Joseph S. Cray, farmer; P. O. Troy. We herewith present to the readers of the Miami Co. History, a sketch of the life of Joseph S. Cray, eldest son of Richard and Mary A. Cray; he was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Nov. 25, 1827; his parents emigrated to Butler Co., Ohio, in 1838, and removed to Miami Co. in 1851. J. S. Cray was married to Miss Elizabeth Stine Aug. 30, 1854, and they commenced their married life on the Richard Morrow farm, in Washington Township; their marriage was a happy one, but they toiled early and late, and were content with their lot as they saw their wealth gradually increasing; their children - three boys and one girl - grew up around them, thus giving them greater stimulus for exertion; J. Albert was born Nov. 20, 1855; Mary A. L., July 20, 1857; she is now the wife of Daniel Favorite; Charles R. was born June 30, 1860; and William A., May 7, 1863; the daughter married into an old and wealthy family of this township; she was married to Mr. Favorite, in Troy, by Rev. J. P. Watson, and an elegant reception was given them by the parents of the bride; their first child was born March 24, 1878, and was named Joseph W. Mr. Cray is the owner of a fine farm of 102 acres; his barns and outbuildings are first-class, and his orchard is a large one; the farm is in a high state of cultivation, showing the prosperity of the owner. Typhoid fever made its appearance for the first time in the history of the county during his younger days, and two sisters and one brother fell victims to th e disease; he persistently refused to take the doctor's drugs, and was the only one who was attacked that recovered. He has held the office of School Director twelve years, and was elected Township Trustee, but resigned, as the office was forced upon him against his will; he is well posted upon the current topics of the day, and votes his sentiments irrespective of party lines; his home is one of comfort, and he is a kind and obliging neighbor, an excellent husband, and an indulgent father.