Biography of Mary Augusta Gray, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Gray, Dix, Kamm, Tarbell, Abernethy

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - January 2002
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, June 1899, page 110-111

MRS. MARY AUGUSTA GRAY.

This pioneer mother was born January 1, 1810, her maiden name being Mary
Augusta Dix. During her early life she received an education which. togther
with her appearance and manners, fitted her for the most polite society. In
addition to these accomplishments, she was a humble and consecrated Christian,
at all times endeavoring to spread sunshine among those with whom she came in
contact, and had a word of cheer and hope for those in trouhle. In 1838 her
hand was given in marriage to William H. Gray, who came across the plains in
1836 with Dr. Whitman, and who had returned to the East for reinforcements for
the mission, which had been established in Oregon by the doctor and his
associates. The marriage took place at Champlain, N.Y., on March 5, 1838, and
almost immediately they set out for the scene of their labors, a labor for the
Master among the Indians, a work which entailed a long and weary six months of
travel across the plains one of self-denial, banishment from home, it
comforts, associations and benefits; an under taking that required fortitude
and bravery to accomplish. The party arrived at Waiilatpu September 1, 1838.
After a short sojourn there she accompanied her husband to the Lapwai mission.
Here Mrs. Gray entered heartily into the work of teaching the Indian women and
children. Of the latter there was from 50 to 100, whom she taught under pine
tree during the fall, and until a log schoolhouse was built. This is described
a "a puncheon-seated, earth-floored building, and here she taught her pupils
until March 1839.

In the fall of 1839 she left for the Whitman station with her husband and
infant son in Chinook canoe, paddled and steered by two Nez Perces Indians.
They remained there, Mrs. Gray assisting Mrs. Whitman in teaching until 1842,
when they came to the Willamette valley. Later they removed to Clatsop plains,
where they resided for several years, and finally settled in Astoria. Wherever
they went they strove to advance the kingdom of Christ, and exerted a decided
influence in the cause of education, temperance and benevolence. In 1846 they
assisted in forming the first Presbyterian church in Oregon, with Rev. Lewis
Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Condit, at Clastop Plains. (Clatsop church organized
September 19, 1846.)

Judge J. H. D. Gray, of Astoria; Caroline A. (Mrs. Jacob Kamm), of Portland;
Mary S. (Mrs. Frank Tarbell), of Tacoma; Sarah F. (Mrs. William Abernethy), of
Dora, Coos county. Or.; Captain William P. Gray. Captain Albert W. Gray and
Captain James T. Gray, of Portland, are children of Mr. and Mrs. Gray. a
family which occupies leading and respectable positions wherever they are
known.

In 1870. after an absence of 32 years. Mrs. Gray, accompanied by her husband,
returned to New York for a visit. going by steamer to San Francisco. and
thence by rail to New York. One can imagine their sensation as they were
rapidly whirled over the ground which they had crossed so many years before so
slowly and laboriously.

On the 8th of December, 1881, Mrs. Gray died at her home on the Klaskanine
farm, aged 71 years 11 months and 7 days. 

Her husband, survived her until November 14, 1889, when he closed his eyes in
death, to reopen them and stand beside the faithful wife and mother who had
gone before, and receive from the Master that crown of righteousness which is
bestowed upon all true Christians.