Death of John DeFaye

(Grandville Avenue Record, Friday, March 10, 1916)

Report that John DeFaye, formerly a resident of this district, was found dead in his cabin at Zephryhills, FL, brings to mind some of the characteristics of this rather eccentric individual. John DeFaye, was a native of the Isle of Jersey, which is situated off the coast of France in the English Channell. He ran away from home when a young man sailing before the mast. He traveled the ocean wide, enduring many hardships. He became a ships carpenter.

Mr. DeFaye was strong in his likes and dislikes. He was a great lover of flowers, and many will remember his flower garden on Caulfield avenue. Flowers seemed to thrive for him and he enjoyed their cultivation.

Mr. DeFaye has some trouble with Wm. Alden Smith regarding the way his pension matter was handled at Washington and Sen. Smith dubbed him a "Hypocondriac." This worried Mr. DeFaye considerably and he lost no occasion to tell stranger or friend how he had been wronged. He was successful, however, in getting a pension just before he left here. At the age of 70 years he was granted an increase.

Mr. DeFaye had read the Bible a great deal and could quote from the Scripture at length. He had some very pronounced views upon how the Scripture should be interpreted and he was forever expounding his views.

Mr. DeFaye tried farming near Eastmanville, Mich., at one time, but was not successful. When residing on Caulfied avenue he did some wagon making and turned out some very good jobs, working at this when he could not cultivate his garden. He was always harping upon the subject of pre-natal influence and this was on of the "hobbies" that he rode until it became obnoxious. He was a very good penman and had a good education considering his opportunities.

After the loss of his wife he concluded to go south and after wandering about for a while finally settled at Zephyrhills, Pasco county, Fl, where he purchased a lot and commenced to grow flowers and vegetables. The Record has recorded from time to time his garden and floral work. He was something more than seventy years of age. He was a studious observer of the weather conditions, and for more than twenty years kept a record of temperatures, wind direction, etc. From his observations and records he became a weather prognosticator of some repute.

With all his eccentricities he was appreciative, liberal and kind hearted toward most of mankind. He believed in the golden rule. "Requiescat in peace".

The funeral services were held at Zephyrhills under the auspices of the G. A. R.