Son of Wren Grayson and Rebecca Owens
Married Permelia Cummins
=================
From Death Certificate:
Age 76
Nativity - Kentucky
Male White Married
Cause of death - Malignant disease stomach and lungs (one year)
J.W. Conway, MD
Died at Cemetery Street
C. Vail, Undertaker
==================
From The Madison Weekly Herald
3 February 1882
THE OLD SEXTON
Death of Father John Grayson
End of an Honest, Peaceful Life
At 10½ o'clock last night the bells of the Fire Department tolled for the death of John Grayson, the venerable sexton of Springdale Cemetery. Although the event had been long anticipated, it was heard of with grief, for no one was held in more high esteem by the community that "Pap" Grayson, as he was familiarly known, and his friends found a ready expression of sincere sympathy on the lips of all they met.
Mr. Grayson was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in 1805, and was one of eight children, five of whom are alive to-day. While yet a child, his father moved to the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee and there took his home in the Sequatchie Valley. This now fair and fertile region was then in the possession of Creek Indians a wilderness where could be hard
"The panther's whisper,
And the bear's low grown,
The snakes sharp rattle,
And the wolf's wild howl"
and John was reared to a sturdy manhood amid all the perils of the frontier. He returned to Kentucky in 129 and there married Pamelia Commmings, with whom he has lived happily 52 years.
In 1830 Mr. Grayson moved to this State, locating in Decatur county, and there remained until attracted to this city by the building of the Madison and Indianapolis (J.M. & I.) railroad. His family was now increasing and he concluded to make his home here. He was the father of six children, Rebecca J., Sarah A., Mary Catherine, Salatheil, Andrew J., and John W., all of whom are yet alive, and the youngest is now over 40 years of age.
He had worked at intervals in the cemetery of the new city, and in 1852, at the earnest request of Mr. C. Vail, he took charge as sexton of Springdale, succeeding Mr. Marx, and has occupied that position for over 20 consecutive years. In that time he has placed in the last resting place some member of nearly every family in Madison having buried over five thousand.
He was elected messenger of Western Fire Company No. 3, upon its organization, and has occupied that position of importance and trust ever since. In his honor the company named their magnificent steamer "Pap" Grayson, as he was dearly loved by the "boys," and it will be ever a tangible monument to his memory.
For the past few years Mr. Grayson has looked forward to the day of his death, and was one day writing something which he placed in the family Bible. It was afterward found to be the following autobiographical sketch of his life. The paper reads as follows:
"JOHN GRAYSON
Born Scott Co., Ky., Nov. 2, 1805. In 1807, when I was 2 years old, my parents moved to the State of Tennessee, and settled in Bledsoe, Co. There I grew to manhood. At the age of 17, at a religious meeting held at the house of Richard Boone, I began to be concerned about myself as a sinner. Mr. Stone had been converted to God, and embraced the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians, a very earnest set of Christian people. Mr. Stone, as soon as he had found peace, commenced appealing to his friends and neighbors to 'flee from the wrath to come'. While listening to him I was deeply convicted, felt very bad indeed, and was glad when the meeting closed, remarking as I left that they would not get me back there again. But the spirit of the Lord had taken strong hold upon me, and I realized the necessity of yielding to the call of my Master, and leading by his help, a new and better life. In this frame of mind I made a full surrender to Christ, and before I got home I was happy in a Saviour's pardoning love. So that, of course, at the very next meeting I was promptly on hand, feeling it a grand privilege to be there."
For the past few days his mind has wandered back to the scenes of his early life. Again he was upon the mountain leading the wild and happy backwoods life. Again he lived in the little cabin, contented, hearty, and strong. He even saw once more his little brother burn to death, an accident his early years had witnessed, and wanted to save his life. But these visions of the past were only momentary, for his mind would clear.
At his own request, his experience having led him to believe the dead are best preserved therein, his coffin will be made of walnut.
