BIOGRAPHY: John WRAY, Mifflin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by P. S. Barr 

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/mifflin/
_______________________________________________ 

The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising 
the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania.
Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume II, pages 720-721

  JOHN WRAY, Dormantown, Mifflin county, Pa., was born in Lancaster, Pa., March 
12, 1824.  He is a son of John and Christiana (Kinsor) Wray.  John Wray received 
a limited education, attending the public schools of the township, and working 
on his father's farm until he was twenty-one.  Soon after he was of age, he 
began farming in Decatur township.  In 1876 he bought the homestead where he now 
resides, a farm of 187 acres.  Mr. Wray is an energetic and progressive farmer, 
and has done much to increase the value of his property.  In 1892 he erected a 
large and convenient house, his first home having been destroyed by fire.  Not 
content with his labors on the farm, Mr. Wray engaged in manufacturing, forming 
a partnership with Mr. D. L. Lawver, under the firm name of Wray & Lawver.  In 
1891, they began the manufacture of staves.  In 1896 Mr. Wray purchased 400 
acres of timberland, situated in Decatur township.  He has been very successful 
both as a farmer and manufacturer; he is prudent and enterprising, and has won 
the respect and confidence of the community.  Mr. Wray is a member of the 
Democratic party.
  John Wray was married, September 19, 1861, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Herbster) Lawver.  Their children are:  Christiana (Mrs. Oliver 
Snook), has one child; Sarah Elizabeth (Mrs. J. B. Lash), North Dakota, has five 
children; George William; James C., married Fanny Smith, has two children; 
Samuel ; and Edwin John.