Obituary : Moses Joseph McCray
Moses Joseph McCray was born April 23, 1845, at the family home 1 1/2 miles
south of Warrington, Ind., and died at Kansas City, Kan., October 31, 1920.
His parents were pioneers in Indiana and his life as a boy was spent among
the woods of his native state, going with his sisters to gather hickory nuts,
helping his father clear the fields for cultivation, or attending school at
the log schoolhouse near his home. At the age of 18 he assumed the entire
charge of the farm and carried the responsibility of the home as well. After
attaining his majority he worked in the vicinity at general farm work, making
rails or ditching. Being ambitious and industrious, he would set himself a
certain task to be performed and carry it to a successful termination. In
1874 Moses McCray came to Kansas, transferring his interests to the newer
country. While in Kansas he was concerned in various enterprises, being
always occupied, although never engaging extensively in manual labor. Being
especially wise in financial matters, he gave his attention principally to
loans and trading in cattle, and later invested extensively in land; making
his home during this time with Edwin Smith and other relatives and friends
from Indiana, who had located in Kansas, and visiting his old home only at
long intervals. In November, 1907, he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis,
affecting his entire left side. From then until June, 1919, he made many
trips between Indiana and Kansas usually traveling alone. But although he
was partially disabled physically he had full and complete control of his
mental powers, conducting his business affairs with his customary clear
judgement. March 15, 1919, he went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. M.F. Cook,
Wilkinson, Ind., to make it his permanent residence. While with these kind
relatives his condition became gradually much more serious and he required
constant attendance, as he became more dependant. Everything was done in his
home for his happiness and comfort until Oct. 6, when he again started for
the west, seeming anxious to again see Kansas. But after only two weeks in
the state, death came to him, and his body was brought back to his native
state. Uncle Mose was indeed the "architect of his own fortunes."
He builded by his own effort alone; his was a character of strength, honesty,
self-respect and reliablity, of his substance he was ready to aid sincere
and deserving efforts on the part of others; his advice could be relied upon
as to its wisdom and his just principals commanded the respect of his
associates. Being without immediate family, Uncle Mose had the tender
consideration of his relatives and friends especially since his affliction,
and his memory will long dwell in their minds and hearts. Surviving him are
his brothers and sisters: Mrs. Amanda Hamilton, Mrs. Margaret Loudenback,
Phoebe McCray, J. Jasper McCray, Arthur McCray, Mrs. Florin James, Mrs.
Rebecca Hendrixson, and a half-sister, Mrs. Francer Rigor. Funeral services
were conducted by Rev. Beeson, of Shirley, Ind., and interment was in the
McCray cemetery at Wilkinson, Ind.
[Meet the Family!]
[Obituaries]
Copyright © 1995-2003 by David Harper and Lynne Marie Stockman
All Rights Reserved
Designed and maintained by
Obliquity
Last modified on 1 January 2003
http://www.obliquity.com/family/obituary/mccray01.html