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Eighth Generation
422. 
Cynthia Ann HAMMOND was born on 19 May 1840 in Newport, Newport, RI.987,1184 She migrated in 1855 to in from Newport, Newport, RI to Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1140,1185 She Her daughter's favorite poem in 1864 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1186 What does little birdie say
In her nest a peep of day?
Let me fly, says little birdie
Mother, let me fly away.
Birdie, rest a little longer,
Till the little wings are stronger.
So she rests a little longer,
Then she flies away.
What does little baby say
in her bed at peep of day?
Baby says, like little birdie,
Let me rise and fly away.
Baby sleep a little longer,
Till the little limbs are stronger.
If she sleeps a little longer,
Baby, too, shall fly away.
This song originally appeared in City Dreams for which the poet was paid by his publishers one hundred dollars a line! So the price of the above very natural and pretty song was sixteen hundred dollars; and proves conclusively that there is something in a name after all, for had an obscure poet written it, we question whether it would have brought twenty dollars.
[The name of the poet is NOT included in this clipping.] Cynthia Train passenger for the East on 16 June 1870 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.1187 She was ill with Lost both legs in accident in 1914 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1188 She appeared in the census in 1920 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1189 Cynthia lived in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA in 1920.1190 She lived in 315 E Fremont Street, Stockton, CA in 1925.1191 She died chronic myocarditis on 14 April 1929 at the age of 88 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1192,1193,1194,1195 Cynthia was buried on 17 April 1929 in Rural Cemetery, Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1196 She was buried on 15 May 1929 in Rural Mausoleum, Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1197 She has reference number 421.1198 Handwritten record written by Hannah Gray, February 13th 1935
Cynthia Hammond. Born in Newport R I on June 19 1840 - came to Stockton over the Isthmus of Panama by steamer, and arrived in Stockton in the summer of 1854 - married Geo. Gray in Stockton on Sept. 21, 1858. Died in Stockton Apr. 14 1929
Letter on file from Mrs. Geo. Gray, 315 E. Fremont St., Stockton, Cal. to Mrs. G. P. Roberts (nee Abby Marble Hammond) 27 West Poplar Street, Stockton, Calif. thanking her niece for the birthday celebration they gave her on the occasion of her 85th birthday. Postmarked July 1, 1925.
The letter includes this poem:
Written for my 85th Birthday June 19, 1925
The writer today is feeling quite sage
With wisdom stored for the eighty five age
Life used to look fair for a year or two
New shadowed with thoughts we are most through.
These wrinkled hands once so willing and strong
These maimed limbs dependant on walking-sticks long.
I feel like besprinkling them with my falling tears
For the changes and afflictions of eighty five years.
Strange life still allures me with a bright glow
Of the golden memories of the happy long ago
Yes there is joy in my heart for auld lange syne
And my pulses still measure each moment of time.
Then begone sighs and lines from my aged face
There remains hope and faith for mine heart to trace.
There are joys unseen to which my soul clings
There are hallowed promises of a Reunion spring.
And Time which has written it seal on my brow
Enfolds me with kindness and sweet loves new
And when all these mortal ties shall be riven
There is a love line extending from Earth to Heaven.
My innate still serves me well to-day
I have been enfolded with blessings along lifes way
There is no joy to compete with the melding of pen
Angels help me to guide it with a soulful Amen.
C. H. Gray
This poem was included in this letter to Abby Marble Hammond Roberts:
June 30, 1925
My Dear Niece
Please permit this little white winged messenger of loving thoughts for you and yours with most kindly wishes for prosperity and happiness to visit your home circle.
We are in the flood-time of summers heat, July will soon reign supreme, across the blue depths of sky, trail fleecy clouds and beyond them we contemplate is the spiritual home of our beloved ones where brief-time will soon transplant us all to the divine life of perfection.