Mr. Grayson was a consistent member of Trinity M.E. Church. He has in all this number of years enjoyed the esteem and respect of every citizen of Madison, and by his kindly manners and life of probity endeared himself to all. He dies at a good old age, full of years and honors, and goes into the great beyond, clad in the panoply of the Christian soldier, to enjoy, after fighting life's battle bravely, the rest that remaineth was "like the descending of ripe and wholesome fruits from a pleasant and florid tree. In the presence of his friends and dearest relatives, he passed away, leaving behind him a long record of good works and a name that is a rich inheritance to his children. It is well with him.
(Note: There is a poem after this article, but it is illegible)
8 February 1882
On last Tuesday night week at 10:30 o'clock, Mr. John Grayson, the old sexton of Springdale cemetery, sank pacefully to rest. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, so that the event was not unexpected, but it cast a gloom over the community which held him in high esteem. Mr. Grayson came here while this valley was in possession of the Indians. He had held the office of Sexton for thirty years, and had been Messenger of the Western Fire Co. No. 3 since its organization. He leaves a wife and six children. The funeral occurred on Thursday last at 2 p.m., the Rev. L. G. Adkinson officiating.
Married Permelia Cummins
=================
From Death Certificate:
Age 76
Nativity - Kentucky
Male White Married
Cause of death - Malignant disease stomach and lungs (one year)
J.W. Conway, MD
Died at Cemetery Street
C. Vail, Undertaker
==================
From The Madison Weekly Herald
3 February 1882
THE OLD SEXTON
Death of Father John Grayson
End of an Honest, Peaceful Life
At 10½ o'clock last night the bells of the Fire Department tolled for the death of John Grayson, the venerable sexton of Springdale Cemetery. Although the event had been long anticipated, it was heard of with grief, for no one was held in more high esteem by the community that "Pap" Grayson, as he was familiarly known, and his friends found a ready expression of sincere sympathy on the lips of all they met.
Mr. Grayson was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in 1805, and was one of eight children, five of whom are alive to-day. While yet a child, his father moved to the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee and there took his home in the Sequatchie Valley. This now fair and fertile region was then in the possession of Creek Indians a wilderness where could be hard
"The panther's whisper,
And the bear's low grown,
The snakes sharp rattle,
And the wolf's wild howl"
and John was reared to a sturdy manhood amid all the perils of the frontier. He returned to Kentucky in 129 and there married Pamelia Commmings, with whom he has lived happily 52 years.
In 1830 Mr. Grayson moved to this State, locating in Decatur county, and there remained until attracted to this city by the building of the Madison and Indianapolis (J.M. & I.) railroad. His family was now increasing and he concluded to make his home here. He was the father of six children, Rebecca J., Sarah A., Mary Catherine, Salatheil, Andrew J., and John W., all of whom are yet alive, and the youngest is now over 40 years of age.
He had worked at intervals in the cemetery of the new city, and in 1852, at the earnest request of Mr. C. Vail, he took charge as sexton of Springdale, succeeding Mr. Marx, and has occupied that position for over 20 consecutive years. In that time he has placed in the last resting place some member of nearly every family in Madison having buried over five thousand.
He was elected messenger of Western Fire Company No. 3, upon its organization, and has occupied that position of importance and trust ever since. In his honor the company named their magnificent steamer "Pap" Grayson, as he was dearly loved by the "boys," and it will be ever a tangible monument to his memory.
For the past few years Mr. Grayson has looked forward to the day of his death, and was one day writing something which he placed in the family Bible. It was afterward found to be the following autobiographical sketch of his life. The paper reads as follows:
"JOHN GRAYSON
Born Scott Co., Ky., Nov. 2, 1805. In 1807, when I was 2 years old, my parents moved to the State of Tennessee, and settled in Bledsoe, Co. There I grew to manhood. At the age of 17, at a religious meeting held at the house of Richard Boone, I began to be concerned about myself as a sinner. Mr. Stone had been converted to God, and embraced the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians, a very earnest set of Christian people. Mr. Stone, as soon as he had found peace, commenced appealing to his friends and neighbors to 'flee from the wrath to come'. While listening to him I was deeply convicted, felt very bad indeed, and was glad when the meeting closed, remarking as I left that they would not get me back there again. But the spirit of the Lord had taken strong hold upon me, and I realized the necessity of yielding to the call of my Master, and leading by his help, a new and better life. In this frame of mind I made a full surrender to Christ, and before I got home I was happy in a Saviour's pardoning love. So that, of course, at the very next meeting I was promptly on hand, feeling it a grand privilege to be there."
