 |
 RAY BROTHERS comprise Samuel B., David D., and Matthew S. Gray, who are associated together in conducting an extensive
stock farm, containing 668 acres, located on sections 29 and 30, Lafayette Township. Their parents were Robert and Martha (Dunwiddie) Gray.
Robert Gray was born Feb. 16, 1790, in Tennessee.
His father was a farmer in that State, and Robert
was reared at home, where he received a practical
training in the various departments of agriculture.
When the War of 1812 broke out he enlisted, and
received the commission of Lieutenant, serving his
country faithfully until peace was restored. At the
close of the war he returned to his native State,
and resided there until 1830, when he removed to
Illinois, and for a short time made his home in
Paris, Edgar County. In the spring of 1831 he
changed his location, and became an early settler
of Coles County, spending one season near Charleston, and during his residence there Charleston was
first laid out as a city. In the spring of 1831 he
entered land in Pleasant Grove Township, and made
his permanent home there, giving his attention to
agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of
his life. Robert Gray was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Fain, who died leaving six children, only two of whom are now living John M., a resident of Concordia, Kan., and Mary J., now Mrs. McCord, a resident of New Enfield, Ill. On the 21st of October, 1828, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Martha Dunwiddie; she was born Dec. 25, 1800, in Tennessee, and her death occurred March 6, 1873. By this marriage eight children were born, six of whom attained maturity: Samuel B. was born Oct. 27, 1829, in Washington County, Tenn.; David D., Dec. 23, 1831, in Charleston, Ill.; Robert R., July 18. 1833, in Pleasant Grove Township, and his death occurred Nov. 30, 1858; Matthew S. was born Oct. 18, 1835, in Pleasant Grove Township; Ellen J. was born June 4, 1837, and died at the age of ten years; Margaret A. was born Nov. 8, 1839, and is now the wife of Thomas N. Means, making her home at Paris, Ill.; Franklin N. was born Jan. 15, 1842, and died at the age of nine years; Martha C. was born March 10, 1845, and died Dec. 9, 1880. Robert Gray’s death occurred Feb. 7. 1805. The Gray brothers have always been associated together in business, although at one time several of them held clerkships in Charleston for a number of years. When the Civil War broke out Samuel B., John M. and Matthew S. enlisted Aug. 1, 1862, and were all mustered into service with Co. I, 123d Ill. Vol. Inf. Samuel B. was severely wounded in the engagement at Milton, Tenn., and was conveyed to the hospital, at the end of eighteen months receiving his discharge on account of physical disability; Matthew was wounded in the last battle of the war at Selma, Ala., and John returned home unscathed by shot or shell. It is not often that so pleasant an instance of fraternal regard can be recorded as that existing between Gray brothers. In their childish sports and school days they were ever together, and the sterner duties of manhood found them side by side and shoulder to shoulder in the defense of their country, and in the duties of business life. They settled on their present place of residence in the autumn of 1869, and have since kept “bachelor’s hall” on that estate. Only two members of their family ever married. In politics they are all supporters of the Republican party, and have occasionally held local offices. Samuel Gray is one of the Directors of the National Bank of Mattoon, and the brothers own a grocery store in that city, which is conducted by their nephew, P. B. Linn. Samuel Gray, although not a church member, is one of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Mattoon, and with his brothers is a supporter of that religious body. There is now a Methodist Church in process of erection on their farm, of which Samuel is a member of the building committee. The Gray brothers are among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of this county. In business transactions their signature is S. B. Gray & Bros. |
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