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Charles B. Ray

RAY, NEWSON, WATTS, MENKE, TOMPKINS

Posted By: Esther Breeden (email)
Date: 2/5/2002 at 05:55:56

CHARLES B. RAY

Charles B. Ray, son of Samuel P. and Elizabeth Ray, was born in Farmington twp., Van Buren county, Sept. 30, 1844. He lived at birthplace until he grew to manhood with the exception of two years which he spent in Missouri. Coming from Missouri, he located in Bonaparte township where he has lived ever since.

He was united in marriage to Sarah M. Newson Jan. 28, 1868. To this union was born one daughter, Mrs. Frank Watts. with who Mr. Ray has made his home since the death of his wife nine years ago.

Mr. Ray was endowed by nature with a warm hearted and kindly disposition which made of him the ideal neighbor, associate and friend. He belonged to that thin line, so rapidly disappearing that was associated with the pioneers who made the first assault upon the wilderness, and through labor and danger carved out homes, built the schools and churches, organized the government agencies, in fact laid the foundation for the advancement and conveniences which have resulted. The passing of one of that number calls our attention to the greatness of our obligations.

Mr. Ray was the last survivor of his father's family. He professed faith in Christ late in life but owing to poor health he was not identified with any church.

The passing of "Uncle Charley" as he was affectionately and familiarly known, Feb. 21, leaves to mourn their loss his daughter, Mrs. Frank Watts; one grandson, Leslie Watts, a nephew, John Ray, and a niece Mrs. Annis Menke, both of La Belle, Mo.; a number of more distant relatives, together with a host of neighbors and friends.

There is a world above
Where parting is unknown
A whole eternity of love,
Formed for the good alone;
And faith beholds the dying here,
Translated to that happier sphere.

Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Watts, Rev. A. C. Droz officiating. Interment in Bonaparte cemetery.

We desire to thank the neighbors and friends for their kindness and sympathy and the quartet of singers for their excellent music.

Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Watts
Leslie Watts

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I wanted to make a notation here that Charles Ray's mother, Elizabeth (Betsy) Tompkins Ray was buried in Hellwig Cemetery near Bonaparte, Iowa. It is a family cemetery.

Elizabeth was born Sept. 19, 1805 and died Mar. 18, 1854 in Van Buren County, Iowa.


 

Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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