Adair County Iowa

Richard Ray, who was for many years closely identified with agricultural interests in Richland township, was born in Kentucky, December 20, 1837. His parents, Washington and Emily (Moore) Ray, were both likewise natives of the Blue Grass state, where they were reared and married. They, however, became residents of Warren county, Illinois, where both were living when called by death.

Richard Ray grew to mature years in the Prairie state and on beginning his independent business career purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he operated until 1881, when he sold it and came to Adair county, Iowa, where he had previously purchased a farm. He arrived here on the first of April of that year and at once located on his land . He continued to make his home there until his demise, which occurred March 17, 1912. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of arable land and twenty acres of timber land, all of which are in the possession of his widow who still resides upon the place. The farm is operated by a tenant and Mrs. Ray has shown excellent business judgment in the management of her affairs. Mr. Ray was an energetic and efficient farmer and his labors yielded him a good annual income.

He was a democrat in his political affiliation and for several years served as a member of the board of trustees and as a member of the school board, while he also held a number of other local offices. He was a consistent Christian and a working member of the local Baptist church. His demise was the occasion of much sincere grief as his personal qualities were such that he made and retained the warm friendship of many. There was never the slightest doubt as to his integrity and all with whom he came in contact accorded him their unqualified respect.

On Christmas day, 1862, Mr. Ray was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Talley, a daughter of George Talley, one of the prominent farmers of Warren county, Illinois. Her father resided in Kentucky during his youth but was an early settler of the Prairie state. To Mr. and Mrs. Ray were born eight children, of whom four are still livig, namely: Theodore W., a ranchman of Colorado; Guy O., who is farming in Richland township, this county; A. L., a business man residing in St. Joseph, Missouri; and Mollie E., the wife of W. D. Hoskins, of Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Ray is a consistent member of the Baptist church and is highly esteemed because of her many excellent traits of heart and mind.