My Genealogy Hound

FRANCIS M. GRAY was born in Binghampton, Mich., September 25, 1843, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Young) Gray, natives, respectively, of New York and Pennsylvania. The father was one of the pioneers of this State, whither he came with his family in 1837, and located at Marshall, Calhoun County. Upon a farm there he conducted general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1843. His widow survived him many years, and finally passed away at her home in Niles during the year 1885. She was a woman possessing many noble attributes of mind and heart, and her memory is revered by her children.

Francis M. Gray is the younger of two children, the other being Gordon, who is a prosperous business man residing near Santiago, Cal. The boys were from infancy thrown wholly upon their mother’s care, on account of their father’s death. Francis M. spent his boyhood years in Marshall, where he completed his education in the public schools, and afterward became a clerk in the store of S. B. Shepherd, his stepfather. He occupied a clerical position in the store for a number of years, and later was received into the firm, his energy and ability resulting in an increased business. Some years afterward he became interested in the bakery business at Niles, and a profitable trade in that line was conducted for ten years, the firm title being S. B. Shepherd & Co.

At the expiration of ten years, our subject purchased his stepfather’s interest in the bakery, which he managed for the four ensuing years, and then sold the business to a Mr. Wing. Meanwhile he had built up a profitable trade, and had enhanced the value of the bakery and its appurtenances to such an extent that he sold it for $20,000. Mr. Gray next turned his attention to the dry-goods business, and about the same time bought a large farm in Berrien County, located near Berrien Springs, and commonly known as the Shaker Farm, which he personally superintended for two years. Later he rented his country home and came to Buchanan, where he afterward gave his entire attention to the mercantile business.

In the organization of the Citizens’ National Bank of Niles, Mr. Gray was one of the prime factors and influential men. He served as Cashier of that financial institution for some years, and was later President, filling that responsible and honored place for ten years. During the same time he also maintained extensive interests in the milling and foundry business, and also had large railroad interests. For three years he was President of the Elkhart, Niles & Lake Michigan Railroad, commonly known as the Big Four Railroad, in the incorporation of which he rendered valuable assistance, and for a time directed its business.

Although Mr. Gray some time ago disposed of his interest in the bank, he nevertheless still holds large and valuable property interests. For a time he resided in California, where he was in the real-estate business together with his brother, Gordon Y. He now owns a block of twelve flats in Chicago, a valuable farm comprising three hundred and seventy acres in Berrien County, two hundred and forty acres in Elkhart County, Ind., an elegant residence and considerable business property in Niles. The fact that he has attained a position of prominence among the wealthy land-holders of Niles proves the possession of abilities of no common order. Upon starting out in life, he had no capital, but possessed an immense amount of perseverance, energy and the American quality of “go-aheaditiveness.” The result was that, although scarcely in the prime of his mental vigor, he has attained a competency of this world’s goods. He has always been interested in all measures conducive to the progress of the city and the welfare of the citizens. In politics, he affiliates with the Republican party, and has served for one term as Mayor of Niles.

In the autumn of 1868, Mr. Gray married Miss Emma V., daughter of Joseph C. Larimer, of Niles. Mr. Larimer is one of the pioneers of Michigan, and at one time served as President of Dowagiac County, being one of the very earliest settlers of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the parents of one son, Gordon.