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James Bray (1841–1890)

Recording the death of Mr. Bray the Armidale Express says: — The deceased gentleman was Clerk of Petty Sessions and Land Agent here for many years, and very often, in the absence of the Police Magistrate, used to adjudicate on the Bench, and the chairmanship was seldom more ably filled, for he possessed that keen perception of human nature so much needed in magisterial decisions on country benches, where false swearing — we regret to say — seems to be the ruling feature in many cases brought on for judication. Mr. Bray was promoted from here to the Police Magistracy of Casino and Lismore, where he soon gained the reputation of a thoroughly intelligent magistrate. A few years afterwards, however, he gave some offence in a decision in an important case, which was much questioned by a portion of the public, and resulted in a Royal Commission being held, the decision of which was averse to Mr. Bray, and he was removed from the district to another town. The deceased, we believe, was in the public service at the period of his untimely death. Like all of us, the deceased was only human, and, to say he had no shortcomings, would be simply untrue, still we do fearlessly say that no man ever went down into his last bed with more virtues. He was ever ready to help the weak and afflicted, and his generous and obliging disposition will always remain a by-word in this district, while many of his kindly actions will never be forgotten. We deeply sympathy with the afflicted family in their sad hour of trouble, and feel certain many a genuine tear will be shed when the news of James Bray's death is read.

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Citation details

'Bray, James (1841–1890)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/bray-james-26776/text34382, accessed 12 October 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

21 January, 1841
Campbelltown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

21 July, 1890 (aged 49)
Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation