Genealogy Data Page 5623 (Notes Pages)

Bray Edward [Male] b. 17 AUG 1823 Shephallbury, Hertfordshire, ENGLAND - d. 19 SEP 1900 Brunel Twp., Muskoka District, ON

OBITUARY

The Huntsville Forester
Friday, October 12, 1900

Among the foremost citizens of Muskoka who have grown up with it since its pioneer days was the late Edward Bray, of Brunel Twp., who died on Wednesday, Sept. 19th, aged 77 years. Mr. Bray came to the district 30 years ago, when settlers were few and civilization, particularly in the Townships of Brunel, Sinclair, Chaffey and Franklin, was experiencing but its first gleam of light. He settled with his family of young children on a bush farm near Allansville, and devoted his energy to clearing the place, and earning a livelihood for those dependent upon him. In this respect he was singularly successful. Honest enterprise and hard work, in him soon was conducive of results that can be accomplished by the industrious and careful citizen anywhere. From early morning until night the echo of the woodsman's axe was heard on the Bray farm, a clearance was made sufficient to erect a home for his wife and family and gradually the work of clearing up the land was carried on. Year by year the amount under crop increased until when he was finally called home to rest from a world of toil, he left behind him one of the best and most productive farms in the community. A grown up family of boys relieved him of much care and responsibility during the declining years of life, and enabled him to spend his old age in comfort.
He leaves a family of four sons; Edward near Toronto, and Daniel, Joseph and William all of whom are settled near the old homestead. Mr. Bray, Sr., was one of the pillars of the Madill Methodist Church and always took a lively interest in the promotion of Christian fellowship. His wife, whose head is grey with the weight of 83 summers, survives her husband and like him is beloved in the neighbourhood. May the closing days of her life be brightened by a consciousness that the severance of earthly ties will mean to her a blessed re-union in the sweet bye-and-bye.
The funeral on Friday was very largely attended, many from Huntsville driving out to pay their last respects to the deceased.

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