On Sunday morning a deep gloom
was cast upon the community by the
announcement that Johr F. Grace had
suddenly expired <*t ab>ut 10 o’clock
on Saturday nigh, at his home in this
city. The deceased was at his law
office attending to business during the
day. Shortly after nine ./clock in the
evening he called for his mail and
went home, and soon retired for the
night. His wife, with whom he had
been talking, noticing that he did
not answer her, turnec toward him
heard him gasp and sink back upon
his pillow at rest. She tried to rouse
him but could not. Physicians were
summoned and found that the vital
spark had fled.
Deceased was nearly 36 years of age;
a lawyer of good ability, who engjoyed
in a high degree the confidence, es
steem and good wall not only of his
fellow members of the bar, but a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances
throughout lowa county. He was
born in the town of Highland, and
commenced the study of law at an
early age. He taught school for a
number of years and then entered the
law office of J. P. Smelker (then of
Highland), and was soon thereafter
admitted to the bar. He was town
clerk of Highland for nine years;
county supervisor from the town and
village of Highland for seven years,—
during which time he held for two
years the honorable position of chair
man of the county board of supervis
ors; was president of the board of trus
tees of the village of Highland for one
year and village clerk for one year.
