Thomas Gray, who is cultivating his father’s old homestead located on
section 21, Hilyard township, was born in Madison county, Illinois, on
the 30th of July, 1856. He is the son of James and Matilda (Janes) Gray,
the father being born in Virginia, in 1806, and the mother in Ohio.
James Gray came to Illinois when a youth of seventeen years, first
settling in Sangamon county, where he devoted his energies to
agricultural pursuits to which he had been trained from his boyhood.
From there he removed to Madison county, continuing to be identified
with the same activity for three years. He subsequently came to Macoupin
county where he was connected with farming interests until his death in
1897, at the age of ninety-one years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. James
Gray numbered thirteen, eight sons and five daughters. Of these three
are now living: Mrs. Oliver M. Beebe, of this county; Hillary, who is
also a resident of this county; and Thomas, our subject.
The
common schools of Macoupin county provided Thomas Gray with such
educational advantages as he enjoyed, while his preliminary agricultural
knowledge he acquired under the supervision of his father. General
farming and stock-raising have always engaged his activities, his
efforts at all times having been so intelligently directed that he has
met with good financial returns and now owns one of the valuable farms
of Hilyard township, originally the property of his father.
For
his wife Mr. Gray chose Miss Mary Howerton, their marriage taking place
in Macoupin county, on the 9th of February, 1882. Miss Howerton was born
near Brighton, Illinois, on the 19th of July, 1860, and was the daughter
of Robert and Sophia (King) Howerton, both natives of this county. To
Mr. and Mrs. Gray were born two daughters: Fannie, the wife of S. J.
Johnson, of Fosterburg; and Irene, who keeps house for her father, the
mother having passed away on the 17th of March, 1886.
In
religious faith Mr. Gray is a Baptist, while politically he is an
earnest advocate of the principles of the democratic party. He has never
prominently figured in community affairs, always having led a somewhat
retired life, but he can at all times be depended upon to give his
support to every movement for the general welfare.
Extracted 18 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 621-622.
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