William J. Ray (1873-1921)

RAY, COUGHENOUR, MEYER

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/18/2005 at 19:46:06

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, March 3, 1921, page 1. "W. J. Ray - William J. Ray, the eldest son of six children born to John and Mary Ray, was born March 18, 1873, in the vicinity of Maxwell, Story county, Iowa. At this place he grew to young manhood, and on the 14th day of May, 1896, he was united in marriage to Mattie Ann Coughenour. They went to housekeeping on a farm east of Maxwell, where they resided until March 1, 1905, when they moved to Maxwell. They resided here until August 15, 1905, when they moved to Bagley. From Bagley they moved to Madrid, January 31, 1907. She died November 30, 1907, at her home in Madrid, Iowa. To this union were born three sons, Clark A., Eldon W. and Virgil L. On October 18, 1908, he was united in marriage to Carrie E. Meyer, of Madrid, Iowa, at which place they resided until Marcy, 1909, when they moved to Collins, living there until June 14, 1909, when they moved to Colo. Here they resided until June 14, 1917, at which time they moved to Boone, living here until his death February 25, 1921, aged forty-seven years, eleven months and twenty-one days. To this union were born two daughters, Mildred E. and Wilma M. He was a devoted husband and father to his family and a friend to all whom he met. His call to the great beyond was a great shock to his dear ones and many friends. We believe he has gone to that country where pain never comes. During young manhood he became affiliated with the Presbyterian church, of Maxwell, being an active member. After moving to Bagley, he transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church, and transferred his membership to the Methodist church of each town in which he resided thereafter, at present being a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Boone. He entered into the grain business in 1905 at Bagley and had ever since been affiliated in that business in different capacities, being secretary of the Farmers Grain Dealers Association of Iowa for a period of three years, during which period he did a great work for the betterment of the agricultural interests of the farmers of the state of Iowa. At this time he was also vice president of the National Council, composed of the several state associations, and was very widely known throughout the commercial channels of our country, being sent to Washington, d. C., on several hearings in behalf of the interest of the farm producers of our several states. For the past four years until his death he has been associated with C. H. Thayer & Co., of Chicago. He was a very persistent worker with untiring ambition to do something for the betterment of somebody or community. He leaves to mourn their loss, a wife, Carrie E., Boone; three sons, Clark A., Newton; Eldon W., Boone; Virgil L., Nevada; two daughters Mildred E. and Wilma M., Boone; two step daughters, Mrs. Albert Bowers and Mrs. Wm. Harding, Colo; a father, John Ray, Maxwell; two brothers, Fred O., Maxwell; Dwight L., Gladbrook; three sisters, Mrs. Wm. Gamble, Maxwell, Mrs. Frank Powers, Newton, and Mrs. Geo. Gamble, Maxwell. Funeral services were conducted from his home, 815 Eight street, Boone, Sunday morning at nine thirty, conducted by Mr. Ray's pastor, F. F. Travis. A mixed quartet, composed of Mrs. E. S. Foster, Mrs. Fred Abel, Emil Nelson and F. F. Travis, sang Jesus Lover of May Soul, The Home Over There and The City Four Square. His home was crowded with a large assembly of his neighbors, business associates and fellow church members. The funeral party drove to Maxwell, where public services were held in the Methodist church by Rev. F. F. Travis, assisted by Rev. R. L. Mitchell. The body was buried in the Iowa Center cemetery. Card of Thanks - To those who so kindly assisted us during the illness and death of our husband and father, we desire at this time to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation. Mrs. W. J. Ray and family."

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, March 3, 1921, page 1, column 1. "Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Ray and children, of Gladbrook, were here Sunday attending the funeral of the late Will Ray.