Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 81, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 January 1911 — OBITUARY. [ARTICLE]

OBITUARY.

James Allen Gray was born June 9, 1865, died January 19, 1911, at the age of 45 years, 7 months and 10 days. He was raised on the farm near Remington and followed farming until the autumn of 1901, when he was married to Stella Dewitt of Parr, Ind.,- November 27. They then moved to a farm near Gowrie, lowa, where they remained one year, moving from there to Manson, lowa, where he engaged in the livery business with his brother Albert, continuing in that business until the 15th of November, 1903. He then procured a rural mall route out of Manson and has driven the route continuously with the exception of about two weeks when he was not able to drive, and the 15 days vacation allowed carriers each year at which times, his wife Stella, who was his substitute, did the driving. In the capacity .of mall carrier he gave entire satisfaction and left hosts of friends on the route and in and around Manson. The floral offerings were presented by the post office force and other friends there.

He had been ailing for the past two months, but had continued to drive until Monday before he passed away. Some two weeks before his death his physician advised him to go to the hospital and have an op-j eration performed *which he decided to do, and his wlef accompanied him to the hospital at Ft. Dodge, lowa, on January 17. The operation was performed the 18th and he seemed to be getting along alright and conversed with his wife during that afternoon. About 4 o’clock the next morning, pneumonia set in and he passed away at 3 p. m. He was baptized by the Methodist minister that morning and in answer to the minister's question as to how he felt in to thtf future he said: “I feel that I am saved and that all is well with me."

His wish had ever been that he might be buried at Remington, near his old home, and his wish was gratified by his wife having him brought here for bural. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife Stella, his aged mother, who is now past 80 years of age, two brothers, Sylvester of Rensselaer and Jacob Albert of Kenosha, Wis.; two sisters, Josephine Burns of Goodland, Ind., and Alice J. Babcock of Parr, Ind.; and his little step-daughter Pearl, who has made her home with Allen and Stella since they were married, and many relatives and friends. The funeral services were conducted Saturday at the M. E. church by Rev. Charles Harper of Rensselaer, assisted by Rev. R. H. Crowder of Remington. Interment in the Remington cemetery.