The subject of this sketch is Professor W.E. Ray, who, so far as the writer knows, is the only man in Cloud county entitled to the distinction of A.M. Professor Ray assumed the principalship of the Clyde schools in 1899, and as a disciplinarian and educator he is fast gaining wide-spread reputation. Under his management the schools of Clyde experienced a phenomenal growth of prosperity.

Professor Ray is a native of central Illinois, born in 1862. He began his career as a teacher in his native state. He received early educational advantages and being of a studious turn of mind made the most of his opportunities. He was a pupil of the Northern Indiana Normal and took a post-graduate course in the State University of Nebraska, doing special work. Prior to that time however, he had filled various important positions and has been engaged in school work for fifteen years aproximately. He is from a family of educators, having two brothers engaged in teaching.

Mrs. Ray was Miss Calvin, of Junction City. She graduated from the Junction City high school, was a student of the Emporia Normal and one year in the State University. She taught three years in the graded schools of Junction City and four years in the Clyde schools; two years in the grammar grade and two years in the high school. While in the State University, Mrs. Ray took a special course in music and also studied under Frederick Root of Chicago. She has a well trained voice.

Professor Ray has severed his connection with the Clyde schools, resigning to accept a more lucrative position in the Thomas county high school of Colby, Kansas. This institution has been established six years and is fast gaining in popularity. The enrollment the present year (1902) is one hundred and fifty. Professor Ray will have four assistants and the department consists of high school work exclusively.

Professor Ray has been successful in Normal work; was one of the instructors in the Cloud county Normal the present summer and has been referred to as one of the most efficient in the state. The associations of Professor Ray in the Clyde schools were pleasant, and he admits he has not enjoyed his school work anywhere more than in Clyde. Fewer men have exercised a greater individual influence or more directly inspired his students than this experienced educator. His loss to the Clyde schools will be the Thomas county high school's gain.