This name at once suggests a power in the world of trade and an influence that has long been a dominant element in the business life of Piqua and Miami county. To say of him that he has risen unaided from comparative obscurity to rank among the leading manufacturers of western Ohio, is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet it is but just to say, in a history that will descend to future generations, that his business record has been one that many a man would be proud to possess. Beginning at, the very bottom round of the ladder, he has advanced steadily step by step until he now occupies a position of prominence in trade reached by very few men. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not fulfilled and standing to-day as an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity, can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. He is respected by the community at large and honored by his business associates.

Mr. Gray was born in Pennsylvania, in 1821, and received the usual common-school privileges of the day. He is a son of William and Ellen Gray. The Gray family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry and William Gray was a native of the Keystone state and a soldier of the war of 1812. On attaining his majority, the subject of this review embarked in the lumber business, rafting lumber down the river to Pittsburg and Cincinnati and at the same time he conducted a store in Pittsfield, in which he was quite successful, but in the spring of 1850 a sudden and violent flood carried off his logs and lumber, thus causing him a heavy loss, and it became necessary for him to make an assignment and, regarding this as the most honorable thing to do under the circumstances, he made one of his creditors his assignee. The man, however, instead of honorably dividing the proceeds of Mr. Gray's property, took everything he could get and left, leaving the other debts unpaid.

It was then that Mr. Gray left his old home and started out to seek employment elsewhere. Placing his family upon a raft, he made his way to Covington, Kentucky, where he arrived in September, 1851, having with him about one hundred and fifty dollars. Through his acquaintance with the lumber trade and lumber dealers, however, he soon succeeded in obtaining temporary employment at measuring lumber on the wharves, and gradually he built up a business of selling shingles, for which he received a commission of fifty cents per thousand. One morning he conducted a large transaction and returned home with two hundred dollars in his possession. This seemed to him a large sum, for in the meantime he had passed through very troubled financial waters. Judiciously investing his money, he was concerned in various trading transactions until he had accumulated about one thousand dollars. He then once more embarked in business for himself. In the meantime he had more thoroughly prepared for such a work by taking a regular commercial course in a mercantile college in Cincinnati. Again he became connected with the lumber trade, having a yard in Covington in partnership with a man who had equal capital with Mr. Gray. An extensive lumber dealer, who was acquainted with Mr. Gray and knew his circumstances, assured the firm that they could get all the lumber they wanted from him on credit--a fact which shows his business standing and the confidence reposed in his ability and integrity. He had not in the interval paid off his Pennsylvania debts, but never for a moment had the determination or desire to do so left him; and when it became possible for him to once more engage in business, it seemed that the day might come when he could meet his obligations, and accordingly he returned to the East, where he arranged with his creditors to make payment, giving notes with approved security.

In 1859 Mr. Gray extended his field of operations by accepting an offer from J. D. Patch, of Cynthiana, Kentucky, to become a half owner in a flouring mill. Believing this would prove an advantageous move, Mr. Gray sold his lumber interests and went to Cynthiana. Having paid off some of his indebtedness, he had a capital of only two thousand dollars to take to the new enterprise and he still owed about two thousand dollars on old debts. He paid to Mr. Patch one thousand dollars, giving his individual notes for the balance of five thousand, which was the price of a half interest in the business. For six years a resident of Cynthiana, Mr. Gray won prosperity during that period, his financial returns enabling him to pay off his old debts and pay for a half interest in the mill and to establish a woolen mill. He severed his business connection in Cynthiana, however, in the spring of 1861, and in February of that year, returned to Covington, free from debt and with a bank account of twenty-eight thousand dollars. He immediately leased a large building and fitted it up with the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of woolen goods. This he operated until 1869, when, on account of the difficulty of obtaining water in sufficient quantities, he sought another location, which he found in the beautiful Miami valley at Piqua. Becoming identified with the industrial interests of this city, he has since been an active factor in the promotion of the manufacturing interests which have contributed in such large measure to the welfare and prosperity of the city. He entered into partnership with Dr. O'Farrell and Thomas L. Daniels and conducted a prosperous business until the financial panic of 1873, when it became impossible to manufacture woolens without loss. But Mr. Gray, with marked foresight and sagacity, planned another enterprise, which has now grown to be one of the most extensive interest of Piqua. He had previously become interested in the working of felt paper mills and, realizing the demand for a really good mill of that kind in this section of the country, he succeeded in obtaining the rudiments for manufactures of various kinds from an old Englishman, who worked at the business in England. His partner, Dr. O'Farrell, however, did not sanction this new enterprise, believing that useless expense would be incurred without compensative financial returns. With a firm belief, however, in the value of such an enterprise, Mr. Gray secured aid from some friends in the East, completed his arrangements and bought out his partner's interest in the former mill.

Through the first year or two of the existence of the felt-paper manufactory in Piqua, there were many discouraging circumstances connected with the business and also considerable loss, but with determined energy and perseverance Mr. Gray continued his labors and ultimately succeeded in making felts which are now successfully competing with those of vast manufactories that formerly occupied the field to the exclusion of all others.

The F. Gray Company was incorporated in 1881, the leading stockholders and owners of the company being Francis Gray, H. C. Nellis and William C. Gray. A number of substantial brick buildings constitute the manufacturing plant, which is equipped with all the latest machinery and appliances known to the trade. The old plant was destroyed by fire in 1882 and the new one erected, so that even the buildings are comparatively modern. Paper-makers' felts and jackets, blankets, flannels and yarns are manufactured, and their orders, especially for felts, come from all parts of the United States and Canada and even from across the Atlantic. Their cylinder felt jackets are pronounced by competent paper-mill men to be the best in the world and the industry, of which Mr. Gray is the head, has become one of the most important in Piqua. Employment is furnished to one hundred and fifty workmen in the manufacture of paper-makers' felts and jackets, laundry machine clothing, mangled cloths and scarlet flannels for underwear. The utmost care is taken in the selection of the best grades of wools and in the various processes of manufacture, and their goods compare favorably with the choicest importations. The paper- makers' felts and laundry machine clothing are made specially to order to suit the requirements of different manufacturers and the company supply many of the largest paper mills in America with these felts. The company sells its products directly to the trade throughout the United States and wherever handled they are highly recommended by dealers and consumers. The factory undoubtedly ranks among the most important in Piqua, and its conduct has contributed much to the growth and prosperity of the city, for its hundreds of employees, receiving good wages, have been able to secure homes here and have greatly improved their financial condition.

Mr. Gray was married, in 1844, to Miss Rebekah Arthur, who died in 1855, leaving a son, W. C. Gray who is now associated with his father in business. In 1857 Mr. Gray married Mrs. Jane E. Penney, of Covington, Kentucky. She died in 1875 and also left a son, Walter E. Penney, of her former marriage, who was born in 1852. Mr. Gray was made a Mason in Covington, Kentucky, in 1852, joining Colonel Clay Lodge, No. 159, F. & A. M. In early life he was an old line Whig, but on the dissolution of that party, joined the ranks of the Republican party, becoming one of its stanch advocates. He believes most firmly in its principles, although he has never been an aspirant for political honors and offices. Mr. Gray has indeed had a successful career, and furthermore his property is the deserved reward of his own efforts. There is no detail of his vast business too small to be overlooked by him. He gives everything his personal attention. He is liberal and, above all, is just. His maxims are, honesty, fair dealing, appreciation and truthfulness. He always appreciates faithfulness on the part of his employees, is quick to reward good service, and to-day stands a prominent figure in the industrial world, an honest, reliable self-made man.