Fred Gray
July 16, 1873-March 12, 1923
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, March 13, 1923, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library
NILES WORKER'S DEATH CALLS FOR INQUEST
Fred Gray, Switchman at M.C. Terminal Dies Under Suspicious Circumstances
Fred Gray, switchman in the employ of the Michigan Central at west freight terminal here, died at his home in Eau Claire, this county, last night, under conditions calling for a coronial inquest to determine the cause of death.
Gray, who was 49 years old, and is survived by a widow and two sons, one of whom, Fred Gray, Jr., resides in this city, arrived here about noon yesterday, and as was his custom, went to the Oakwood cigar store, where he ate a lunch and drank two glasses of cider. At 2:30 o'clock, Gray reported for work, and remained on the job until about 5 o'clock, when he complained of being ill, and left for his home. He arrived home about 6 o'clock, and went to bed. A physician was summoned, and Gray stated, it is said, that after drinking the cider here, he had cramps in the stomach, which continued at intervals during the afternoon. The physician prescribed for Gray, but his condition rapidly grew worse, and he died about 11 p.m. in great agony.
Coroner Slaughter of Benton Harbor impanneled[sic] a jury today, and directed that an autopsy be performed on the remains. The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Ryno, of Benton Harbor, who found Gray's liver and kidneys to be enlarged and hardened condition, indicating that death resulted from acute alcoholism.
Sheriff Bridgman and several of his deputies and Motorcycle Policeman Lyle Hutson, the latter of this city, were present when the autopsy was performed. And, upon his return home, Motorcycle Policeman Hutson went to the Oakwood cigar store and procured a sample of the cider on sale there, with a view to having it analyzed.
The inquest is to be held at Eau Claire within a day or two.
Note: Date of Birth computed from age as recorded on Death Record.