My Genealogy Hound

Spencer B. Gray, who is now spending his declining years in the peace and comfort of retired life at Pontiac, was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits on his fine farm in section 36, Pontiac township, where he has spent most of his life. He was born near Bath, in Steuben County, New York, October 13, 1828, and is a son of Daniel and Charity (Reynolds) Gray.

Daniel Gray was one of two sons, having a brother Lessie. He was born in New York, and followed farming there until 1830, when he came to Detroit, Michigan, by boat. He shortly afterward purchased 80 acres in section 10, Pontiac township, Oakland County, of Solomon Matthews, who had obtained a patent for the same from the government. Mr. Gray subsequently acquired by purchase two tracts of 80 acres each and secured 90 acres from the government. The country was a wilderness at the time, and the land had to be cleared before it could be cultivated. He had brought considerable money to this country and was better fixed financially than most of the pioneers. He worked hard and with good results, his farm becoming one of the best in the township. He built a large frame house which stood for many years, and lived there until his death at the age of 77 years. He was married to Charity Reynolds, like him a native of New York, and they had six children: Esther (Postle), who died in Wisconsin; George W., who died in Troy township, Oakland County, at the age of 56 years; Eliza (Postle), who died in Macomb County, Michigan; Lyman, who died in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 67 years; Allen Walton, who died in Pontiac; and Spencer B.

Spencer B. Gray was two years of age when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and was reared on the home farm in Pontiac township. He lived on the farm and cultivated it from early manhood until July 17, 1902, when he retired and moved to Pontiac to enjoy the rewards of a well spent life. He was very successful as a farmer and made a great deal of money in raising sheep. He now owns the home farm of 100 acres, as well as his city property. In 1880 he built the beautiful residence which now adorns the farm and is the best home in the community. He is a man of the strictest integrity and a high sense of honor, and gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he had business dealings.

Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Hattie Babcock, a native of Oakland County, and a daughter of Curtis and Pamelia Babcock, by whom he has two children: Esther, widow of Fred Durrant, of Amy, now living in Detroit; and Marion, who lives at home. In politics, Mr. Gray has always been a stanch Democrat and is interested in his party’s success. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.