Gray, M. F.

GRAY, LEACH

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/11/2013 at 07:35:29

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

GRAY, M.F.—Jefferson Twp—pg 965. Farmer, section 19, P.O. Brooklyn. Was born in July, 1842, in New Jersey, where he lived till 1850, when he accompanied his parents to Knox county, Illinois. After finishing his education he engaged in farming till 1862, at which time he enlisted in company K, Eighty-third Illinois infantry, in which he served three years, being engaged in the battle of Ft. Donelson and many minor engagements, then after receiving his discharge in August, 1865, returned to Illinois, where he remained till the fall of 1866, when he came to Iowa, and engaged in farming in this county. In the fall of 1868 he bought eighty acres in Sheridan township which he improved, and in 1875 sold the same and bought where he now lives and owns 179 acres, nearly all in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Gray was married, January 6, 1870, in Washington county, Iowa, to Miss D.F. Leach, of that county and a native of Ohio. The have five children: Merretta and Luetta twins (aged ten years), Ira (aged nine years), Fred (aged five years) and Rufus (aged one year).