Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 674.
 
JOHN F. SPRAY

     who resides at Spray, Oregon, which place he was instrumental in
establishing, was born in Iowa, in 1859. John C. Spray, his father, born in
Indiana in 1820, was a United Brethren minister for over thirty years. His death
occurred in 1894. In 1864 the family disposed of their interests in the east and
with ox teams made the weary journey from Missouri valley to the Willamette
valley.  They finally settled in Yamhill county, near Amity, which was the home
for seven years. Then they came to Umatilla county, settled near Weston and one
year later returned to Lane county, where our subject remained until 1884. Then
he came to what is now Wheeler county and located first in Kaiter Basin, after
which he moved to the place now owned by Albert Cosner. Fourteen years were
spent there and in 1900 Mr. Spray located where he now resides. He was
instrumental in establishing the postoffice at Spray, then built the ferry.
After that, he laid out the town of Spray, having erected the first building
there. He established a store and conducted the same for two years, until other
parties were induced to locate there. Mr. Spray has been very liberal and
progressive in his labors and has practically built the town to its present
proportions, having induced others to locate there, having been instrumental in
securing the county road and the location of a fine school house. In addition to
this enterprise, he has been engaged in stock raising and has now about seven
thousand sheep and twenty-five hundred acres of land. His residence is a choice
place in Spray and he has shown himself one of the, leading men of Wheeler
county.
     In 1883 Mr. Spray married Mary E. Breeding, who was born in Lane county,
Oregon. Her  father, B. C. Breeding, was a pioneer to this state in 1853 and
served in the Rogue river war in 1855-56. His death occurred in 1902. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Spray are Elvin C., Eugene M., John R., Wilbur and
Charles. All are in this county.
     Mr. Spray is a member of the K. P. and has always supported the principles
of the Republican party. He is a very enterprising, energetic man and has the
true spirit of building up and improving and has done very much for Wheeler
county. He is one of the leading citizens, has an excellent standing and is
rightly classed among the prominent men of this section.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2010 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.