The master certainly touched the hearts of my cherished brothers children and their own, to assemble and greet an aged auntie on her 85th birthday, when you all reach your aged pilgrimage you can better judge my appreciation, I felt of the honor and kind wishes and kisses showered upon me. I pray God to bless your kindness. The happy evening will hence(?) be written on the table of memory. You all gave me the birth day of my life although I fear I seemed stupid to some of you. Well you gave Auntie such a surprise that joy and happiness made speech powerless for the occasion. I shall never forget how bright and sweet your dear faces all looked to me. Your visit seemed so brief - just like a beautiful dream my heart throbbed in loving unison with each one present. I am afraid I did not seem truly courteous, but dear children it is to be hoped that you will come again as daughter Abbie expressed when I chronicled my surprise to her. It gave me sincere happiness to meet your chosen companion, and I should dearly love to see your three promising sons. HWS (?) often tells me of their affable qualities. One she fancies resembles your dear father. On Saturday I must confess I felt some regrets that you had seen my imperfections. We were in the midst of a housecleaning which scarcity of help had delayed. One pleasant library was closed. Paint debarred entrance in one front (?) which entity spoils the effect of this homestead. One dining room carpet was so shoddy only the first of the month HWS had declared no stranger should be entertained there as we are contemplating a new carpet. My last callee had just departed and I was resting in the quiet of my own room when summoned to the parlours. One hastily spread buffette refreshments also hardly measured for you all. I would have enjoyed a banquet with you, had I received even a timely hint. I would have provided mental entertainment for my welcome party also. Nevertheless - Love and kindness filled my heart so deep. I felt kissed by a wonderful setting sun. And I closed mine eyes in peaceful sleep, with a most-grateful days work well done. And I herein wish to thank you and yours for your contribution to my birth days happiness and for the honor of your bright presence. And may the All-Father who sees and knows all hearts also send you a rich reward me thinks there came tender echoes from the blue dome (?) from the departed ones. Well done my dear children. The bright rays I seem to catch from these beloved faces illumines my heart with a sweet content of inexpressible joy.
Your Faithful Auntie
Cynthia Hammond Gray
Thanks for our floral remembrance
Newspaper clipping - undated
MRS. GEORGE GRAY, PIONEER STOCKTONIAN, PASSES TO REST
Mrs. George Gray passed away at the family home Sunday at 12:30, following a long illness, which had confined her to her room since last October.
Mrs. Gray was one of the oldest and best known of Stockton's pioneers, being 88 years of age, 75 of which had been spent in Stockton.
Cynthia Hammond Gray was the daughter of Moses Hammond and Abbie Marble Hammond and was born at Newport, Rhode Island, June 19, 1840.
Her father, Moses Hammond, with his two brothers, John and Alden Hammond, came to California in the gold rush days, sailing from Newport, Rhode Island, on the ship Alexander in 1850 and arriving in San Francisco when the mining boom was on in full swing.
In 1854, Mrs. Hammond, with her daughter, Cynthia, and son, John Hammond, sailed for California, coming via the Isthmus of Panama, and arriving in California July 11, 1855.
Cynthia Hammond became the wife of George Gray, one of the most prominent business men of Stockton, who took a very active part in the civic and political affairs of the community. He was one of the pioneer mayors, serving during the troublous years of 1862, '63, '64, when even far-off California was torn by the terrible Civil war. For years Mr. Gray was one of the owners of the Simpson & Gray Lumber Company.
Mrs. Gray was prominently identified with the social and church life of the community. She was one of the earliest supports of the Central Methodist church, taking a very active part until she became an invalid. She was very much interested in the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society, in which she took a leading part.
Friendly and hospitable, Mrs. Gray presided over one of the handsomest of Stockton's early day mansions - a home still beautiful and imposing.
RISKS LIFE TO SAVE PET
Perhaps no one thing gives a clearer idea of the kindliness of Mrs. Gray's nature than the fact that in attempting to save the life of her pet dog she suffered injuries which rendered her a permanent invalid.
It was in 1914 that one day Mrs. Gray saw her pet in the path of a moving street car, and though she was in her seventies then, she quickly sprang to grasp the dog and in doing so was struck down and run over, the accident resulting in the loss of her limbs.
Miss Hannah Gray lived with the mother at the family home, devoting herself for years to the care of her mother, whose tragic accident had forced inactivity upon her. Mrs. John Garwood, another daughter of San Francisco, made frequent visits with her mother and sister.
Mrs. Gray is survived by two daughters, Miss Hannah Gray of this city, and Mrs. John Garwood of San Francisco. The services will be held at the family home at 315 East Fremont street Wednesday morning at 10:30, Rev. John Stephens, a former pastor of the Central Methodist church, and Rev. R. A. Simonds officiating. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.
Newspaper Editorial, April 16, 1929
BELOVED WOMAN SUMMONED
Stockton has lost one of its most widely known and esteemed pioneer women in the passing of Mrs. George Gray, who came to Stockton in 1854, a young slip of a girl, and who had lived here for three-quarters of a century.
The wife of one of Stockton's leading business men, George Gray, who was Stockton's mayor for three years during the period of the Civil War, Mrs. Gray played an active part in the social and religious activities of the city.
