Mason County, Illinois ILGenWeb


WALTER S DRAY
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History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, 1879, by Miller and Ruggles
Havana Township
Page 756

WALTER S. DRAY, loan business, Havana; was born in Allegheny City, Penn., Sept. 20, 1838, but removed, when about 1 year old, with his father's family to the Territory of Iowa; thence, in 1845, to Pike Co., Mo., and, three years later to Vermont, Fulton Co., Ill. Prior to his leaving Iowa, his mother died, and, as his father was then in California, he became the protege of his grandmother. In 1857, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio; but, two years later, returned to Illinois and located in Canton, Fulton Co., and engaged in the jewelry business. He removed to Havana, his present hnme. in July, 1861, and embarked in the same line of trade. In 1868, Mr. O. C. Town, who had been with the establishment since 1864, became a partner in the business, which continued till 1875. Mr. Dray then sold out to Mr. Town and gave his especial attention to other interests. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Louisa F.,daughter of Hon. William Allen, of Havana; by this union there were three children, only one of whom is living, Gail, a bright and interesting lad of 7 years, who lives with his grandmother Allen; Roy, who was born in July, 1866, died Nov. 12, 1872; George W. died in infancy. Mr,. Dray is a member of the following Masonic bodies: Havana Lodge, No. 88; Havana Chapter, No. 86, and Damascus Commandery, No. 42. He has been a member of the Board of Aldermen during the last four years, serving as President of the Finance Committee during that period.



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