Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 287
THOMAS DRAY

Thomas DRAY, a farmer living on section 36, of Cincinnati Township, came to Harrison County in the spring of 1871, and first settled in St. John's Township, where he rented land for five years, and then bought one hundred and fifteen acres on section 6, of St. John' Township. There had been fifteen acres of breaking done, and a small frame house erected and with some additions and improvements, this served as a residence until August 1891, when he moved to his present place, having a good frame house and other substantial improvements.

Our subject was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 7, 1838. When twelve years old his parents moved to Allen County, Ohio, and he remained with them until he was twenty-two years of age. Then farmed on his own account and was in a saw-mill a short time, remaining on the farm and in the mill up to 1871, when he came to Harrison County.

He was united in marriage, October 18, 1860, in Hancock County, Ohio, to Miss Mary S. HAMILTON, by whom ten children have been born: John R., born August 8, 1861; Andrew, October 17, 1862; Samuel, September 28, 1864; Alvah, July 26, 1866; Emma, July 26, 1868; Nancy October 23, 1869; Rebecca, September 8, 1871; Nettie D., February 26, 1874; Nora M., May 24, 1876; Amanda J., August 19, 1879. Rebecca died April 2, 1872, Amanda, August 22, 1885.

Mary S. (HAMILTON) DRAY was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 3, 1840, and moved with her parents when a child to Hancock County, where she remained with her parents until the date of her marriage.

Our subject's father was Robert DRAY. He was also a native of the Buckeye State, born about 1793, and died in Allen County, Ohio, in April 1867. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Rebecca (BATTLES) DRAY, who was born in Ohio in 1800. And still lives on the old homestead in Allen County. Mr. and Mrs. Robert DRAY were the parents of twelve children, our subject being the youngest. His mother was a member of the Christian Church.

Mrs. DRAY'S father was John HAMILTON, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, and when a young man came to Ohio. He had learned the blacksmith's trade before leaving the Keystone State. He died in Hancock County in 1877. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth SHAW, who was born in Ohio in 1814, and remained here until the date of her marriage, and is now living in Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. HAMILTON were the parents of eleven children, Mrs. DRAY being the third child. The parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, and were devoted exemplary Christians.

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