The subject of this sketch was born November 14, 1833, in Jackson County, Mississippi, the fourth son of William Gray, of that place. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Frash. Valentine was sent to the public school until he was seventeen years of age. In 1852 he emigrated to California, where he became a farmer and stock-raiser. Here he remained seventeen years, coming east to Chouteau, I.T., in 1869, where he again embarked in stock raising and agriculture, and still continues the business. In 1875 he entered the mercantile and milling business, and after three years’ experience disposed of his interest. Mr. Gray married Miss M. Rogers, daughter of William Rogers, a prominent Cherokee politician, in 1857. By this marriage he had two children, Fannie, born July 8, 1860, and Annie D. born November 13, 1862. Mr. Gray owns some 1,200 head of cattle, 200 acres in cultivation and 60 acres in pasture, besides a comfortable home in Chouteau. He is a man of good appearance and address, educated and intellectual. His wife is one-sixteenth Cherokee. His daughters are both married, one to Mr. Adair, of Pryor Creek, and the other to Mr. Currington, of Chouteau.
