Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 April 1920 — GRIM REAPER CLAIMS THREE [ARTICLE]

GRIM REAPER CLAIMS THREE

PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THIS CITY ANSWER DEATH’S ' CALL. - Three citizens of this city answered the summons of the death angel and passed to their reward; this harvest of the grim reaper occurring from midnight to noon this Tuesday. Two had reached a ripe age and had been ill for sometime, the other a mother of middle age, was sick but a day or two. Death came to Benton Forsythe at 1:00 a. m., the death of John R. Gray, followed at '2:00 a. m. and Mrs. Charles Morlan passed away at noon. BENTON FORSYTHE. Benton Forsythe was born at Cadiz, Ohio, May 30, 1852. When but three years of age his father died, and six years later he and his sister ’were made orphans by the death of their mother. - The two children lived upon a farm near New Philadelphia, Ohio, with an uncle, Samuel Forsythe. At the age of sixteen Mr. Forsythe began teaching school And taught for three terms. He attended Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio. He then engaged in the mercantile business and for twenty years was in business in this city. He came here with a very small stock of goods and with but little capital. From this beginning he built up one of the largest mecantile businesses in this city: built and occupied the building now occupied by the Rowles &'Parker Department store. In 1911 he sold his stock of merchandise and. rented his business building. He invested in farm lands and gave much attention to improving the same. He was interested in farming and also took an active interest in the affairs of the city. His beautiful home at the corner cf Washington street and McKinley avenue was always kept in splendid condition and the citizens of the city were wont to point to it with pride. He was a live progressive business man, a splendid citizen, and among his many public spirited acts may be noted his gift of the magnificent pipe organ to the Presbyterian church of this city. He is survived by his wife and I three nephews. • I Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church in this city I Thursday afternoon at 2:30, and burial will be made in Weston I cemetery.

JOHN R, GRAY. Mr. Gray had been in failing health for some months prior to his death, his illness taking a seriqus turn about two months ago, and his decline being rapid since that time. His death occurred at two o’clock at his home in the east part of the city. The deceased was about seventyone, years of age and was born in this state?. For many years he followed farming as an occupation both in this and other states. He retired from active life several years ago and since that time had made his home in this city, where he was held in much respect. Mr. Gray is survived by his wife and four children, namely: Mrs. Zern Wright, of this city; Clyde, of Walla Walla, Wash.; Ira, of Dayton, Wash.; and Mrs. D. V. McGHnn, of Remington. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at the Church of God, and will be conducted by the Rev. S. J. Lindsey. Interment will be made in Weston cemetery.