ox-team from Janesville. Later the family moved to Waucoma, in the same county, where she received her education, and taught school for several years.

On July 21, 1872, at [New] Hampton, Iowa, she was united In marriage with George N. McCullow, of New Hampton, Iowa, who preceded her in death on April 12, 1920.

Four child­ren were born to them: Cora Mary, now deceased; Fred R. of Lincoln, Nebraska; Zaidee, of Sanborn; and Clayton E. of Volga, S. D. Soon after their marriage, Mr. McCullow entered the employ of the Milwaukee railroad, their early homes being in Mason City and Calmar, Iowa, and Austin, Minnesota. At the latter place their first born child, Cora Mary, passed away on July 21, 1880. In September of 1882 the family moved to Sanborn, Iowa, which has since been their home.

The deceased was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church in Sanborn, and as long as her health permitted she was willing to share the responsibilities of the work. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, although her health did not permit her to take an active part in its activities. Mrs. McCullow was of that sturdy type of the pioneers who had to face the deprivations and uncertainties of new frontiers. As a consequence of those early struggles when hard work, honesty and integrity were not depreciated, she has given to all with whom she has come in touch, an example of sturdy qualities worthy of emulation. She probably would be termed an old-fashioned mother, the kind for which the world suffers a great need just now. Her home was a place where all who came received the warmth of her welcome and the smile of her benediction. Her life contained nothing of pretense, and her friends could always rest assured that she would always be found true.

Services were held at the Presbyterian church on Saturday afternoon March 10, with the pastor, Rev. A.C. Grafton, officiating. Interment was made in Roseland cemetery, by the side of her husband. She was borne to her last resting place by old-time friends and neighbors: by old-time friends and neighbors: G. H. Kings, C. A. Hakeman, G. S. Melvin, J. C. Peterson, Chris Miller and James Pirie. Appropriate music was rendered by Mrs. J. W. Cravens, Mrs. A. V. Brady, Dr. J. M. "Eason, Dr. .1. S. Sanders. The many beautiful floral emblems were evidence of the high esteem In which Mrs. McCullow was held in the community.' All the mem­bers of the Immediate family were present with the exception of Mrs. C. E. McCullow, those present being: Mr. and Mrs. R. McCullow of Lincoln, Nebraska; C. E.J McCullow of Volga, South Dakota; Zaidee McCullow of Saribbrn; Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Coutant of Marquette, Iowa. Mrs. Esten Henrichsen of Mason City, a close friend of the family, was also in attendance at the services.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, Mar 16, 1928, p1