GRAY

It became prominent when on Feb 16, 1900, the Ordinary of Jones County ordered an election to be held April 4, 1900 to vote on moving the County Seat from Clinton to Gray. This first election was very close: 359 = for moving 361 = against moving. On June 27, 1905, another election was held and voting was 1289=for moving and only 51=against moving.

The Governor signed on Aug 9, 1905 confirming the removal of the county seat from Clinton to Gray. The County Commissioners were: John T. Glover, J.H. C. Ethridge and J.H. Meeks. All of lots 3 and 4 in Block 23 ( 1 1/2 acres) bounded by: North by Clinton Ave; Ross Street; on the east by Jefferson St. and on the south by a 10 foot alley runing through the block from Jefferson to Cleveland St. and on the west by Cleveland St. (Deed Book Z p. 318) (Anderson Survey: Deed Book Z 434)

Architects for the Courthouse and jail were: J.W. Golucke and L.J. Isbel.

Ordinary of the Court, Roland Ross, in 1905 suggested that the name of Gray be given to the new County Seat in honor of James Madison Gray, who had been such an outstanding leader in the county for many years.

Early citizens of Gray included: Mortons, Stewarts, Comers, Bonners, Greens, Turners, Ethridges, Johnson, Godards, Pattersons, Braggs, Morgans, Blounts and Roberts.

Early churches were built in early 1900's. Rev. D.B. Cantrell, Methodist Church,(first pastor) began the "meeting house" and it was dedicated on Easter Sunday, 1908. (Church later burned Jan 3, 1915 and rebuilt Aug 15, 1915)

In 1905, the Baptist church was begun and finished on March 24, 1907. This church also burned later, and was rebuilt.

Source by permission
"History of Jones Co., GA," by Carolyn White Williams