Charles L. Bray
Charles L. Bray, one of the leading contractors and builders of Toronto, O., of which city he has been a resident for about thirty years, was born at Bray's Mill, Island Creek Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, June 7, 1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Boyer) Bray. John Bray was a native of Jefferson County, and for many years operated Bray's Mill. For two terms he served as county treasurer. His wife was a native of Kentucky, and both are now deceased.
Charles L. Bray was reared at Bray's Mill, where he learned both the flour milling and wool milling trades. On growing older he learned the trade of brick laying in Pittsburgh, and after leaving that city came to Toronto, where he has resided to the present time. He has erected many large and substantial structures in this city and the surrounding country, among which may be mentioned the National Bank building, the McCann building, the ice plant and the residences of B. M. Francy, E. E. Francy and H. G. Mooney. Mr. Bray's own residence is situated at the corner of Third and Clark Streets. Mr. Bray was married to Miss Theodosia Dawson, daughter of J. W. Dawson, of Jefferson County. Fraternally Mr. Bray is connected with the F. & A. M.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910