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| SYLVESTER H. GRAY, senior member of the firm of S. H. Gray & Co., manufacturers of lumber, lath and shingles. at Big Rapids, was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Pa., Feb. 3, 1846. His parents were Hiram T. and Susan (Minsker) Gray. At the age of 16 he was sent to Wyer's Military Academy, Westchester, Pa. The school was under the management of Major Echendorf, a graduate from West Point, whose pupils gained unusual proficiency, and a considerable degree of public notoriety for drill exhibitions in various places. Mr. Gray was a member of Company B, with the rank of Orderly Sergeant. On completing his course of study he went to Williamsport in the employ of Slonaker, Howard & Co. as book-keeper and partner. The busines of the house was heavy and prosperous, and the relatin existed until 1873. In that year Mr. Gray came to Big Rapids, and the partnership of Phippen, Gray & Howard was formed. The concern operated in logs, lumber and pine lands until Nov. 1878, doing a successful business. At the date named the present business relation of S. H. Gray & Co. was estbalished. The house is engaged in extensive and prosperous operations. They own a saw-mill on the lower dam, east of the river, where they have a lumber yard and employ 20 hands; they also own a shingle mill on the west side of the river, above the lower bridge, where 35 men constitute the laboring force. They make 18 inch shingles which they kiln dry, being therby enabled to facilitate shipping. They manufacture about 20,000,000 annually, and sell chiefly in Eastern markets. The shingles of their make, known to the trade as the 18-inch XXXX, are among the best products in that line. The business of the firm also includes logs, lumber and pine lands. Mr. Gray was married at Grand Rapids, June 16, 1875, to antha, daughter of Wm. S. and Margaretta (Hill) Gray, born in Freeport, Ill., April 8, 1849. They have one son, Vivian, born at Big Rapids, Nov. 17, 1876. Mr. Gray is a stockholder and director in the Northern National Bank, is Secretary and Treasurer in the Big Rapids Boom Co., and Secretary of the Big Rapids Water-Power Improvement Company. |