William W. Wray

As printed in 1882

WILLIAM W. WRAY, farmer and stock raiser, section 28, another old settler of this county, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, on the 4th of February, 1836, and was the son of John and Sarah F. (Wiseman) Wray. The former, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Virginia, and in that state was William's mother also born. Young Wray spent his youth on a farm at his birthplace, and attended the common schools until about eighteen years of age, when in the fall of 1853 he removed to Missouri. In November of that year he came to Nodaway County. His parents first settled seven miles from Maryville, then a small village, and when saloons were the prominent business houses. The first fall after locating here he and his father killed twenty-five deer, game of all kinds being very plentiful. A large dressed turkey was worth but twenty-five cents. Mr. Wray occasionally indulged in hunting, but the most of his spare time was passed in splitting rails. When about twenty-two years old he commenced in business for himself, by teaching and working by the month. He has risen to his present condition through his own habits of industry, economy, etc. Is now the owner of 415 acres of land, in 200 of which his mother has an interest. His farm is well adapted to stock raising, in which he is largely interested. The place is supplied with good water facilities, and there is also an orchard, barn, etc. Mr. Wray has held the position of township supervisor, and for some nine months acted as ex-officio county judge. He has been township treasurer and clerk for five years, and during his term of office the township erected four school houses. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. W. was married March 31, 1861, to Miss Sarah E., a daughter of J. and Nancy Shelman. They have ten children: Bayard T., born January 10, 1862; Edward P., born November 15, 1863; John B., born March 14, 1865; William, born February 19, 1867; Henry H., born June 28, 1869 Wilbur W., born April 17, 187 1; George Thomas, born May 21, 1874 Clara E. M., born February 1, 1876; Fred. A., born September 3, 1877 and Irene, born April 28, 1881. The mother of Mrs. Wray lives with her son and daughter. She is in her seventy-sixth year, and enjoys good health.

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.