As with most of the women of her generation, Mrs. Gray devoted the greater part of her time to her family and home, while her outside activities were found in the church and philanthropic work, in which she remained active until an unfortunate accident some 15 years ago rendered her an invalid. However, she never lost her interest in her church and missionary work.
The daughter of a pioneer, Dr. Moses Hammond, highly respected in this community, Mrs. Gray possessed the sterling qualities of her New England forebears and the stamina that characterized the pioneer women of California.
Mrs. Gray was 88 years of age and she had seen and experienced much in that span of life during which the world had moved so rapidly, but following her years of invalidism and last months of illness, death came as a welcome release at the end of her long and useful life, spent among those to who she had endeared herself through long years of association and friendship.
Newspaper clipping - undated
CYNTHIA GRAY'S LARGE ESTATE IS DIVIDED HERE BETWEEN TWO DAUGHTERS
Hannah W. Gray, daughter, received $90,089 of property from the estate of the late Cynthia Gray. This was the bulk of the holding. Abbie H. Garwood, another daughter, inherited possessions valued at $26,569. These details were carried in a transfer tax receipt filed yesterday with County Clerk Eugene D. Graham by County Treasurer W. C. Neumiller. The inheritance or transfer tax paid was $2,313.
Cynthia Ann HAMMOND and George E. GRAY were married on 21 September 1858 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1199,1200,1201,1202,1203 They1199,1200,1201,1202,1203 appeared in the census in 1860 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1204 They1204 appeared in the census in 1880 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1037 Cynthia and George1037 appeared in the census in 1900 in Stockton, Ward 2, San Joaquin, CA.1205 They1205 appeared in the census in 1910 in Stockton, Ward 2, San Joaquin, CA.1206 They1206 lived in 315 E Fremont Street, Stockton, CA in 1915.1207 Newspaper note:
MARRIED
In this city, September 21st, by Rev. E. W. Hagar, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. George Gray to Miss Cynthia A. Hammond, all of this city.
We return our thanks for the many courtesies extended to this office. May happiness and properity attemd the happy couple. 
George E. GRAY1208,1209, son of George GRAY and Hannah WINCHELL, was born on 8 June 1826 in Topsham, Sagadahoc, ME.1199,1203,1210,1211,1212 He migrated on 5 April 1850 to in from Maine to Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1213,1214 He appeared in the census on 9 December 1850 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1215 George appeared in the census in 1852 in San Joaquin Co, CA.1006,1216 In 1853 he was an est Simpson & Gray in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1217 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1856.1218 He First Annual Ball for St. Patrick's Birth Day on 17 March 1859 at City Hall in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1219 On 5 April 1859 George acquired description unreadable from R P Hammond in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA1220 On 11 November 1859 he acquired description unreadable from E B Bateman in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA1221 He was elected as Alderman - First Ward in 1860 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1222 George was elected as Union Democratic delegate on 8 June 1861 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1223 On 5 August 1861 he was a Gray & Hickman Store in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1224 He was appointed surety for county surveyor on 9 October 1861 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA1225 George was elected as mayor in 1863 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1226 He was elected as a treasurer of the Stockton and Copperopolis Railroad on 11 October 1865 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1227 About 1866 he was a Lumber dealer in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1228,1229 George lived Registered to vote in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA on 24 July 1866.1230 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1870.1231 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1871.1232 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1873.1233 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1876–1878.1234 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1876. [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1883.1235 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1884.1236 In 1884 he was a Simpson & Gray in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1237 He lived in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA on 17 September 1886.1238 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1887.1239 George was elected as president of the Pioneers of the County of San Joaquin in 1888 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1240 Pioneers who arrived in CA prior to the 1st of January, 1851 were eligible for membership in the Pioneers of the County of San Joaquin. George Gray was elected as president for the term 1888-89. [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1891.1241 He registered to vote - Ward 2, Pct 3 in 1897 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1242 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1902.1243 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1904.1244 He died chronic enteritis on 15 November 1915 at the age of 89 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1245,1246,1247,1248,1249 George was buried on 18 November 1915 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1250 He was buried on 4 June 1929 in Rural Mausoleum, Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1251 He has reference number 427.1252 handwritten record from Hannah Gray (dau of George and Cynthia Hammond Gray), written February 13th 1935.
