Coldwater Michigan

Descendants of Philip Trafford from Dartmouth and Fall River, MA

The Trafford family, originating from Lancashire, England, has maintained an unbroken lineage dating back to Randolphus de Trafford, who flourished around 1030. Thomas Trafford, a descendant who fled England during the Catholic persecution, settled in Dartmouth, MA, around 1690. His line produced notable figures in the industrial sector, particularly in cotton manufacturing in Dartmouth and Fall River. Successive generations, including prominent names like William Bradford Trafford and his sons, played significant roles in local business and civic life, establishing a lasting legacy in the community.

Biography of Gen. John H. Stevens

Gen. John H. Stevens, a notable pioneer of the Inland Empire, was born in Vermont and later moved to Michigan, where he held various occupations, including hotel-keeping and lumbering. In 1852, he traveled to Oregon with a sizeable group, successfully navigating challenges like cholera. Stevens played a significant role in local governance, the military during the Yakima War, and was involved in the state’s legislative efforts. Eventually settling in La Grande, he became a prosperous rancher and respected community leader, with a legacy through his children and grandchildren.

Biography of Edward P. Ray

Edward P. Ray, born in Coldwater, Michigan in 1875, came from a family with deep roots in the produce business. After a brief education, he joined his father in the trade before moving to Kansas, where he managed several produce companies, including the A. S. Kininmonth Company in Arkansas City. Ray’s business acumen contributed to the company’s significant operations, valued at around $1 million annually. He engaged with local politics and fraternal organizations, and he was married with two children before his passing in 1917.