Submitted by Lisa Hamilton Thanks Lisa!

Goodspeed, 1890
Robert Gray was born in Wilkes County, N. C., July 11, 1838, and is one of twelve children, six living, born to Constant and Jane (Sale) Gray, who were also North Carolinians, and were there reared, educated and married. Mr. Gray was a successful farmer, and at his death, in 1862, owned 1,800 acres of good land. His wife died in 1873, in the full faith of the Baptist Church. Robert Gray was educated in Wilkesboro, N. C., and in 1859 removed to Arkansas, settling in Izard County, he at that time owning but one horse and about $75 in money. He was married here on the 15^th of June, 1861, to Miss Rachel E. Gray, who was born in the 'Old North State,' but her death occurred in January, 1864, leaving one son, William R., who died on the 8^th of February, 1875. June 14, 1868, Mr. Gray wedded his second wife, Martha Hinkle by name, she having been born in Tennessee; and of their family of twelve children, eleven are still living, and ten reside at home: Thomas J., Arena J., John, Mary E., Ida K., Bertha L., James F., Walter N., Robert E., Amanda E., Annie M. and Jesse A.

Mr. Gray, like his father, has always been engaged in farming, and owns about 700 acres of good land, of which 250 acres are under cultivation. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for the past nine years, and has held a number of offices in the county, such as assessor, and while residing in Sharp County held the office of county treasurer for two years.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army under McBride, and was severely wounded at the fight at Mansfield, losing his left leg and one finger on his left hand. He also received a shot in the left side, and received his discharge in 1865.

He followed the occupation of school teaching for some time after returning home, but, as stated above, has given the most of his attention to farming, at which he has been remarkably successful. He and wife worship in the Baptist Church.

Lisa Hamilton submitted the above data from Goodspeeds; she did so to help others, is not researching the above person or families mentioned therein.

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