Howard Wray

As printed in 1910

HOWARD WRAY.

In examining the life records of the citizens of Nodaway county of a past generation, who have finished their allotted tasks and passed into the unknown, the biographer finds none worthier of a place in the history of this locality than that of Stephen K. Wray. He was born in Gallia county, Ohio, January 27, 1834, and he was called to his reward on January 24. 1901. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1853, and the following spring (1854) moved to Nodaway county, Missouri. He received a good education in his native state and after coming here he taught school during the winter months and farmer in the summer. When the Civil w'ar came on he served as first lieutenant in Kimball’s volunteer regiment and was at one time captain of a company of Home Guards. In the fall of 1863 he organized Company F, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, and he became adjutant of the regiment, and he saw some very strenuous service at the front, and, according to his comrades, always performed his duty faithfully. He was captured by the enemy at Campbellsville, Tennessee, but escaped in thirty-six hours, being absent one month from his regiment. He served until the close of the war, after which he returned to Nodaway county where he became possessor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Polk township. In March, 1880, he bought a half interest with a Mr. Watson in an agricultural implement business at Hopkins and there continued in the active trade until his death, building up a very successful business and becoming known as one of the enterprising men of this section of the county.

Mr. Wray took more or less interest in political affairs and was always ready to promote the interests of his county. At one time he was justice of the peace, and he served very ably as county judge. He was faithful in his support of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, he was a Mason. His marriage occurred on April 30. 1859, to Mary Carmean, and this union resulted in the birth of six children, Rosa, Alice, Curtis (publisher of The Tribune at Maryville), Bertha, Howard, Florence. Mrs. Stephen K. Wray, now advanced in years, is living at Hopkins.

Howard Wray is cashier of the bank at Pickering, the duties of which he discharges in a manner that stamps him as a business man of high rank. He was born on June 12. 1876, and after being educated in the home schools, took up work with his father in the hardware store, continuing there, with the exception of one year spent in the bank at Hopkins. In the fall of 1900 he helped organize the Bank of Pickering, and became its first cashier, con tinning as such to the present time, being very largely responsible for the excellent prestige of this sound and conservative institution. He takes an abiding interest in the affairs of his community.

Howard Wray was married on September 25, 1907, to Kate Beckwith, of Chicago, a lady of education and refinement. This union has resulted in the birth of two children (twins), Florence and Katherine, born on September 17- 1909-

Mr. Wray is a Master Mason and is prominent in business and social circles of the conn tv.

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.