For the past few days his mind has wandered back to the scenes of his early life. Again he was upon the mountain leading the wild and happy backwoods life. Again he lived in the little cabin, contented, hearty, and strong. He even saw once more his little brother burn to death, an accident his early years had witnessed, and wanted to save his life. But these visions of the past were only momentary, for his mind would clear.
At his own request, his experience having led him to believe the dead are best preserved therein, his coffin will be made of walnut.
Mr. Grayson was a consistent member of Trinity M.E. Church. He has in all this number of years enjoyed the esteem and respect of every citizen of Madison, and by his kindly manners and life of probity endeared himself to all. He dies at a good old age, full of years and honors, and goes into the great beyond, clad in the panoply of the Christian soldier, to enjoy, after fighting life's battle bravely, the rest that remaineth was "like the descending of ripe and wholesome fruits from a pleasant and florid tree. In the presence of his friends and dearest relatives, he passed away, leaving behind him a long record of good works and a name that is a rich inheritance to his children. It is well with him.
(Note: There is a poem after this article, but it is illegible)
8 February 1882
On last Tuesday night week at 10:30 o'clock, Mr. John Grayson, the old sexton of Springdale cemetery, sank pacefully to rest. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, so that the event was not unexpected, but it cast a gloom over the community which held him in high esteem. Mr. Grayson came here while this valley was in possession of the Indians. He had held the office of Sexton for thirty years, and had been Messenger of the Western Fire Co. No. 3 since its organization. He leaves a wife and six children. The funeral occurred on Thursday last at 2 p.m., the Rev. L. G. Adkinson officiating.
Son of Wren Grayson and Rebecca Owens
Married Permelia Cummins
=================
From Death Certificate:
Age 76
Nativity - Kentucky
Male White Married
Cause of death - Malignant disease stomach and lungs (one year)
J.W. Conway, MD
Died at Cemetery Street
C. Vail, Undertaker
==================
From The Madison Weekly Herald
3 February 1882
THE OLD SEXTON
Death of Father John Grayson
End of an Honest, Peaceful Life
At 10½ o'clock last night the bells of the Fire Department tolled for the death of John Grayson, the venerable sexton of Springdale Cemetery. Although the event had been long anticipated, it was heard of with grief, for no one was held in more high esteem by the community that "Pap" Grayson, as he was familiarly known, and his friends found a ready expression of sincere sympathy on the lips of all they met.
Mr. Grayson was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in 1805, and was one of eight children, five of whom are alive to-day. While yet a child, his father moved to the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee and there took his home in the Sequatchie Valley. This now fair and fertile region was then in the possession of Creek Indians a wilderness where could be hard
"The panther's whisper,
And the bear's low grown,
The snakes sharp rattle,
And the wolf's wild howl"
and John was reared to a sturdy manhood amid all the perils of the frontier. He returned to Kentucky in 129 and there married Pamelia Commmings, with whom he has lived happily 52 years.
In 1830 Mr. Grayson moved to this State, locating in Decatur county, and there remained until attracted to this city by the building of the Madison and Indianapolis (J.M. & I.) railroad. His family was now increasing and he concluded to make his home here. He was the father of six children, Rebecca J., Sarah A., Mary Catherine, Salatheil, Andrew J., and John W., all of whom are yet alive, and the youngest is now over 40 years of age.
He had worked at intervals in the cemetery of the new city, and in 1852, at the earnest request of Mr. C. Vail, he took charge as sexton of Springdale, succeeding Mr. Marx, and has occupied that position for over 20 consecutive years. In that time he has placed in the last resting place some member of nearly every family in Madison having buried over five thousand.
