Biographies

MRS. MARY GRAY has always lived in Henderson County, and has a pleasant and comfortable home in Gladstone Township. She was born in this county on the 22d of September, 1860, and is a daughter of Thomas and Anna (Griffith) Roberts. Her parents were both natives of England, and in that country were reared and married. In June, 1854, they were joined in wedlock, and after some years they crossed the briny deep to the New World. Their first location was in Henderson County, where Mrs. Roberts has since lived. Mr. Roberts carried on agricultural pursuits with good success until his death, and by his enterprise and industry became the possessor of a comfortable competence. His death occurred November 25, 1875. His widow still survives him and is yet living in township 10, range 6. Further mention of this worthy couple is made on another page of this work.

Mrs. Gray, of this sketch, is the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children: Thomas, born July 2, 1855; William, April 2, 1856; George, September 19, 1857; Hannah, who was born November 26, 1858, and is the wife of Arthur Gray; Mary, of this sketch; Mrs. Emma Russell, born November 29, 1862; Annie, February 15,1864; Mrs. Sallie Walburn, April 29,1868; and Arthur, born on the 19th of November, 1871.

In a quiet manner Mrs. Gray spent her maidenhood days, living on a farm with her parents. She became familiar with the duties of the household, and thus, at the time of her marriage, was fitted to superintend a home of her own. In the schools of the neighborhood she acquired a good English education.

On the 31st of December, 1884, was celebrated the marriage which united the destinies of Thomas Gray and Mary Roberts, the wedding taking place at her home in Henderson County.

Mr. Gray is one of the native sons of this county, born September 19, 1858. He is of Irish lineage, and is a son of Patrick and Ann (Logan) Gray. Both the parents were natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born in 1817, and the latter in 1827. The year 1849 witnessed their emigration to America. The first six years in this country were spent in New York City, after which they made their home in Chicago for a short time, and later went to Burlington, Iowa. .Subsequently, they located upon a farm in Henderson County.

Here Thomas Gray was reared to manhood. As soon as old enough to handle the plow, he began work in the fields, and soon became familiar with all the duties of farm life. He continued to aid in the operation of the old homestead farm until his marriage, when he took his bride to the farm whereon they have since resided. Their home has been blessed by the presence of two children: Zelda A., born June 1, 1886, and Iva, January 28, 1891.

The farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land, which is under a high state of cultivation, the well-tilled fields yielding to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. There are also good buildings upon the place, which is numbered among the valuable farms of the community. The property of Mr. and Mrs. Gray has been acquired through their own efforts, and their success is therefore well merited.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.