Beaverton Historical Society
Gladwin County Obituary/Death Notice
 
John Murray

   John Murray, a pioneer resident of Bentley township died at his home one mile east of Estey April 28, age 61 years, 10 months and 27 days. He was born at Round Out, Ulster county, New York, May 3, 1851, of French descent. He came to Michigan 33 years ago, and located at Midland. While there he was married Dec. 21, 1885, to Helen Strong who still survives. To this union was born nine children, eight of whom still survives; namely, George of Saginaw, William serving in the U.S. Marines on the Battleship Utah; Clarence, Ovid, Florence, Mabel, Edna and Willard, Frank an infant, died 18 years ago. Mrs. Card, a step-daughter, is also left to mourn, with his many friends.

   In 1896 Mr. Murray located in Bentley township, purchasing 80 acres of wild land which he afterwards cleared and improved. Here he resided until his death, enjoying the successes, and meeting the failures, incident to pioneer life, with the same irrespressible sense of wit and good humor that characterized him through out his life.

   Three years ago he became afflicted with Bright's disease. Though his sufferings were sometimes intense, he never complained nor gave up hope. A few weeks ago his condition became grave. His children were called home and surrounded by loving relatives and solicitous friends he peacefully awaited the end which came at 3:30 p.m., April 28.

   The funeral held at the house April 30, at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Henry Anderson was largely attended. As a token of respect to Mr. Murray as a member of the school board the school children and others gathered trailing arbutus which Mrs. David Stone wove into a beautiful wreath and placed upon the casket. The body was laid to rest in the cemetery north of Estey.

   "All was ended now, the hope and the fear and the sorrow; all the aching of heart the restless, unsatisfied longing, all the dull, deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."

   "What is it that sometimes speaks to the soul so calmly, so clearly that its earthly time is short? Is it the secret instinct of decaying nature, or the soul's impulsive throb as immortality draws on? Be what it may it fest on the heart - a calm, sweet, prophetic certainty that heaven is near - calm as the light of sunset, sweet as the bright stillness of autumn. Here let his heart repose troubled not by the sarrow of those who loved him so dearly."

 
 
Personal Information
Death Date
Burial/Final Location
Service
04/28/1913
Rhodes Cemetery, Rhodes, MI
US Marines
 
Publication Information
Pub. Date
Publication
Pub. Page
05/08/1913
Gladwin County Record, Gladwin, MI
P:1 C:6
 
Transcription Information
Date
Transcribed by
Source Media
January 2005
Tom Ladner
Microfilm
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Posted by Bob Frei assisted by Jeff Naugle