Archabald Ray (1869-1909)

RAY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/17/2005 at 21:31:04

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, December 23, 1909. "ARCHABALD RAY - Archabald Ray, son of Judiah and Clara Ann Ray, was born in Marion county, Indiana, November 25, 1844. When eight years old he came with his parents to Story county, Iowa, and settle at Iowa Center. February 3, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Hilda Johnson, of Story county, and to them were born five children - three sons and two daughters. While a youth Mr. Ray united with the Evangelical church of which his mother was a member. In 1890, when the Christian church was organized in Maxwell, Iowa, he became a charter member of that congregation and has remained in that fellowship ever since. From the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ray have lived on their farm, just north of Maxwell, until eight years ago. In the spring of 1902 they retired from the farm, moving to Maxwell where he resided until his recent death. The deceased had been in poor health for some time and about two weeks ago he was stricken down with a severe attack of pneumonia. His condition was critical from the first and he continued to grow worse until he passed away at 11:15 o'clock on Sunday night, December 19, 1909, at the age of sixty-five years and twenty-four days. He leaves a wife, three sons, a daughter, four brothers and two sisters; besides other relatives and many friends to mourn his departure. Mr. Ray was an industrious hard working man of good business ability and leaves a large estate as evidence of his wise business management. By his death the home has lost a faithful husband and father, the community a good citizen and neighbor, and the church a worthy member. A large circle of friends enter into sympathy with the bereaved family; for when we stand in the presence of death we realize that we are standing on common ground - all on a common level before the pale messenger, for every one must respond to his summons; and to one and all this life is a brief period of parting and farewells. But the faithful Christian has the assurance that "there remaineth a rest to the people of God." And that "When the evening shadow gather, And the long day's work is done' When we reach that unknown country Out beyond the setting sun, After all the weary waiting In their peaceful rest to share, No more need of anguished parting - We shall know each other there. Hush then, each rebellious murmur, For we, too, are going home: Going to find our dearest loved ones, When these tired feet cease to roam On the resurrection morning. Free from toll and free from care, With our tear-dimmed eyes made perfect, We shall know each other there." Burial services was held from the Christian church at 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, December 22, 1909, by Elder B. F. Shoemaker, of Nevada, of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. Ilsley, of the Presbyterian church, after which the body was laid to rest in the Maxwell cemetery."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, VO. IX GRAVE MARKER INSCRIPTIONS INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP, INC. CITY OF MAXWELL, STORY COUNTY, IOWA, page 455, Maxwell Municipal Cemetery, Section 1, row 4, # 11, Archibald RAY, Nov 25 1844 - Dec 19 1908.