Archibald Ray (1844-1909)

RAY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/14/2016 at 23:21:55

From Nevada Representative December 24, 1909 (front page)

ARCHIBALD RAY

Archibald Ray, a long-time resident of Indian Creek township, died Sunday, December 19, 1909, at his farm home just north of Maxwell, aged 65 years and 24 days. He had been in poor health for some time, but pneumonia, which attacked him about two weeks ago and seemed critical from the first, was the immediate cause of his death.

The deceased was the eldest son and child of Judiah and Clara Ann Ray; he was born November 25, 1844, in Marion county, Indiana; came when he was a eight years old, with the parental family to a pioneer home at Iowa Center; was untied in marriage February 3, 1889 with Miss Hilda Johnson, a Story county young woman; and the two made their home on their farm just north of Maxwell from which they moved in 1902 to the home in Maxwell whence death has recently called the one. Three sons and two daughters are fruits of this marriage, and all of these except one daughter survive him, as does also his wife. While but a youth Mr. Ray united with the Evangelical church at Iowa Center, of which organization hi mother was a member; and in 1890, when the Christian church in Maxwell was organized, he became a charter member of the latter church. The strenuous conditions of pioneer life made an early impress upon his habits and character and laid the foundation for life-long industry and the strict attention to business which have accumulated at large estate while he has also made record for fidelity in family and neighborly and church relations.

The funeral was held Wednesday, the 22 at the Church of Christ in Maxwell, and, because of the illness of Mr. Ray's pastor, Rev. S. P. Telford, the service was conducted by Rev. B. F. Shoemaker of the Nevada Church of Christ, Rev. W. H. Illslev of Maxwell assisting, a mixed choir furnishing excellent singing, and a large concourse of people, being present, including nearly all of the deceased's surviving near of kin.

Nevada people besides the officiating clergyman, who attended the funeral, were Jacob Ray, brother of the deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kurtz brother-in-law and sister of the same; Mrs. Frank Sutherland, his niece; and Mrs. Lizzie Williams, an old friend.