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         JAMES A. GRAY, of Grand View Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1828. He is a son of Martin and Mary (Armstrong) Gray, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. With their family of seven children the parents removed to Louisa County, in 1839, locating in Grand View Township, where Mr. Gray purchased a farm, and there made his home until his death, which occurred in 1876. His excellent wife had died several years before.

Our subject was reared to farm life, and in 1858 he was united in marriage with Harriet E. Pigman, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John H. and Mary (McVey) Pigman, who were numbered among the early settlers of Muscatine County. Her father was a man of prominence and influence in the community where he resided, serving as County Surveyor, and was elected to a seat in the State Legis- . . .

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. . . lature. Both parents died in Muscatine County some years ago.

After their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon the farm in Grand View Township where Mr. Gray yet resides, and six children came to gladden the home by their presence: Mary Celia became the wife of W. H. Gray, but died in 1882, leaving one child; Beatrice died in 1874, at the age of sixteen years; Lenora Irene is the wife of E. B. Tucker, County Attorney of Louisa County; Hattie, Velma and Henry P. are at home. In 1884 the death of Mrs. Gray occurred. She was a lady who, by her many excellencies of character, gained the love and respect of all who knew her, and her death was mourned not only by her family but by the whole community. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Gray is the owner of a fine farm comprising 153 acres of land, situated about a mile and a fourth from Grand View. In his political sentiments he is a Republican, and takes an active part in the advancement of the party’s interests. He has been honored by his fellow-citizens with various offices of trust, has served as President of the Township Board of Trustees, has held the office of Township Clerk for the past eight years, has been Treasurer of the school district, and is serving in that capacity at the present time.