sion to become a citizen, feeling that the success he has met with here would have been practically impossible in the more thickly settled and conservative country in which he spent the first thirty-five years of his life. His present position can be entirely attributed to his own efforts and the capable assistance at all times rendered him by Mrs. Niehlsen. He is highly regarded in the community where he resides, his integrity and industry which are the fundamental principles of good citizenship, winning him the respect of all who have known him in either a business or social way.
ARCHIBALD RAY.
Archibald Ray, whose efforts during an active and useful life were devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he won substantial prosperity and a place among the most successful and well known farmers of his locality, was one of Indiana's native sons, his birth occurring in Marion county on the 25th of November, 1844. His father, Judiah Ray, one of the early and prominent settlers of Story county, was born in Ohio on the 1st of October, 1823, and was a son of Samuel and Maria Ray. During the period of his early boyhood he was accorded such advantages as could be obtained in pioneer days but at the age of twelve years was compelled to take upon himself the duties of manhood, the death of his father at that time placing him practically in charge of the family, and during her remaining days he continued the main support of his widowed mother. He entered the business world in the employ of an uncle, driving an ox team in the construction of the Ohio canal. Although during that time he worked earnestly and diligently, he was, however, unable to save any money, his earnings going to the support of the family. Thus it was that upon attaining his majority he found himself without capital and when he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Belcher, his financial possessions amounted to one dollar. This was paid to the justice who performed the marriage ceremony and by him was given to the bride as a token of good luck, and with a capital of one dollar they began their domestic life. Good luck, however, did follow and when, in 1851, they brought their family to Iowa they had been able to save seven hundred dollars. The winter of that year was spent at Pella and in the spring of 1852 they arrived in Story county, Mr. Ray entering land at Iowa Center. Success continued to attend his efforts and as he prospered from time to time he was able to purchase more land until, in the spring of 1884, he retired from active life, his holdings making him one of the extensive landowners of his section of the county. Upon leaving the farm he removed to Nevada and there his remaining years were spent. He became a director of the First National Bank of Nevada and was thus connected with financial interests as long as his health permitted. He was identified with various other enterprises and his many interests eventually made