M. H. GRAY, a picture of whose residence is shown on the opposite page, is a well-known farmer living in Elm Grove township, Labette county, Kansas, on the southeast quarter of section 14, township 34, range 19. He was born at Parkville, New Jersey, in 1833, and is a son of Jesse and Mary (Fitch) Gray. Jesse Gray was born in New Jersey, in 1789, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Mary Fitch, who was also a native of New Jersey, and they reared 10 children, all of whom are deceased except M. H., the subject of this sketch.

When Mr. Gray was but four years old, his parents removed to Butler county, Ohio, and there Mr. Gray received his mental training. He learned to till the soil, and followed the occupation of a farmer in that county until 1868. In that year, he removed to Johnson county, Missouri, where he farmed for eight years. He then returned to Ohio, and after remaining there four years came to Kansas. He arrived in Labette county February 22, 1879, and located on his present farm in Elm Grove township. He has been a very successful farmer, and has also raised considerable stock. Mr. Gray is a man of sound business judgment, and is a careful manager.

Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Christiana Hinckley, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1842. She is a daughter of Dr. J. Hinckley, who practiced medicine for fifty years, and died when seventy-five years old. Dr. Hinckley married Elvira Hazleton, who was a native of New York, and they were the parents of ten children. Those now living are as follows: Emily 0.; Mary C.; Adeline; Armanilla; Herschel D.; and Christiana.

Mr. Gray and his wife have had seven children, namely: Lillie, deceased; Jesse H.; Gertrude, deceased; Herschel H.; Gordon D.; Oscar M.; and Edith. Mr. Gray is a member of the Republican party. He has served on the school board in his district for three years. In religious attachment, both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Gray is one of the most actively interested workers in Elm Grove township, and has many friends.