A History Lovers Guide To Detroit PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ...and his mother Margaret (Allen) Gray were born in Glasgow, Scotland. They came to America in 1855, and took up their residence at Utica, New York. From there, in 1856, they removed to Hamilton, Canada, and here, on August nth of the same year, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1863 the family came to Detroit, and owing to the number of children, the boys were obliged to shift for themselves at an early age, and William was deprived of any extended schooling. He at first engaged in the manufacture of cigar boxes, and continued in this occupation for several years, and then went to learn the trade of carriage-body making at John Patton's carriage establishment. The faithful and diligent manner in which he applied himself to his trade made him a thorough workman at the.completion of his apprenticeship, and in 1882 he entered into a partnership with his brother, John A. Gray, who had already acquired a large general smithing trade, and together they engaged in the manufacture and repairing of wagons and carriages. In 1886 the firm was reorganized and incorporated under the name of Gray Brothers. The high quality of their work has brought them a large trade, and they now give employment to between thirty and forty persons. They are also engaged in other manufacturing enterprises, amongst which is the manufacture of wire nails. Mr. Gray is a thorough master of his trade, energetic and upright, and his perseverance, industry and abilities have raised him to an enviable position. His education has been largely acquired through contact with the world. He is a believer in the tenets of the Presbyterian church and is independent in politics, although he inclines to the Republican party. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and...