The Jackson Standard

Thursday, December 15, 1881

Joey Gress

Gress-Died, on Friday morning December 9th about 10 o'clock, Joey, second son of Joseph and Mary Gress in the eighth year of his age.

Little Joey's illness was brief, and his sufferings great. He was attacked with rheumatism in one of his legs. The affliction rapidly extended to other portions of his body really reaching his heart and causing death after ten days illness. Joey was perhaps as well known as any little boy in Jackson. He was full of life and fun and left hosts of friends.

The funeral on Sunday at the residence of Mr. Gress, was conducted by Rev. W. D. Cherington and was largely attended. The remains were encased in a handsome white casket, upon which was laid a beautiful floral wreath, the handiwork of Mrs. Mayor Aleshire. The pall-bearers were Thos. G. Powers, Johnny Motz, Freddy Bertsch, Frank Shuter, Harry Mackley and Miles O'Maley--the latter two having been playmates of deceased.

No boy in the neighborhood in which he lived could be missed more than will Joey. He was a rugged vigorous, boy, quick-witted, with a ready answer for all who addressed him. The first snow of the season fell on the day Joey was buried. And while Nature sreads her white mantle over his resting-place upon Cemetery Hill, I bid my little friend a long farewell.

The bells will peal at Christmas time,
But sad their tones will be;
Each hollow note--each ringing chime,
Will bring sad thoughts to me.

I miss the cry of boisterous mirth
The shout of Youthful joy;
I see consigned to mother-earth
My friend, the happy boy.

That friend is gone! No more I see
His face and manner bright;
The pleasing thought abides with me;
His heart was always right.

 

Contributed by: Donna Scurlock