John F. Gray
John F. Gray is a son of David Gray, and a grandson of David Gray, Sr., who was born in Scotland, emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of a weaver. He moved from Pennsylvania to Jefferson County, Ohio, and thence to Holmes County, where he settled on a farm of 160 acres, in Mechanic Township. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a strong supporter of the Democratic party. He died in Mechanic Township in 1847. Four of the eight children born to him are yet living: James, in Killbuck Township; Samuel, in Iowa; Elizabeth (wife of George F. Newton), in Millersburgh, Ohio, and Jane (widow of James Gray), in Coshocton County. David Gray, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1804. He was married in Jefferson County, Ohio, to Margery, daughter of George Irvine, a native of Ireland, and a settler of that county. In 1832 they came to Holmes County and purchased a tract of land in Mechanic Township, where they lived until 1850, when they bought the farm now owned by our subject, in Killbuck Township. Mr. Gray started in life poor, and by his own efforts and industry made it a success, financially. He was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and a prominent member of the Disciples Church. He died March 29, 1874, and his widow in November, 1881. Thirteen children were born to them, six of whom grew to maturity, and four are still living: John F.; Samuel (in Knox Township, a plasterer by occupation), Francis M. (a prominent lumber dealer in Millersburgh) and Jackson B. (of Killbuck Township, a farmer by occupation).
John F. Gray was born in Jefferson County,Ohio, February 2, 1828, and came to Holmes County when about four years of age. He received a common-school education, and has been principally engaged in farming. March 13, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy M., daughter of John Barton, of Hardy Township. She died February 28, 1877. Six children were born to this union, three of whom are stil living: Minerva, wife of Albert Chapman; Silas L., married to Miss Ella Leech, and Lewis S., married to Miss Ann Wright, all residents of Killbuck Township. Mr. Gray was again married, May 8, 1879, on this occasion to Miss Emma M., daughter of James Quillin, of Killbuck Township. Mr. Gray is an active supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and is one of the present trustees of the township. He has also filled various township offices. His wife is a member of the Disciples Church.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889