Three Rivers in Live Oak County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Jessy Franklin Gray
(1895-1968)
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 28, 2020
1. Jessy Franklin Gray Marker
Educator, soldier, politician, and businessman, Jessy Franklin Gray was born in Wilson County on December 5, 1895. Passing the state teacher's exam at 17, he taught in Oakville and became school superintendent. Resigning when the United States entered World War I, Gray attended army officers training camp at Leon Springs Military Reservation in San Antonio. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on August 15, 1917. That same day, he married Pauline Campbell (1896-1985).
Assigned to Company D, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, Gray trained as a Gas Defense Officer. In France, he fought in the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. Pershing, pushing German combatants from the Saint-Mihiel salient. Gassed with wounds to his chest and legs, Gray was among the 7,000 U.S. casualties. However, he returned for the Meuse-Argonne offensive. On the night of November 2, 1918, all officers were killed, leaving Company A pinned down without leadership when Gray voluntarily took command, rallying the men. He received a Citation Star (Silver Star, 1932) and a promotion to 1st Lieutenant. Awarded the Purple Heart, Gray was honorably
this page online
Gray served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1945 to 1953. He advocated for the historic Gilmer Aikin Education Reform Act and served on the Water Resources Board, saving Three Rivers from reservoir submersion. The Texas House of Representatives recognized Jessy Franklin Gray at his death in 1968 for "complete loyalty and untiring devotion to duty.” Jessy and Pauline Gray are buried in the Three Rivers Cemetery
Erected 2018 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 20127.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1919.
Location. 28° 27.677′ N, 98° 10.962′ W. Marker is in Three Rivers, Texas, in Live Oak County. Marker is on North Harborth Avenue (U.S. 281) south of East Alexander Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 N Harborth Avenue, Three Rivers TX 78071, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Felix Longoria (here, next to this marker); Three Rivers (within shouting distance of this marker); First State Bank Building (within shouting distance of this
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 28, 2020
2. Jessy Franklin Gray Marker Area
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 29, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.