Geo Gray. Born in Topsham Maine June 8 - 1826 came to California, in a sailing vessel around Cape Horn - The vessel was on its way to Oregon - a lumber ship Stopped in San Francisco Port for a few days. Young Geo. Gray aged about 21 years became imbued with the spirit of mining, procured a row boat and made a raft to tow his three donkeys and provisions to the mines. He landed in Stockton April 8, 1850 - tied his boat to the shrubs and wild rose briars on Hunter Street square about where the Mail Fountain now stands - ate his lunch and waded over to the building on the south east corner of Main and Hunter streets - the building site now occupied by Bruner & Co. - this building in those days was soon to be known as Odd Fellows Hall. He liked the looks of Stockton but started for the mines, following the small branch of the San Joaquin River, but was soon over taken by storms and high water, lost two of the mules and provisions were swept away - the third donkey got away from him, and foot sore sick and hungry he wended his way back to Stockton never to call any place home but Stockton. He and Andrew Simpson formed a co-partnership in the lumber business which continued unbroken for 65 years. It was the oldest firm in the State of California where the business never changed hands and as far as I can trace the oldest firm in the United States, where there were no other members entering the firm.
He was sent to a boys academy to be educated when quite young, preparing for Borden College in Brunswick, Me. - which he entered but ill health prevented his pursuing his studies, consequently this ocean trip resulted in his being one of the pioneers. He Married Cynthia Hammond, daughter of Dr. and Moses Hammond of Newport, R.I. on Sept. 21, 1858. The had two daughters Hannah W. Gray, single and Abbie Gray Garwood, married, both born in Stockton. Geo. Gray resided no place in this state but Stockton. He died Nov. 15, 1915. His wife Cynthia Hammond Gray resided no place by Stockton. She was born in Newport, R. I., June 19, 1840 - died April 14 - 1929. Geo Gray was mayor of the City in 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Belonged to no orders except the San Joaquin Pioneers, in which he held various offices.
Haggin Pioneer Museum Archives - LB67-3199
San Joaquin Society of Calif Pioneer Membership
#217 George Gray Nativity: Maine Residence: Stockton Arrival: Apr 5, 1850
Route: Cape Horn Vessel: Birmingham
Haggin Pioneer Museum Archives - LB66-1385
Note on Photo:
Born June 8, 1826. On Nov 1, 1849 he sailed before the mast on the Birmingham around Cape Horn and after a voyage of 150 days under Capt. Winchell, an uncle, landed at San Francisco April 4, 1850. He mined on the Feather River and also worked in a sawmill at Sonora. In 1853 he became a permanent resident of Stockton. He married Cynthia A Hammond in Sept 1858. He was associated with A W Simpson in the lumber business for many years. He died Nov 15, 1915 at the age of 89.
History Biographical Record
State of California
San Joaquin County
J. M. Guin
George H. Tinkham
Volume II, 1909
Historic Record Co., Los Angeles, Calif.
The lumber firm of Simpson & Gray, establish at Stockton in 1853 by the purchase of the interests of Simpson & Jackson, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest continuous co-partnership on the Pacific coast, and its members, A. W. Simpson and George Gray, are entitled to the highest credit for having built up from a small beginning, an industry of large dimensions and great importance. Meanwhile they have contributed to the general development of the city and have paid large amounts to aid in the task of street improvement, which work was taken up about the time their partnership was formed. Besides their city property, they own lands in the county and are rated among the successful and prosperous business men of Stockton.
A native of Maine, Mr. Gray was born June 8, 1826, in the town of Topsham, in what was then Lincoln, but is now Sagadahoc county. His father, Capt. George Gray, descended from an old family of Rhode Island, and his mother was a member of the Winchell family, colonial settlers of Maine. On both sides the ancestors were lumbermen, farmers and seafaring men. The boy grew up almost within sight of the great Atlantic and as he listened to the tales spun by the sailors of winter nights, there arose in his heart a desire to be a sailor, yet duties at home prevented for a time and, after he had attended the country school and an academy, he turned his attention to farming in Lincoln County. The land in that locality affords little encouragement to tillers of the soil and its sterile wastes provide a most meagre sustenance in return for care and cultivation; hence the young man indulged his desire to see something of the world and became a sailor on a vessel between Maine and New Orleans. While following the sea he learned of the discovery of gold in California. November 1, 1849, he sailed before the mast on the ship Birmingham, bound for the Pacific coast via Cape Horn, and after a voyage of one hundred and fifty days under Captain Winchell, an uncle, he landed at San Francisco April 4, 1850, to find himself in the midst of strange conditions and a cosmopolitan population.
