John C. Gray

GRAY, COLLINSON

Posted By: Ann Jaber (email)
Date: 1/16/2006 at 21:58:20

JOHN C. GRAY OBITUARY

Died at his residence two and one-half miles northeast of Hartwick on Thursday, March 26, 1903, John C. Gray aged 52 years, 10 months and 8 days.

John C. Gray was born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, May 18, 1850. While he was an infant his parents moved to Knox County, Illinois. From there he came to Poweshiek County, Iowa, when a young man. In 1875 he was married to Miss Martha A. Collinson, to them were born three sons and four daughters. One son and two daughters are married. Their children are all living and together with their mother are left to mourn his death. He also leaves on brother and five sisters. When he was a young man, he made a profession religion at a camp meeting held on the old Koszta camp ground, and united with the M.E. Church. In changing his residence he allowed his interest in religious matters to abate. One year ago last winter, during a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal church of Brooklyn, he again entered upon a religious life, and united with the church in this city, he was a member here at the time of his death. Mr. Gray was highly esteemed by all who knew him as a friend and neighbor. He was a loving husband, a kind and indulgent father, and in the home circle he will be sadly missed. The funeral services were held at Kent school house five miles north of Brooklyn, on Monday, March 30th and were conducted by his pastor, Rev. E.C. Books. A large company of friends and neighbors were present notwithstanding the fearful condition of the roads, thus testifying the esteem in which he was held. A delegation from the Odd Fellow Lodge of Victor, of which he was member, was also in attendance and acted as pall bearers.

Original from the Brooklyn Chronicle. Date unknown.