Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 917
SAMUEL DRAY

Among the prosperous farmers of Harrison County who employ all the latest and most scientific methods of 20th century farming, is SAMUEL DRAY of Cincinnati township. Although not born in this state, Mr. DRAY came here with his parents when seven years of age and has since resided here. He is the owner of a splendid 80-acre farm, known as the "River View Farm," having been named for the River View Farmers Club, of which Mr. DRAY was an organizer and is now a member.

Samuel DRAY was born on September 28, 1864, in Hancock County, Ohio, son of Thomas and Mary (HAMILTON) DRAY, natives and farmers of Ohio. They reared a family of nine children, of whom Samuel was the third. The family came to Harrison County, Iowa, in 1871 and located near Missouri Valley, where they followed farming and where they spent the remainder of their lives. The DRAY family is principally of Irish descent, although some of their ancestors have been of other nationalities.

Being seven yers of age when he came to this county, Samuel DRAY received all of his education in the public schools of Iowa. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 21 years of age, when he left home with his brother. They "batched" together and operated a farm for three years. Samuel DRAY was married in 1898, after which he rented land for two years and then bought his present farm in section 36 of Cincinnati Township, Harrison County, where he has since resided. Here Mr. DRAY carries on general farming and stock raising, in which he has been very successful. He has improved this farm since purchasing it and now has one of the best kept and most up-to-date farms in the township. mr. DRAY was married on April 23, 1898 to Hettie HENRY, who was born July 23, 1873, in Ohio. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (TIMMEY) HENRY, who came to Harrison County about 1876. To this union have been born six children, four of whom are living. They are: Albert Louis, born on February 6, 1890, who married Eva BRUNDAGE; Roy E., born March 8, 1892, who married Cora PHILLIPS, and who has one daughter, Dorothy May; Leta May, born April 2, 1894 and Florence E., born March 22, 1910. The two latter children are still living at home with their parents.

Mrs. DRAY is a member of the Presbyterian Church and although not a member of this church, Mr. DRAY contributes liberally to its support. Mr.DRAY is a Democrat, but has never been an enthusiastic politician. He has, however, served as township trustee and held other minor offices. Mr. DRAY is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Yeomen of America, the Homesteaders, and, as heretofore mentioned, is a member of the Riverview Farmers' Club. He and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. The DRAY family is well known and highly respected in Cincinnati township and Harrison County, where they have a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

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