Using some boards to construct a boat, Mr. Gray rowed from San Francisco to Stockton and then proceeded to the southern mines, but met with no success. A brief experience on the Feather river terminated his experience as a miner. For a shot time he operated a dray in Stockton, next he worked in a saw mill in Sonora, Tuolumne county, and during the summer of 1853 he became a permanent resident of Stockton, where his interests in the state had first centered and where previously he had made his headquarters and terminus. Among his recollections of early days here is the fact that a ferry was operated across a slough were now stands the hall owned by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For a time he served as president of the San Joaquin County Society of Pioneers and always he has maintained a warm interest in the reunions of the early settlers, with whom he enjoys exchanging stories of pioneer existence and frontier experiences. Since coming to the west he has made three visits to Maine, the first one being made via the Isthmus ten years after his arrival on the coast.
A house that was brought around Cape Horn to California and that is still occupied in Stockton, was the center of a gay circle of pioneers one night in September, 1858 when George Gray and Cynthia A. Hammond were united in marriage. The bride was a native of Newport, R. I., born in 1840, and had come to the western coast during childhood years. Their married life has been one of prosperity and happiness and they own a comfortable home on Fremont street, where their comfort is ministered to by their daughter, Hannah W., the other daughter, Abbie H., being the wife of John Garwood, of Stockton. Both daughters were educated in Stockton schools and are women of refinement and culture.
Obituary in local paper:
GRAY - In Stockton, November 15, 1915, George Gray, beloved husband of Cynthia Gray, father of Miss Hanna Gray of Stockton and Mrs. John Garwood of San Francisco, son of the late George and Hanna Gray of Topsham, Me., a native of Maine, aged 89 years, 5 months and 7 days.
(The funeral will take place Thursday, November 18, 1915, at 2 PM from the family residence, 315 E. Fremont Street. Interment in Rural Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.
Stockton Record, Monday, November 17, 1952
HISTORIC GRAY MANSION FACING FREMONT PARK BEING RAZED
Landmark Erected by Pioneer Passes
No one but a Gray ever lived in the historic family mansion at 315 E. Fremont.
Now that the last of the Grays is dead, the building is being demolished. It was so ordered in the will of the last survivor, Mrs. Abbie Gray Garwood, who died in August in San Francisco.
The landmark was constructed in 1872 by the late George Gray, early day Stockton lumberman, in what was then the city's most fashionable residential district. Being a lumberman Gray saw to it that the best materials went into the mansion.
Workmen tearing down the building, which is the site of a planned medical center, have yet to find a single know - the very finest of lumber was purchased from the Northwest or abroad for the home. Bricks came from Scotland.
Even the thresholds, built to endure years of scuffing, are of magnificent black walnut.
FINE FURNISHINGS
Furnishings were as fine as the building itself and were kept in their original style and condition until removed just a few months ago.
Earl Rowland, director of the Pioneer Museum and Haggin Art Galleries asked Covert Martin, veteran local photographer, to take some pictures and slides of the furnishings a few years ago to preserve the scene.
Rowland recalls showing the pictures to a group of museum directors, men whose lives are spent searching for such treasures, and they expressed amazement that such a truly Victorian home was still in active use.
The mood of an earlier century, rich brocade and drapery, highly ornamental vases and figurines, gingerbread moulding, heavy walnut furniture - all was unchanged from the day the house was first furnished until it was ordered dismantled.
Time, in the style sense, stood still for 75 years in the Gray home.
The furnishings have been removed to San Francisco and Robert Gaylord, attorney and executor of the estate, states they will be auctioned off next month.
This, too, is in conformity with the will of Abbie Gray Garwood, who ordered the furnishings distributed and the home dismantled.
EARLY LUMBERMAN
George Gray was name to be reckoned with in Stockton's early history. One of the founders of the Simpson-Gray Lumber Co. in 1853, he became a business and civic leader, and at one time served as mayor.
Gray was born in Topsham, Maine, and with lumberman and seafarers for ancestors, first chose the sea for his vocation.
But the call of god brought him to California in 1850. After docking in San Francisco he tried life as a miner, drayman and sawmill worker before settling in Stockton as a lumberman.
Early histories recount that Gray combined his lumber and sailing skills to build his own boat and row to Stockton from San Francisco Bay when he first arrived in California.
The Simpson-Gray Lumber Co. was bounded by Commerce, Main, Madison and Weber, fronting first on Commerce and then on Weber. It's successor is the Stockton Lumber Co. now located on South El Dorado.
FIRST HOME
Gray married Cynthia Hammond, member of another pioneer Stockton family, in 1858 and they moved into their first home which was shipped pre-fabricated around Cape Horn.
