Ray, Jesse F. Dies Before Hearing 1894

RAY

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 8/14/2011 at 20:30:20

The young man who has been involved in so much trouble recently with the federal authorities, died Sunday morning at 120, after a short illness with cerebrospinal meningitis. He was taken sick about the middle of the week and never left his bed.

Our readers are familiar with the circumstances of Ray's recent trouble with the federal authorities. He was arrested some time ago on the charge of using the mails for fraudulent par- poses, under the name of the Eldon Co., J. F. Ray & Co., Dr. J. F. Ray, etc. Commissioner Mason at Des Moines bound him over to the federal grand jury in the sum of $1000, which bond he gave. About ten days ago he was again arrested for having taken his mail from the postoffice and was to have had a hearing before the commissioner last Thursday, giving $2,000 additional bond for his appearance.

He was unable to go to Des Moines on that day, and many supposed that he was trying to delay the hearing by shamming sickness, as is so often done.

Later events, however, show that the boy was probably unable to withstand the worry consequent upon the result of his conduct, and cerebrospinal meningitis developed from which death resulted Sunday morning.

The remains were taken to Tracy, where the young man has relatives, and the funeral was held there yesterday.

Jesse Ray was but 18 years old, and but for his mistaken conduct the past year might have had a bright and useful career. He was a boy of more than usual ability, and was one of the most promising pupils of the high school.

Marion County Newspapers 1894