William Gray

As printed in 1882

WILLIAM GRAY, Jr.

farmer and stock raiser, section 5, was among the early pioneers of Nodaway County. He was born in Ash County, North Carolina, March 10, 1831, and was taken to Campbell County, Tennessee, when two years of age. From there he went to Carroll County, Missouri, in the fall of 1841, and thence to Nodaway County in the spring of 1842. The family settled in what is now Union Township, the country then being something of a wilderness and the Indian tribes still roaming over the county. Mr. Gray purchased a claim and commenced improving a farm. The place was called Gray's Grove, the two brothers, John and Martin Gray, residing there. There was but one store in Maryville at that time, and that was kept in a log house. William relates an incident of going to mill to the Platte City Mills, below St. Joseph, when a boy, in company with two others. They were six weeks making the trip, and he came near freezing to death on his return. In the meantime the folks at home were subsisting on corn meal made on a hominy block. The hardships endured by the pioneers seemed enough to discourage and intimidate the most courageous. Mr. Gray has made this township his home since that time, and has taken an active part in improving it. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. In March, 1853, he settled where he now resides; he had taken it as a claim previous to this and made some improvements. He now owns 270 acres of well improved land, has a good orchard, a neat and comfortable residence, a barn and excellent feed lot with a never-failing spring in it. He has filled most of the district offices often. Mr. Gray has been twice married: First, April 13, 1852, to Miss Nancy Ingalls, who died September 21, 1869, and left nine children, eight of whom are now living: James T., Wesley F., Martha E., (now Mrs. Wilson Hadley), John S., Mahala J., (now Mrs. George Loch), Austin S., Samuel G. and William T. He was married again to Mrs. Mary Shelton. She was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 17, 1838. They have had five children, two of whom are now living: Edgar F. and Emmett O. Mrs. Gray has three children living by her former husband: Eva B., William R. and Albert L. Shelton. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the M. E. Church.

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.