GRAY, James B. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Uncle Jim Gray, one of the oldest and best known citizens of this township, passed away at his home just south of town, Monday evening at 5:45 o’clock, after a brief illness of only a few days. His illness really dates from Tuesday of last week, when he slipped on the ice and fell heavily, the shock completely breaking his nervous system. Pneumonia followed and his extreme age and weakened condition made him an easy victim to the disease and death came as above stated.

James B. Gray was the son of Santford and Mary Kemp Gray, and was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 4, 1835, coming with his parents two years later to this county. They first settled on a farm six miles south of Waynetown, known as the James McCormick place, but shortly after they moved to the old Gray home place at Wesley now owned by Walter Breaks. He was married to Mary A. Heath forty-nine years ago, and forty-one of this married life has been lived on the old home place where he died.

He is survived by his wife, and two sons—Charles H. Gray, who resides at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Cooper Gray, who lives near his father’s home place. There are also eight grandchildren. His is also survived by two brothers and one sister, S. P. Gray, of Covington, Ellis Gray, who made his home with Uncle Jim and Aunt Molly, and Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder of Crawfordsville, and a large number of other near relatives.

Uncle Jim Gray, as we have always known him, has lived out his life of eighty-four years in a wonderful period of the world’s history. He has seen this part of the grand old Hoosier state redeemed from a dense wilderness and the Red Man, to its present high state of civilization together with all the present day conveniences and inventions that make living so different from the pioneer life. He was not a member of any church, but his life was above reproach. His sterling principles of manhood made him all that man should be to man—a good neighbor, and a good citizen, honest in his dealings and conscientious in all that he did. He was a member of the Red Men’s Lodge of this place, having united with the order several years ago. Thus has closed the life of one more of the grand old men of this community who have done so much for this community and this generation. As we pen these lines we wonder how many of this generation who are enjoying the present day blessings of life, remember the trials, the sacrifices, the privations of our pioneer fathers with a due reverence for all they have done and suffered. All honor to their memory!  The funeral service was postponed until today at 10:30 o’clock in order that the son, Charles H. Gray, might reach the old home and be present at the service which was held at the Christian Union Church by Rev. McMullen. Interment was made at the Wesley Cemetery. -s