Iowa
Old Press
Iowa Recorder
Greene, Butler, Iowa
April 23, 1913
Another Old Pioneer Gone
Again the angel of death has entered into our midst and claimed
one of Butler county's oldest residents. Wm. Wray was born in
Tyrone County, Ireland, in 1823, and died at St. Paul, Minn.,
April 15, 1913, aged 89 years. At the age of 19 years he came to
this country with his mother and sisters to the city of
Philadelphia. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Isabel Smith.
To this union were born nine children, seven of whom are living.
From Philadelphia he with his family moved on a farm near
Bristow, Iowa. In 1873 death claimed his companion. He then lived
with his children until the year 1880, when he was again united
in marriage to Aravilla Niece. Five children were born to this
union, all of whom are living. From near Bristow he moved on a
farm near Aredale where they lived until about seven years ago
when they moved to Aredale and in 1908 he was again called to
mourn the loss of his life companion. He then lived at his own
home until about a year ago his health became so poorly he was
taken to St. Paul where he lived with his son until the time of
his death. The funeral was held from the U.B. church at Bristow
at 2:30 o'clock, Friday, and the remains were laid to rest in
illtown cemetery. "Tis sad to think that one by one we all
must leave our earthly cares and
pass to the great beyond but if by the Lord's will we are
permitted to live many years beyond three score and ten those
left to mourn should be reconciled, and hard though it may be,
weep not but live in all hopes that God may say as he has said
before, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter
thou in to the joy
of the Lord."
Funeral services for Mr. Wm. Wray, who died at the home of his
son, Robert, in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, were held at the
United Brethern church Friday afternoon, conducted by a former
pastor of the deceased, the Rev. John Gourley, of Hansel. The
remains arrived on the morning train and were taken to the home
of his niece, Mrs. Wm. Connolly until this afternoon. Deceased
having lived at Aredale for many years until about 8 months ago
when he was taken to the home of his son at St. Paul, was very
well known in this vicinity, and adjoining country and enjoyed
the friendship of all, being a man of sterling character and
strong convictions, in religion, a staunch Presbyterian and an
elder in the church for many years. He was born in Ireland and
came to this country in early manhood. His first wife, who was
Isabella Smith, before marriage, died in the year 1869. In after
years he was again married to Aravilla Niece, who preceded him in
death 4 years ago. To the first union were born 7 children and to
the second, 7, making him the father of 14 children, 12 of whom
are living, namely: James, N.G., Anna, Arthur, Jennie Jaynes,
Margaret Thompson, Ethel Creeden, W.J. Ray,
Robert, Harry, Andrew, Earl and Miss Alta Wray. Four of these
were in attendance at the funeral, as was John Johnson of
Janesville and George Smith of Winterset. Miss Esther Thompson,
who is assistant principal in our school this year is a
granddaughter. Undertaker Martin of Dumont had charge of the
funeral and the body was laid to rest beside that of his wife in
Oak Hill cemetery to await the resurrection. The sons acted as
pall bearers. Charles and Robert Stewart and Mrs. Gus Flannigan
here are among the other relatives and to all the bereaved ones
is extended the usual sympathy