William Gray
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WILLIAM GRAY IS DEAD.
PASSED AWAY AT HIS HOME IN NYACK LAST FRIDAY NIGHT. The Peaceful Close ot a Remarkable Active Life—An InterestIng Sketch. The life of William Gray, one of the best known citizens of Nyack, came to a peaceful ending last Friday, at halfpast ten o'clock. A few months ago a change was noticed in his health, which had been preserved in a remarkable manner, and a general breaking up of his system resulted in his death, He was in the eighty fifth year of his age. Until his remarkable activity gave way to weakness resulting from old age, confining him to his house, there was no more conspicuous character in Nyack. Everybody knew and respected Mr. Gray, and when he was no longer able to be about, he was much missed and many were the inquiries about him. Very few persons possess so ardent a love for nature's beauties as did he, and that love found frequeut and most enthusiastic expression trom his lips. This was one of the things that made him conspicuous among Nyack people, who enjoyed his constant praises of the region hereabout. Mr. Gray was born at Clinton, Dutchess Co., N. Y., on October 22, 1810. His father was William Gruy, of Fairfield, Conn., and he was one of the seventh generation of William Grays, one of the stanchest and most substantial families of that region While a young man Mr. Gray went to Poughkeepsie and was employed in the dry good business in that city. He afterward went to New York City, when he was interested in business for fifty years. He started as a special partner and confidential clerk with Arthur Tappen, a large dry goods dealer, and made several trips to Europe as a buyer for that house. He was a quick and careful observer of things aud events and. having a very retentive memory, he gained a large store of useful and interesting information while abroad. Many were the pleasant experiences of his trips which he related to his friends. Mr. Tappen was one of the first prominent members of the Republican Party and a strong Abolitionist. Of him Mr. Gray learned the first principles of that great party, and they influenced his whole life. From that time to his last moments he was an ardent, enthusiastic Republican, and never lost an opportunity to say a word in behalf of his political faith. During the war, when the darkest days came upon this country and the Government sadly needed and asked for money, Mr. Gray purchased $60,000 worth of Government bonds, showing the implicit confidence he had in the integrity of the Union. Of course the investment proved a good one, but when he made it, along with those of other loyal citizens, he realized that he did it at great risk. Mr. Gray was a wealthy man, most of his money being made in investments in city property, of which he owned a large amount. For several years he and his family came to Nyack to board during the Summer. He formed so strong an attachment for the place because of its natural scenery and attractive surroundings, that he resolved to make his home here. Nine years ago he purchased the property upon which his famous Dutch cottage has since stood, and it was always his pride to show strangers through his hospitable and attractive abode. He also a few years ago purchased the Pavilion property, on Main Street. For years Mr. Gray traveled to and from the city almost daily. While not engaged in active business since the war, be went down to look after his property interests in New York. During most of the time he resided here he traveled on the steamer Chrystenah, and passengers from all along the route made his acquaintance and enjoyed his company almost daily. One day, however, he fell from the gang plank into the river at the Nyack dock, and positively refused to go on the boat after that. Mr. Gray preserved his physical strength and activity along with his full mental faculties until a very few months ago. It was his custom for several years to frequently walk to Haverstraw on a Sunday morning, listen to a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Freeman, Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, and walk back home in the afternoon. He did this when he was over eighty years old— an act which many a young man would find it difficult to perform, when the distance, twenty miles, is considered. He had a kind word for everybody, and his sympathies were easily aroused in any cause for humanity. He was a joval friend of the American flag and his patriotism at all times and under all circumstances was unbounded. Mr, Gray during his many years' residence in New York was a faithful and sincere member of the Broadway Tabernacle, Congregational in denomination, and he passed away in the full faith of the Christian religion. Mr. Gray is survived by his widow, four daughters and two sons. He was
twice married, his first wife having died a number of years ago. Funeral services were held at the house on Monday, at 3:30 p. m. The Rev. F. Greaves officiated.
