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         JAMES McCRAY, one of the early settlers of Des Moines County, Iowa, was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1806, and when a young lad went with his parents to Fayette County, Ind., settling near Connersville, where he grew to manhood, and was educated in a log school-house. He was there married, becoming the husband of Miss Mary Harlan, who was born in Union County, . . .

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. . . Ind., in 1809, and is a distant relative of Senator Harlan. The young couple began their domestic life in the Hoosier State, where they resided until the fall of 1852, and then removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, settling in Yellow Springs Township, where Mr. McCray purchased land and commenced farming.

To our subject and his wife were born thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity: Columbus, who is living in Louisa County; Robinson, who is located at Monmouth, Ill.; Philander, whose home is in Osceola, Polk Co., Neb., was a soldier in the late war, and served in the 2d Iowa Cavalry; Olive, of Des Moines County, is the widow of John Tull; Samarimus, the deceased wife of Leander Lee; James B. and Byron were twins; the former served in the 30th Iowa Infantry, and is now living on the old homestead, while Byron died in 1853. Miriam, who is single, is living in Fairfield, Iowa; Elsada was the wife of Capt. Roberts, who served as Captain of Company K of the 30th Iowa Regiment, but was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, died in 1866; Addison, who served in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, is now living in Montgomery, this State; Lenora is the wife of Thomas Bell, a soldier of Company K, 14th Iowa Infantry, now engaged in merchandising in Fairfield, Iowa; Francilia wedded Daniel Shepherd, now residing in Montgomery County; and Marinda, wife of John H. Mickey, died in Polk County, Neb. Politically Mr. McCray was a stanch Democrat, and he and his wife were ranked among the highly respected people of Des Moines County.

Columbus McCray, a farmer of Louisa County, residing in Wapello Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., in 1829, and is a son of James and Mary (Harlan) McCray. In 1852 he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Des Moines County, and in 1857 was united in marriage with May E. Vaughn, daughter of Dr. J. B. Vaughn, one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. McCray, after his marriage, settled on various farms in the county, but has resided at his present place of residence for twelve years. By this union five children have been born: Ferdinand D., who is now living in Dakota; John B., a resident of Junction City, Kan., married Miss Calista A. Barton; Virginia I. is the wife of David L. Morris, of Des Moines County, Iowa; James E. and Franklin H. are at home.

Mr. McCray has witnessed almost the entire growth of both Des Moines and Louisa Counties. On his arrival in the State Morning Sun consisted of a few cabins, and the beautiful farms were then wild, uncultivated prairie lands; neither were there any railroads at that time, and wagons were the only means of transportation. Since 1852 he has been identified with the growth and progress of this region, and has done all in his power to aid in its advancement. In his political views Mr. McCray is a Democrat.