Poweshiek county returns to the house this term the representative who served so ably in the Twenty-sixth General Assembly, Hon. W. G. Ray of Grinnell. He was born in Barry county, Mich., February 19,1857. At the age of 3 years he went to New York, where he spent fifteen years of his life, receiving his earlier education in the schools of that state. In 1875 he moved to Grinnell, and he was graduated from the Iowa college in 1882. In 1883 he was principal of the public schools of Delta, Keokuk county. From 1883 to 1887 he was principal of the Guthrie County college at Panora. After completing three years of very successful work in that school he returned to Grinnell, assuming the superintendency of the city schools, which position he held three years. From school work he went into newspaper publishing, as one of the editors of the Grinnell Herald, which paper is now owned by Ray & MacDonald. The paper is of staunch republican politics, and has done much for that party in Poweshiek county. Mr. Ray was married to Miss Sara Haines, a cultured lady of Grinnell, and to them have been born a son and a daughter. He is an active man in the Knights of Pythias lodge, as attested by the offices he has held, those of chancellor commander, district deputy, and delegate to grand lodge. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Ray are members of the Congregational church. He has been a member and president of the Grinnell school board several terms. His work in the last assembly was earnest, conscientious, energetic, and somewhat impaired his health, necessitating a stay of several weeks at the Battle Creek sanitarium. His knowledge of the needs of Iowa schools was of much benefit in the code revision of the extra session, his most effectual work being done in committees.

Member of the House from Poweshiek county, was born in Barry county, Michigan, February 19, 1857. At the age of 3 years he went to New York. Fifteen years of his life he lived in New York state, coming to Grinnell, Iowa, in 1875. There he remained till 1882, in June of which year he graduated from Iowa College. For the next year he was in charge of the schools of Delta, Keokuk county. From 1883 to 1887 he was principal of the Guthrie county high school at Panora. Since then he has resided in Grinnell, the first three years as superintendent of city schools, and later as editor of the Grinnell Herald. The name of the firm as at first constituted was Cravath & Ray, but it has since been changed to Ray & MacDonald. Mr. Ray is a married man, his wife's maiden name being Sara Haines. He has always been a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and has held the offices of chancellor commander, delegate to the grand lodge and district deputy. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Congregational church. At present he is president of the school board of the independent district of Grinnell.