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 The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882)
I. N. WRAY is of the firm of Wray & Moore, dealers in staple and fancy groceries and provisions. This firm, although comparatively a new one, is nevertheless doing a very extensive business. They have a large and complete stock in their line, and as business men, are well and favorably known. The senior member of the firm, I. N. Wray, is a native of Ohio, and was born December 8, 1839. At the age of fourteen years he accompanied the family to Missouri and settled in this county, where he was reared to manhood and received his education, spending his boyhood in agricultural pursuits. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted July 17, 1861, in Company I, First Nevada Regiment, and served till July 1, 1866. During that time he participated in many hard fought battles, among which were Shiloh, and from there through the Arkansas campaign. At the close of his term of service in 1866, he returned to this county and was elected sheriff, serving for two years. He then resumed farming, till, in 1870, he was again elected to the office of sheriff and held the position till 1872. It may truthfully be said of him that he discharged his duties, with credit to the county and honor to himself. He was engaged in tilling the soil till 1876, when he was appointed assessor of this township, and on June 6, 188 1, he became associated with
Mr. Kuenster in business under the firm name of Kuenster & Wray. This co-partnership existed till December of that year, when Mr. Moore became a partner. Mr. Wray was united in marriage December 31, 1866, to Miss Sarah Crane, a native of Indiana. They have seven children: Minnie, Harold, Ernest, Burton, Katie, Vern and Roland. He is a member of Nodaway Lodge of the A. F. and A. M., of this city, also a member of White Cloud Lodge No. 92, I. O. O. F. He was president of the Fair Association of this county for one year.
As printed in The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.