Izard Co., AR - Biographies - Robert Gray

***********************************************
This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb
Archives by: The Goodspeed Publishing Co

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgenwebarchives.org
***********************************************
Robert Gray was born in Wilkes County, N. C., July 11, 1838, and is one of
twelve children, six living, born to Constant and Jane (Sale) Gray, who were
also North Carolinians, and were there reared, educated and married. Mr. Gray
was a successful farmer, and at his death, in 1862, owned 1,800 acres of good
land. His wife died in 1873, in the full faith of the Baptist Church. Robert
Gray was educated in Wilkesboro, N. C., and in 1859 removed to Arkansas,
settling in Izard County, he at that time owning but one horse and about $75 in
money. He was married here on the 15th of June, 1861, to Miss Rachel E. Gray,
who was born in the “Old North [p.944] State,” but her death occurred in
January, 1864, leaving one son, William R., who died on the 8th of February,
1875. June 14, 1868, Mr. Gray wedded his second wife, Martha Hinkle by name, she
having been born in Tennessee; and of their family of twelve children, eleven
are still living, and ten reside at home: Thomas J., Arena J., John, Mary E.,
Ida K., Bertha L., James F., Walter N., Robert E., Amanda E., Annie M. and Jesse
A. Mr. Gray, like his father, has always been engaged in farming, and owns about
700 acres of good land, of which 250 acres are under cultivation. He has been a
member of the I. O. O. F. for the past nine years, and has held a number of
offices in the county, such as assessor, and while residing in Sharp County held
the office of county treasurer for two years. In 1862 he enlisted in the
Confederate army under McBride, and was severely wounded at the fight at
Mansfield, losing his left leg and one finger on his left hand. He also received
a shot in the left side, and received his discharge in 1865. He followed the
occupation of school teaching for some time after returning home, but, as stated
above, has given the most of his attention to farming, at which he has been
remarkably successful. He and wife worship in the  Baptist Church.