Joab H. Bray was born in Chatham County, N. C., March 17, 1825, and is a son of Solomon and Sallie (Brooks) Bray, natives of the same county and State. The father was a man of education, and was a wagon-maker by trade. Both himself and wife died in North Carolina in October, 1848. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following seven are still living: Joab, Leander, Ely S., Ruth, Julia, Ursula and Mary. Those deceased were named Charles, Samuel and Elizabeth. The grandparents on both sides were born and passed their entire lives in Chatham County, N. C.

Joab learned the wagon maker's trade of his father, and followed that business exclusively until coming to Arkansas. He received his education, and in 1860 immigrated to Tennessee by wagon, settling in Hardeman County, where he conducted extensive wagon-works until 1879.

In 1853 he married Emily Brooks, a native of North Carolina, who has borne him eleven children: Adelaide S., Lousena A., Ursula H., John B., Joab L., Charles G., Edwin W., Mary E. and Walter. Decimus and an infant are deceased.

While in North Carolina Mr. Bray belonged to the militia, in which he advanced to the office of adjutant. He also served as justice of the peace and constable. Mr. Bray came to this county in 1879, and now owns 220 acres of land, eighty-five being under cultivation. In 5. his wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, and he to the Cumberland Presbyterian, and in politics Mr. Bray is a strong Democrat. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity over forty years, and is a much respected citizen.