ROBERT EMMETT GRAY.
Robert Emmett, son of John Gray of Washington county, was born
six miles south of Abingdon, June 1, 1837. He married, near Abingdon,
March 17, 1863, Mary J. McChesney who was born near Abingdon,
May 2, 1841. Their children are seven. William Fred., Grace, Nellie,
David S., Kate S., Bessie A. and Robert McChesney.
The Gray family were early seated in Washington county, Capt.
William Gray, a pioneer, being the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch. John Gray, his father, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and
also fought at Saltville, in 1864. John Gray married Mary, daughter
of John Craig, of Wythe county, Virginia. Of this union were born six
sons who gave their services to Virginia in the war between the States.
Robert Emmett enlisted in 1861, Company D, 1st Virginia Cavalry,
was slightly wounded at Dumfries, Virginia, captured on the Gettysburg
campaign, near Hagerstown, Maryland. He was sent a prisoner
to Baltimore, Maryland, thence to Point Lookout, from which place he
escaped after having been a prisoner about three months. He took
the field again, and served till the surrender of Lee. His regiment was
under Stuart, Jones, and "Fitz Lee," during service. His brother
William M. was quartermaster under General Floyd, then served in the
21st Virginia regiment until the surrender. Another brother was captain
in the 21st regiment, another lieutenant and quartermaster, still
another quartermaster with Floyd, and the sixth of the brothers was
assistant commissary of the 21st regiment.
Mrs. Gray is a daughter of Hugh A. McChesney, residing on the
Jonesboro road, Washington county. His father, Hugh McChesney,
settled in this county from Ireland. Her mother is Julia, daughter of
Thomas McChesney, whose father came from Ireland.
Mr. Gray is engaged in farming and stockraising, living on his estate
near King Mill.