Fourteen years later they constructed their mansion facing a large open field which now is Fremont Park.
Two daughters were born of the marriage, Abbie and Hanna, who were style leaders of the era. Their hats and dresses came from the finest of Paris shops and the girls also used these shopping trips to further augment their home furnishings.
The magnificent walnut bedroom set was one of the showpieces of the 1894 San Francisco Midwinter Fair.
While the paneling and gingerbread throughout the home were of the finest design, they were subdued in the company of such special features as marble mantels, mother of pearl chips in the ceiling and gold leaf decorations wiped daily with felt.
The walls were decorated by an itinerant painter who lived with the Grays while he did the work.
Most notable contribution was a full length portrait of George Washington and his horse, copied from the original Lansdowne portrait.
In the dining room, directly above the fireplace, was a remarkable likeness of Gray himself. This can still be seen by the visitor willing to brave the hazards of the building destruction.
MANY FIREPLACES
Every room had a fireplace and all ad niches for bronze and marble figures. The chandeliers were gigantic and made of finely cut glass.
A grand piano was in the music room and an upright piano stood in the upper hallway which by itself was as large as several rooms of modern dimensions.
Fruit punch and soda water was the party fare at the Gray home, local historians recall, as the staunch Methodists were ardent prohibitionists.
Abbie Gray married a shoe merchant and moved to San Francisco in 1901, a year following her tour of the world. From 1910 until her death last August she was a resident of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, taking up quarters there at the height of its fashion leadership.
Gray died in 1915 at the age of 89 and his wife followed him in death in the early 1930's. From that time until her death five years ago, Hannah Gray lived in the Gray mansion alone, except for her companion and housekeeper.
The companion, Mrs. Annie Gleason, kept the home open for periodic visits of Abbie but since destruction of the home was ordered she has moved to retirement in Capitola.
Historic happenings in the old home included organization of the first American Red Cross Chapter in California and planning of San Joaquin Parlor, Native Daughters of the Gold West.
Hannah Gray was first president of both groups and was active in them to her death some 60 years later at the age of 86.
New and old Stocktonians wanting a last look at one of the few remaining links with the Victorian past had better hurry. The home will be gone from the scene in a few more days.
Cynthia Ann HAMMOND-111 and George E. GRAY-117 had the following children:
+460 | i. | Abbie E Hammond GRAY-118. |
461 | ii. |  Hannah Winchell GRAY was born on 17 June 1859 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA. She favorite poem in 1864 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1253 On 8 April 1887 she became a member of Native Daughter of the Golden West1254 Hannah Joaquin Parlor, Native Daughters on 30 August 1896 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1255 She was appointed in 1898 at Chairman, American Red Cross in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA1256 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1902.1257 [Principal] was listed in in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA city directory in in 1904.1258 She appeared in the census in 1910 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1259 Hannah appeared in the census in 1920 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1189 She lived in 315 E Fremont Street, Stockton, CA in 1920.1190 She lived in 315 E Fremont Street, Stockton, CA in 1925.1260 Hannah appeared in the census in 1930 at 315 E Fremont St in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1261 She died on 11 January 1947 at the age of 87 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.1262 She was buried on 14 January 1947 in Rural Cemetery, Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.1263 Hannah has reference number 429. Newspaper announcement of her death without attribution or a date:GRAY - In San Francisco, January 11, 1947, Hannah Gray of Stockton; sister of Mrs. John Garwood of San Francisco; a native of Stockton, Calif., aged 87 years, 5 months, 24 days. Miss Gray was the San Joaquin County Red Cross Chapter's first chairman in 1898. (Stockton Record, 1946) Stockton Record - January 13, 1947 NOTED STOCKTONIAN DIES IN BAY CITY Mrs. (sic) Hannah Gray, 86, widely known native Stocktonian who had the distinction of being the first chairman of San Joaquin Chapter, American Red Cross, died in St. Luke's Hospital in San Francisco Saturday night. Miss Gray, who aided in the organization of the chapter, served as chairman from 1898 to 1906. She was presented with a chapter history at the annual chapter meeting May 7, 1946. The history was compiled by Mrs. B. E. Swenson. AIDED FOUNDING In addition, Miss Gray helped organize the local Rawlins Relief Corps. For many years she was a Sunday School teacher in the Central Methodist Church. PIONEER FAMILY Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel of B. C. Wallace & Son. Entombment will follow in the family vault in Rural Mausoleum. Native daughters will assist in the final rites. |