NameGray (John and Janetta)DescriptionJohn James Gray was born at ‘Omega’, Gerringong, in 1851, to Henry William and Maria Gray (nee Walmsley).
In 1886, John Married Janetta King.
Janetta was born at Croom in 1866, the daughter of Moses and Janet King (nee Russell). Her mother, Janet King, was the daughter of Ebenezer and Jean /Jane Russell (nee Meek) of Croom, and the twin sister of Isabella Russell, who married James McGill.
John and Janetta lived on a farm at Croom and had several children –
Henry William King b.1887 (married Ivy Duncombe, died 1972, Alstonville)
Janetta (Netta) Louise b.1888 (married George Armitt, died 1971, Mullumbimby)
Ernest James b.1889 (married Daisy M Martin, died 1982, Ballina)
Moses Caleb b.1890 (married Emma May Bryce, died 1970, Alstonville)
John James b.1893 (married Eleanor Brown, died 1943, Ballina)
Eric Arthur b.1894 (married Nellie Dawes, died 1969, Lismore)
John, Janetta and family moved to the Richmond River in 1896 and lived at their farm, ‘Waratah’ in Alstonville.
Son, Moses Caleb Gray enlisted with the 13th Regiment, 9th Battalion in August 1915. He was transferred to 1st Pioneer Battalion in 1916, serving in France, where he was wounded in action several times.
Son, Eric Arthur Gray, also enlisted in WWI, serving with 15th Reinforcements, 25th Battalion. He suffered trench fever, was wounded in action and received severe burns from gas.
Miraculously, both sons returned from the war.
In 1943, son, John James Gray was accidentally drowned whilst fishing.
Janetta Gray died in 1918 when she was just 52 years old. John James died in 1934, age 83 years. They were both buried at Alstonville.
