came in contact, so that her death was deeply deplored not only by her immediate family, but by many friends. The parents of the present Mrs. Thiele were Michael and Sophia (Thiele) Wendling, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to America at an early day. The father was a cooper by trade and lived in Perry for about two years, after which he removed to Quincy, Illinois, and subsequently to the vicinity of Hannibal, Missouri, where he followed coopering. In his family were eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Thiele, Julia, Mary, Della, Victor, Amiel, Paulina and Oral.

     Mr. Thiele is a stalwart republican, and has served for one term as assessor while for the past fifteen years he has been school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen camp, also to the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and in the last named he held all of the offices. He is regarded as a wide-awake, alert and enterprising man, watchful of opportunities, and ready in his recognition of all indications pointing to success. Moreover, he is thoroughly honest in his dealings, and his good name and prosperity are equally creditable.

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                                              THOMAS B. GRAY                        

 

Thomas B. Gray, who, since 1863 has resided upon his present farm in New Salem township, is now the owner of three hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which is the visible evidence of a life of well directed effort and thrift. He is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, the date of his birth July 13, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Catherine (Bennett) Gray, who came to Pike county in 1846. The father was born in Ohio in 1812, and the mother's birth occurred in Main in 1798. The paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia, and both he and his son, Thomas Gray, Sr., now rest in New Salem cemetery. On coming to Pike county, Thomas Gray settled in New Salem township after a three months' residence in Griggsville. He purchased land from the government; and his son Thomas still has the patent to that land, signed by Martin Van Buren, then president of the United States. Mr. Gray owned three hundred and twenty acres, and was extensively engaged in farming, and also conducted a blacksmith shop upon his place. He improved his land, made additions to the house and developed an excellent farm not far from the present home of Thomas B. Gray. His attention was largely given to the cultivation of wheat; and he also raised hogs. He was practical in his methods, systematic in his work and therefore successful in his accomplishment. In community affairs he was deeply interested, and did all in his power to promote public progress and improvement. He served as county treasurer about 1870; and his influence was given on the side of progress, reform and general advancement. In his family were five children: Thomas B., of this review; Marion, who is living in California; Ann, deceased; Theodore, a resident of Pittsfield; and Alabama, who has also departed this life.

     Thomas B. Gray was a youth of about nine years when brought by his parents to Illinois, and in the common schools of Pike county he acquired his education. He was reared to farm labor, early becoming familiar with the work of field and meadow, as he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. He purchased a part of his present property in 1862, and has since lived thereon, developing a splendid farm, the boundaries of which he has extended until he now owns three hundred and forty acres of valuable land in New Salem township. He erected a two-story residence, constituting one of the most beautiful and attractive homes in the township. In the rear of this are good barns and outbuildings, and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields. His farm is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved. He raises sheep, hogs and mules, and is well known as a stock dealer. He also gives personal supervision to the operation of his farm, and annually sells good crops, which add materially to his bank account.

     In 1863 Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Tedrow, who was born July 10, 1844, in New Salem township, not far from the