"Hon. J. W. Ray Dies in Pittsburgh Hospital Following an Operation

Had Served in Congress and as President Judge of Greene County Courts - Had Been Secretary of Board of Trustees of Waynesburg College Many Years - Was Bible Teacher in Baptist Church.

Hon. Joseph Warren Ray, former Judge in the Greene county courts and one of Waynesburg's most prominent and widely known citizens, died in the Mercy hospital, Pittsburgh, Saturday evening, September 15, at 10 o'clock, where he had been a patient for several weeks and had undergone an operation. He was aged 79 years, and had remarkably good health for one of his years, until a few weeks ago when he was taken ill. His condition later became serious and he was removed to the Pittsburgh hospital.

Mr. Ray was one of the oldest and best known attorneys at the Greene county bar. After retiring from the bench in January, 1926, he had resumed his practice and had a large clientele. His knowledge of the law was thorough and his opinion in legal matters was highly regarded. He had always taken an active interest in educational affairs, having been a member of the board of trustees of Waynesburg college for many years and the greater part of that time was secretary of the board. He has also served on the Waynesburg school board for several terms.

On May 25, 1849, Mr. Ray was born in Morris township, this county, a son of James E., and Margaret Leonard Ray. In his youth he attended the public schools and taught school several terms. In 1871 he enrolled as a student in Waynesburg college, graduated with the class of 1874. Following his graduation he began the study of law and in June 1876 was admitted to the bar. Later he formed a partnership with Attorney H. B. Axtell, and built up a lucrative practice. For a time he was also a partner of I. H. Knox and J. P. Teagarden in the ownership of the Republican.

In early life Mr. Ray became interested in politics, being a staunch Republican. He always took an active part in the political affairs of the county, state and nation. In 1888 he was elected to Congress representing the 24th district which at that time was composed of Greene, Fayete [sic Fayette], Washington and part of Allegheny counties.

In 1915 on a non-partisan ticket he became the candidate for president judge of Greene county. At the primary there was a warm contest and then again at the general election. He was elected to the office and served for a period of ten years. AT the expiration of his term he refused to be a candidate for re-election.

Mr. Ray was affiliated with the First Baptist church and for a number of years had been the teacher of the Men's Bible class of the Sunday school. May 18, 1878 he was untied in marriage with Miss Henrietta Iams and last May they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Beside his wife he leaves six children, Miss Mabel Ray, a librarian in Columbia university, who is at present traveling abroad; Mrs. George D. Jenkins, of Waynesburg; Attorney Joseph W. Ray, of Uniontown; Frank Ray of Akron, Ohio; Lloyd and Miss Helen Ray, at home.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. G. Lauderbaugh, D. D., pastor of the First Baptist church, assisted by Rev. James Edgar Wilson, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Interment in Green Mount cemetery.

The members of the Greene county bar, and the board of trustees, students and faculty of Waynesburg college attended the funeral in a body.

Among the judges from adjoining counties in attendance at the funeral were J.I. Brownson, Erin Cummins and Boyd Crumrine, of Washington county; Thomas H. Hudson, D. W. Henderson, John Morrow and Judge Dawson, of Fayette county.”