He was elected messenger of Western Fire Company No. 3, upon its organization, and has occupied that position of importance and trust ever since. In his honor the company named their magnificent steamer "Pap" Grayson, as he was dearly loved by the "boys," and it will be ever a tangible monument to his memory.
For the past few years Mr. Grayson has looked forward to the day of his death, and was one day writing something which he placed in the family Bible. It was afterward found to be the following autobiographical sketch of his life. The paper reads as follows:
"JOHN GRAYSON
Born Scott Co., Ky., Nov. 2, 1805. In 1807, when I was 2 years old, my parents moved to the State of Tennessee, and settled in Bledsoe, Co. There I grew to manhood. At the age of 17, at a religious meeting held at the house of Richard Boone, I began to be concerned about myself as a sinner. Mr. Stone had been converted to God, and embraced the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians, a very earnest set of Christian people. Mr. Stone, as soon as he had found peace, commenced appealing to his friends and neighbors to 'flee from the wrath to come'. While listening to him I was deeply convicted, felt very bad indeed, and was glad when the meeting closed, remarking as I left that they would not get me back there again. But the spirit of the Lord had taken strong hold upon me, and I realized the necessity of yielding to the call of my Master, and leading by his help, a new and better life. In this frame of mind I made a full surrender to Christ, and before I got home I was happy in a Saviour's pardoning love. So that, of course, at the very next meeting I was promptly on hand, feeling it a grand privilege to be there."
For the past few days his mind has wandered back to the scenes of his early life. Again he was upon the mountain leading the wild and happy backwoods life. Again he lived in the little cabin, contented, hearty, and strong. He even saw once more his little brother burn to death, an accident his early years had witnessed, and wanted to save his life. But these visions of the past were only momentary, for his mind would clear.
At his own request, his experience having led him to believe the dead are best preserved therein, his coffin will be made of walnut.
Mr. Grayson was a consistent member of Trinity M.E. Church. He has in all this number of years enjoyed the esteem and respect of every citizen of Madison, and by his kindly manners and life of probity endeared himself to all. He dies at a good old age, full of years and honors, and goes into the great beyond, clad in the panoply of the Christian soldier, to enjoy, after fighting life's battle bravely, the rest that remaineth was "like the descending of ripe and wholesome fruits from a pleasant and florid tree. In the presence of his friends and dearest relatives, he passed away, leaving behind him a long record of good works and a name that is a rich inheritance to his children. It is well with him.
(Note: There is a poem after this article, but it is illegible)
8 February 1882
On last Tuesday night week at 10:30 o'clock, Mr. John Grayson, the old sexton of Springdale cemetery, sank pacefully to rest. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, so that the event was not unexpected, but it cast a gloom over the community which held him in high esteem. Mr. Grayson came here while this valley was in possession of the Indians. He had held the office of Sexton for thirty years, and had been Messenger of the Western Fire Co. No. 3 since its organization. He leaves a wife and six children. The funeral occurred on Thursday last at 2 p.m., the Rev. L. G. Adkinson officiating.
Married Permelia Cummins
=================
From Death Certificate:
Age 76
Nativity - Kentucky
Male White Married
Cause of death - Malignant disease stomach and lungs (one year)
J.W. Conway, MD
Died at Cemetery Street
C. Vail, Undertaker
==================
From The Madison Weekly Herald
3 February 1882
THE OLD SEXTON
Death of Father John Grayson
End of an Honest, Peaceful Life
At 10½ o'clock last night the bells of the Fire Department tolled for the death of John Grayson, the venerable sexton of Springdale Cemetery. Although the event had been long anticipated, it was heard of with grief, for no one was held in more high esteem by the community that "Pap" Grayson, as he was familiarly known, and his friends found a ready expression of sincere sympathy on the lips of all they met.
