Tampico Tornado: April 2, 1887


IN MEMORY OF

John T. GRAY, who departed this life last Sunday morning, March 27th, 1887, between the hours of nine and ten o'clock; aged 48 years.

Once more we are called upon to chronicle the death of a worthy citizen, and we do so with feelings of sympathy and compassion. Death is no respector [sic] of persons, its grim message is waiting for us all. One by one we see them succumb to the demands of the unpartial master. Many are called in their youth, others in middle age, while some are left to a good old age. In this instance the deceased had reached the meridian of life, and he responded to the call without a word of murmuring.

Let us refer briefly to the past life of our subject. John T. GRAY was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and moved to this State, with his parents in 1850. He married Miss Alice SLYE, in 1867 and for their union three children come to make their home more happy and to bring sunshine and contentment.

In 1861, at the breakout of the rebellion, Mr. GRAY was among the first to rally around the standard and take arms against a foe that threatened to destroy the Union. His patriotism was of heroic nature, he sacrificed home and friends to go and battle for his country. He enlisted Nov. 21st, 1861, a private in company B. 58th Illinois Infantry and was discharged Feb. 7, 1865, after a service of 38 1/2 months. During that time he witnessed ten battles and escaped without being wounded; but the heat of the southern climate and the hardships of war bore heavily upon him and when peace had been declared and he returned to his home he was but a wreck of his former self. Bravely did he fight the ravages of the disease, always bearing his pain and suffering with a true soldier's courage and without complaint until the last. As a citizen he was honored and respected, a true husband and a kind and indulgent father.

The funeral took place in the M.E. Church of which he was a devout member last, Tuesday morning under the management of the G.A.R. post. There was a large procession that followed him to his last resting place and our people one and all deeply sympathize with his widow, daughters and parents in their sad bereavement.