My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Washington County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Charles B. Gray is a son of Dr. Benjamin Gray, who was born in Lincoln, England, in 1809, and was prepared in his native country for the active practice of his chosen profession. He decided to immigrate to the New World, and landed at New Orleans in 1839, whence he traveled up the Mississippi River to Missouri. He had purposed abandoning his profession after his arrival in Washington County, Mo., and devoting his entire time to mining; but the calls for his professional aid were so frequent and urgent that he was compelled to resume the practice of medicine, which he continued until his death, July 18, 1869. He married Miss Nancy F. Gordan, a native of the State of New Hampshire, who was educated for a teacher, in which calling she was engaged in Washington County; she died in 1867, leaving three children: Mary Ann (since deceased); Julia H., now Mrs. Morgan; J. Casey, of Potosi, and Charles B. The latter was born in Washington County, August 15, 1842, where he was reared with the exception of five years, from his tenth to his fifteenth year, which were spent at his mother’s home in New Hampshire. In 1876, in connection with his agricultural and mining interests, he commenced dealing in general merchandise. He owns 1,100 acres of land, and is one of the substantial men of the county; his reserved and unassuming disposition, together with his true worth, have caused him to be placed among the representative citizens of the county.

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This family biography is one of 138 biographies included in The History of Washington County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Washington County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Washington County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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