Mr. Grayson was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in 1805, and was one of eight children, five of whom are alive to-day. While yet a child, his father moved to the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee and there took his home in the Sequatchie Valley. This now fair and fertile region was then in the possession of Creek Indians a wilderness where could be hard
"The panther's whisper,
And the bear's low grown,
The snakes sharp rattle,
And the wolf's wild howl"
and John was reared to a sturdy manhood amid all the perils of the frontier. He returned to Kentucky in 129 and there married Pamelia Commmings, with whom he has lived happily 52 years.
In 1830 Mr. Grayson moved to this State, locating in Decatur county, and there remained until attracted to this city by the building of the Madison and Indianapolis (J.M. & I.) railroad. His family was now increasing and he concluded to make his home here. He was the father of six children, Rebecca J., Sarah A., Mary Catherine, Salatheil, Andrew J., and John W., all of whom are yet alive, and the youngest is now over 40 years of age.
He had worked at intervals in the cemetery of the new city, and in 1852, at the earnest request of Mr. C. Vail, he took charge as sexton of Springdale, succeeding Mr. Marx, and has occupied that position for over 20 consecutive years. In that time he has placed in the last resting place some member of nearly every family in Madison having buried over five thousand.
He was elected messenger of Western Fire Company No. 3, upon its organization, and has occupied that position of importance and trust ever since. In his honor the company named their magnificent steamer "Pap" Grayson, as he was dearly loved by the "boys," and it will be ever a tangible monument to his memory.
For the past few years Mr. Grayson has looked forward to the day of his death, and was one day writing something which he placed in the family Bible. It was afterward found to be the following autobiographical sketch of his life. The paper reads as follows:
"JOHN GRAYSON
Born Scott Co., Ky., Nov. 2, 1805. In 1807, when I was 2 years old, my parents moved to the State of Tennessee, and settled in Bledsoe, Co. There I grew to manhood. At the age of 17, at a religious meeting held at the house of Richard Boone, I began to be concerned about myself as a sinner. Mr. Stone had been converted to God, and embraced the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians, a very earnest set of Christian people. Mr. Stone, as soon as he had found peace, commenced appealing to his friends and neighbors to 'flee from the wrath to come'. While listening to him I was deeply convicted, felt very bad indeed, and was glad when the meeting closed, remarking as I left that they would not get me back there again. But the spirit of the Lord had taken strong hold upon me, and I realized the necessity of yielding to the call of my Master, and leading by his help, a new and better life. In this frame of mind I made a full surrender to Christ, and before I got home I was happy in a Saviour's pardoning love. So that, of course, at the very next meeting I was promptly on hand, feeling it a grand privilege to be there."
For the past few days his mind has wandered back to the scenes of his early life. Again he was upon the mountain leading the wild and happy backwoods life. Again he lived in the little cabin, contented, hearty, and strong. He even saw once more his little brother burn to death, an accident his early years had witnessed, and wanted to save his life. But these visions of the past were only momentary, for his mind would clear.
At his own request, his experience having led him to believe the dead are best preserved therein, his coffin will be made of walnut.
Mr. Grayson was a consistent member of Trinity M.E. Church. He has in all this number of years enjoyed the esteem and respect of every citizen of Madison, and by his kindly manners and life of probity endeared himself to all. He dies at a good old age, full of years and honors, and goes into the great beyond, clad in the panoply of the Christian soldier, to enjoy, after fighting life's battle bravely, the rest that remaineth was "like the descending of ripe and wholesome fruits from a pleasant and florid tree. In the presence of his friends and dearest relatives, he passed away, leaving behind him a long record of good works and a name that is a rich inheritance to his children. It is well with him.
(Note: There is a poem after this article, but it is illegible)
8 February 1882
On last Tuesday night week at 10:30 o'clock, Mr. John Grayson, the old sexton of Springdale cemetery, sank pacefully to rest. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, so that the event was not unexpected, but it cast a gloom over the community which held him in high esteem. Mr. Grayson came here while this valley was in possession of the Indians. He had held the office of Sexton for thirty years, and had been Messenger of the Western Fire Co. No. 3 since its organization. He leaves a wife and six children. The funeral occurred on Thursday last at 2 p.m., the Rev. L. G. Adkinson officiating.
Family Members
Siblings
