In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri (1910)
CURTIS WRAY.
Among the energetic, public-spirited men of affairs, to whom, as much perhaps as to any other person in recent years, Nodaway county is indebted for the impetus which has added so materially to its growth and prosperity, the name of Curtis Wray, the well known proprietor and owner of the Maryville Tribune, should be mentioned. To him should be accorded full credit for what he has accomplished in the field of journalism, for he started out in life under none too favorable environment, but despite obstacles, lack of large inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, he has steadily and surely fought his way to the front, not only winning success in a material way but also gaining the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who recognize him as a leader in the affairs of this locality.
Mr. Wray was born in Polk township, Nodaway county, December 9, 1868, the son of Stephen K. and Mary C. Wray, an excellent old family, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in these pages.
Mr. Wray was educated in the schools at Hopkins and early in life decided to enter the newspaper arena, and, when a mere lad learned the printer's trade in the Journal office in Hopkins. After working success fully at his trade for about seven years in various parts of the country, he returned to Hopkins in 1890 and purchased a half interest in the Journal. In the spring of 1892 he started the Hopkins Leader. In the fall of 1893 he moved the plant to Maryville and started the Tribune as a weekly. Having been very successful in this venture and observing the need of a live daily, in 1899 he began issuing his paper as a daily and it has been successfully continued ever since, having become an important factor lo call and taking its place among the best news mediums of its type in this section of the state, its circulation having steadily increased until it is generally recognized by the commercial world as a valuable advertising medium. A job office is maintained in connection with the plant and is extensively patronized, the office throughout being well equipped and under a splendid system.
Mr. Wray's marriage took place on September 18, 1888, to Abbie Paddock, of Markesan. Green Lake county, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Franklin and Eliza Paddock, her parents being of English ancestry. To this union three children have been born, named as follows: Raymond, Helen and Gladys, all members of the home circle.
Mr. Wray is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the thirty-second degree; he is also past chancellor of the Knights of Pvthias, in which order he also takes a great deal of interest. He belongs to the Methodist church and is a Republican in politics.
As printed in Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1910. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.