John Ray
John Ray, farmer, residing at Shabbona, was born in Nassau, Germany, Jan. 19, 1829, and is a son of John H. and Catharine Ray, natives of that country. He received a good common-school education in his native country, and prior to majority had mastered the stone-mason’s trade. In 1849, he emigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City July 15 of that year. He proceeded from that place to Monroe County, that State, where he resided for about four years and them came to this State, locating at Plano, Kendall County. He followed the vocation of a farmer in that county for five years, when re removed to Victor Township, this county, and continued in the same occupation until 1864. During the latter year he moved to Shabbona Township and Feb. 9 of that year, purchased 160 acres of land located on section 15, that township.
On the construction of the railroad through Shabbona Township, Mr. Ray gave the right of way through his farm, and also donated an undivided half interest in 17 acres to secure the establishment of a station at Shabbona. He aided by his liberality and public-spiritedness very materially in establishing the village of Shabbona.
Mr. Ray was married in his native country Jan.10, 1943 to Miss Elizabeth Enders. She is a daughter of George and Mary Enders, and was born in Nassau, Germany. They have been blessed with nine children, three of whom were born in Germany, namely: William H., the present editor and publisher of the Shabbona “Express”; John Ferdinand died in this country, age 12 years and 8 months;Lissette H. is the wife of George Hochstrasser and resides at Willow Creek, Lee Co., Ill. The remaining six children were born in this country.
They are: John P., married Lotta Heun; Benjamin F. married Laura Linthicum; George A. married Miss Sarah J. Houghtby; John A. died in infancy; Emma A. is unmarried and lives at home; Esther H. is the wife of M. L. Stevens and resides in Shabbona.
Mr. Ray and his sons are Republicans. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church of Shabbona.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County Illinois; Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL
