My Genealogy Hound

A. G. Gray. The subject of this sketch is a native-born resident of the county, and as such is looked upon with respect and esteem by his many acquaintances. His birth occurred on the 18th of December, 1854, and he is one of fourteen surviving members of a family of seventeen children, born to E. C. Gray and Ann S. (Meacham) Gray, his wife, the former of whom was born in North Carolina, in 1830, and was educated in Trinity College, of that State. He was a member of the Agricultural Wheel for about four years, but withdrew on account, as he thought, of the political sentiments which had crept in. He is one of the leading farmers of this locality; was elected to represent Independence County in the State legislature in 1875 to fill the term of 1876, and received the largest vote of any man who ever ran for office in this county. He served faithfully and efficiently for one year, discharging his duties in a manner which needs no additional words of compliment. He has been justice of the peace for about eight years, and in this capacity also has been a faithful servant of the public. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army as a sergeant and served as such until the final surrender, when he returned home and again engaged in farming, and has become one of the most substantial husbandmen of the county. His wife has long been a member of the Methodist Church. From this sterling pioneer sprang the subject of this sketch, and, like his father, he has become an honored and respected resident of the county. His education was received in Independence and Sharp Counties, and his attention, while growing, was given to farming his father’s land. He was married in Independence County to Miss Ella Albright, a native of the State, and a daughter of Alvis and Mary Albright, who are well-remembered pioneers of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been born five children: Bertha F., G., Stella, Justin and Albert. A. G. Gray, like his father, was a member of the Agricultural Wheel, withdrawing for a like reason. He is also a member of the Masonic lodge, in which he has held the office of senior warden for about three years. He is a Methodist in faith and his wife a Presbyterian, and both are deeply concerned in all good works, being especially interested in churches and schools.