PASSED AWAY AT HIS HOME IN NYACK LAST FRIDAY NIGHT. The Peaceful Close ot a Remarkable Active Life—An InterestIng Sketch. The life of William Gray, one of the best known citizens of Nyack, came to a peaceful ending last Friday, at halfpast ten o'clock. A few months ago a change was noticed in his health, which had been preserved in a remarkable manner, and a general breaking up of his system resulted in his death, He was in the eighty fifth year of his age. Until his remarkable activity gave way to weakness resulting from old age, confining him to his house, there was no more conspicuous character in Nyack. Everybody knew and respected Mr. Gray, and when he was no longer able to be about, he was much missed and many were the inquiries about him. Very few persons possess so ardent a love for nature's beauties as did he, and that love found frequeut and most enthusiastic expression trom his lips. This was one of the things that made him conspicuous among Nyack people, who enjoyed his constant praises of the region hereabout. Mr. Gray was born at Clinton, Dutchess Co., N. Y., on October 22, 1810. His father was William Gruy, of Fairfield, Conn., and he was one of the seventh generation of William Grays, one of the stanchest and most substantial families of that region While a young man Mr. Gray went to Poughkeepsie and was employed in the dry good business in that city. He afterward went to New York City, when he was interested in business for fifty years. He started as a special partner and confidential clerk with Arthur Tappen, a large dry goods dealer, and made several trips to Europe as a buyer for that house. He was a quick and careful observer of things aud events and. having a very retentive memory, he gained a large store of useful and interesting information while abroad. Many were the pleasant experiences of his trips which he related to his friends. Mr. Tappen was one of the first prominent members of the Republican Party and a strong Abolitionist. Of him Mr. Gray learned the first principles of that great party, and they influenced his whole life. From that time to his last moments he was an ardent, enthusiastic Republican, and never lost an opportunity to say a word in behalf of his political faith. During the war, when the darkest days came upon this country and the Government sadly needed and asked for money, Mr. Gray purchased $60,000 worth of Government bonds, showing the implicit confidence he had in the integrity of the Union. Of course the investment proved a good one, but when he made it, along with those of other loyal citizens, he realized that he did it at great risk. Mr. Gray was a wealthy man, most of his money being made in investments in city property, of which he owned a large amount. For several years he and his family came to Nyack to board during the Summer. He formed so strong an attachment for the place because of its natural scenery and attractive surroundings, that he resolved to make his home here. Nine years ago he purchased the property upon which his famous Dutch cottage has since stood, and it was always his pride to show strangers through his hospitable and attractive abode. He also a few years ago purchased the Pavilion property, on Main Street. For years Mr. Gray traveled to and from the city almost daily. While not engaged in active business since the war, be went down to look after his property interests in New York. During most of the time he resided here he traveled on the steamer Chrystenah, and passengers from all along the route made his acquaintance and enjoyed his company almost daily. One day, however, he fell from the gang plank into the river at the Nyack dock, and positively refused to go on the boat after that. Mr. Gray preserved his physical strength and activity along with his full mental faculties until a very few months ago. It was his custom for several years to frequently walk to Haverstraw on a Sunday morning, listen to a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Freeman, Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, and walk back home in the afternoon. He did this when he was over eighty years old— an act which many a young man would find it difficult to perform, when the distance, twenty miles, is considered. He had a kind word for everybody, and his sympathies were easily aroused in any cause for humanity. He was a joval friend of the American flag and his patriotism at all times and under all circumstances was unbounded. Mr, Gray during his many years' residence in New York was a faithful and sincere member of the Broadway Tabernacle, Congregational in denomination, and he passed away in the full faith of the Christian religion. Mr. Gray is survived by his widow, four daughters and two sons. He was
twice married, his first wife having died a number of years ago. Funeral services were held at the house on Monday, at 3:30 p. m. The Rev. F. Greaves officiated.
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“William Gray,” accessed May 10, 2024, https://rocklandroom.omeka.net/items/show/15657.