William A. Gray, farmer, Section 19, Township 15, Range 10, P. O. Council Grove, Morris County, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., April 23, 1842. He received a common school education, and remained in his native county until April, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company I, Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve, Col. Galagher. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battle of Malvern Hill, in which Mr. Gray was twice wounded, and taken prisoner. He was held a prisoner in Libby prison, Richmond, for two months and was then exchanged and sent to hospital at Philadelphia, from which he was discharged for disability four months later. He returned home, and in June following enlisted as a Sergeant in Company A, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania State Militia, in which he served during the Morgan raid into Ohio. He was discharged after sixty days’ service. On the 1st of September, 1864, he re-enlisted as a private in Company H. Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania H. A. He was stationed on the forts around Washington, and while on duty guarding and repairing a railway had two engagements with the guerrilla band of Col. Mosby. He was discharged June 30, 1865, and after a month spent in Pennsylvania, came to Kansas. In August, 1865, he settled at Lawrence, where he worked at the carpenter’s trade for a time. He then removed to Topeka, working at his trade there, and at other points on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas R. R. In 1868 he bought eighty acres of unimproved land on Linn Creek, five miles from Topeka. This he improved and farmed until 1871, when he removed to Lyon County. He bought 160 acres of Trust Land, situated on Rock Creek, in Agnes City Township, and has since purchased 120 acres adjoining the home farm. He has made valuable improvements, including a dwelling house, barn, and farm buildings, an orchard of 100 apple and 100 peach trees, besides other smaller fruits. His principal crop is corn. He raises cattle and hogs and is also engaged in buying and selling cattle. Mr. Gray is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Mrs. Margaret S. Littick, of Shawnee County, August 15, 1868, by which marriage he has had seven children, of whom Herbert C., Lillie B., William H., Rosa D., Frank H., and Turley B. are living.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
