My Genealogy Hound

Anderson J. Wray, attorney at Lamar, was born in Shelby County, Ind., in February, 1842, and is the son of Dr. Hardy and Belinda (Fox) Wray, who were natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. When but children, both removed to Shelby County, Ind., where they were married, and where they still live. In their family were eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. The second son, A. K. Wray, is a Congregational minister, and the youngest a physician. Anderson J, Wray, the eldest son, and the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools, and at Hartsville University, Hartsville, Ind. When within three months of graduating, a disturbance arose in the school, and he ceased attendance there. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in that regiment about a year, participating in the battles of Greenbrier and Winchester. At the former battle a flying missile struck him on the head, and disabled him for several months, although he has never fully recovered from the injury. Having again joined his regiment, he took the measles, on account of which he was discharged. After being in the recruiting service a time, he joined Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served as first sergeant. When only sixteen years of age he began teaching school, which occupation he continued for several years, to enable him to pursue his chosen profession. In 1868 he commenced a course of law studies with Williams & Hill, of Columbus, Ind., and the following year came to Barton County, Mo., completing his course with Robinson & Brown. He was subsequently admitted to the bar in 1872. Previous to this, in 1870, he was elected school commissioner of Barton County, and held this position almost continuously for sixteen years. That, and the position of justice of the peace, and alderman of Lamar, are the only offices he has held. Politically he is a Republican. He has practiced his profession for nineteen years, and is recognized as an able counselor, and judge of law in its varied branches.