GRAY, R. H. - 1914

GRAY, FOX, ROCKWOOD

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/9/2009 at 03:24:37

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

R. H. GRAY.

Since the organization of the town of Larrabee the activity of R. H. Gray has formed one of the greatest single assets in municipal development, for his interests have extended to many fields touching closely business, social and political expansion. With the exception of one term he has been mayor of the town since it was founded and besides being president of the Larrabee Savings Bank is a large stockholder in various other business and corporate concerns. He was born in Wisconsin in 1869, a son of Jabez and Mary (Fox) Gray, the former of whom has passed away, dying June 14, 1913. His wife survives him and makes her home at Larrabee, having reached the age of sixtyeight.

R. H. Gray acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa, whither he had come with his parents when he was fourteen years of age. Until he attained his majority he remained at home and then began his independent career as clerk in the First National Bank of Primghar. Three years later he moved to Larrabee and aided in the organization of what was then known as the Bank of Larrabee, becoming its cashier and a large stockholder. This institution is now the Larrabee Savings Bank, and Mr. Gray has been its president since 1902, filling this office with unusual energy, enterprise and administrative power. The bank has been under his management practically ever since its organization and it is largely due to his able efforts that it has become known as one of the strong and important financial institutions in this section of the state. Mr. Gray is otherwise identified with business interests of the city and his name may always be found among the leaders in the promotion of any progressive project. He has owned a great deal of valuable land in the county, holding still a one hundred and sixty acre farm, and he has property interests in Minnesota and other states also.

In 1895 Mr. Gray married Miss Florence Rockwood, who was born in Minnesota and who came to Iowa with her parents, living at Dexter until her marriage. She was for a number of years engaged in teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have five children: R. Harry, who was born in 1899; Max E., born in 1904; Dexter R., born in 1905; Robert J., born in 1908; and Lois Marie, born in 1910.

Although Mr. Gray has become very prominent in business circles his activities have extended also to the field of public service and he is accounted one of the most progressive and loyal citizens of the county. He has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving as township clerk for several years and as secretary of the school board, and with the exception of one term has been mayor of Larrabee since the town was founded. His record in this office is one of well directed and disinterested work in the best interests of the community and has been marked by the inauguration of many needed public improvements. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and chapter of Cherokee, belongs to the shrine at Sioux City and is a charter member of the Larrabee lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is secretary. Mr. Gray holds a position of prominence and importance in the town and is justly ranked with the representative and substantial citizens.