James Gray (mayor)
American journalist and politician (1862–1916)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Gray (February 18, 1862 – September 8, 1916) was a journalist and the 19th mayor of Minneapolis.
James Gray | |
|---|---|
Gray c. 1903 | |
| 19th Mayor of Minneapolis | |
| In office January 2, 1899 – January 7, 1901 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Pratt |
| Succeeded by | A. A. Ames |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1862 Falkirk, Scotland |
| Died | September 8, 1916 (aged 54) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Lakewood Cemetery Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. 44°56′11″N 93°17′56″W |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Grace Farrington |
| Children | Philip Farrington Gray |
| Parents |
|
| University of Minnesota | |
| Profession | Journalist |
Known for | War correspondent during Spanish–American War |
Life and career
James Gray was born on February 18, 1862, in Falkirk, Scotland to Elizabeth (née Ronald) and John Gray.[1] Gray's family emigrated to the United States in 1866, settling in Iowa. He attended schools in Dubuque County, Iowa and Jackson County, Iowa. After working as a teacher for a year, Gray moved to Minneapolis in 1880. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating as valedictorian in 1885. After graduating, he began working with the Minneapolis Tribune as a reporter. When the Minneapolis Times was founded in 1889, he moved there to work as an editor. He was later promoted to managing editor and also served as a special correspondent in Washington, DC during the run up to the Spanish–American War. Based partially on the name recognition he gained from his work as a correspondent, Gray ran as the Democratic nominee for mayor of Minneapolis in 1898 and won. He ran for re-election in 1900 but was defeated by A. A. Ames.[1][2] After leaving politics he became an editor with the Minneapolis Journal.[3]
Gray died on September 8, 1916, at his desk in Washington, D.C.[1] He is buried in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.[4]
Electoral history
- Minneapolis Mayoral Election, 1898
- James Gray 16,066
- Edward E. Webster 9,494
- Albert Alonzo Ames 5,266
- William J. Dean 923
- Frank A. Malmquist 599
- Minneapolis Mayoral Election, 1900
- Albert Alonzo Ames 17,292
- James Gray 12,732
- William J. Dean 9,140
- Ole B. Olson 227
- Asa Kingsbury 217
