Alexander Gray Jr (1880-1904)

GRAY

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/27/2023 at 15:28:52

From the Ames Intellegencer, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, June 30th, 1904.

Alexander Gray Jr. was born October 14, 1880 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 1881 he removed with his parents to Canada, where they resided until he was fifteen years of age. In 1896 they came to Jones county, Iowa, where they resided for three years. The family came to Ames in 1899 and have since been respected residents of our community. Alexander Gray Jr. died at the college hospital, Wednesday evening, June 22, 1904 in the twnty-fourth year of his age. He was the only child of devoted parents and is doubly mourned as such. He was a young man of exceptionally clean habits and whose life was an honor to his parents.

The following poem by his own hand was found in his desk. It is entitled "Words of Strength."

Have hope the clouds environ now,
And gladness hides his face in scorn,
Put then the shadow from thy brow,
No night but hath its morn.

Have faith where e'er they bark is driven,
The calm disport the tempest's mirth,
Know this - God rules the hosts of heaven,
The inhabitants of the earth.

Have love - not love alone for one,
But man as man thy brother call,
And scatter like the circling sun,
They charities on all.

Then gave these lessons on thy soul,
Hope, trust and love and thou shall find
Strength when life's surges rudest roil,
Light when thou else wert blind.

The funeral services wre conducted from the residence of his parents Friday June 24th, by the Rev. Andrew M. Shea, after which all that was mortal of our departed friend was tenderly laid to rest in the cemetery at Ames.