In LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties the name Pray fro at least half a century has been prominently identified with numerous business affairs. It is characteristic of the family to promote new activities and keep business lively wherever they are. Edward E. Pray represents the third generation of the family since they came to Northeast Indiana. He has figured conspicuously as a merchant, public official and farmer in the Helmer community of Steuben County, where he resides.
He was born in Milford Township of LaGrange county November 10, 1868, son of Daniel and Sarah (Rhoads) Pray, his mother a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Rhoads. His grandparents were John Williams and Charlotte Pray. John William Pray was born on the Susquehanna River near Horseshoe Bend in Pennsylvania, moved from there to Sunbury, Ohio, later located near Kendallville in Noble County, Indiana, and spent the rest of his life on a farm. He and his wife had six children, named Daniel, Charles, David, Rhoda, Mary and Eunice.
Daniel Pray, who was born at Sunbury, Ohio, in early youth, learned the trade of shoemaker. He was not satisfied with what he could turn out by his individual skill and established a business at Middletown, Ohio, and prospered until he had to meet the competition of machinery in making shoes. At one time he employed seven men in this shop. From Ohio he came to Milford Township of LaGrange County, Indiana, bought eighty-five acres of land, and after a few years established a brick yard near Kendallville, looking after the management of this business while his wife and family remained on the farm. After a few years he returned to the farm in Milford Township, and for several years his chief occupation was making brick there. He also made brick at Angola. In 1898 he moved to Helmer, taking charge of the grain elevator, which he operated for eight years. At the same time he was in partnership with his son in a general store at Helmer under the firm name of D. Pray & Son. Before moving to Helmer he conducted a general store at Turkey Creek. He has been retired from business affairs since 1905, and is now living in Milford Township of LaGrange County. He and his wife had a family of six children: Carrie B., Emma A., William, Edward E., Alice F. (who died young), and Grace V.
Edward E. Pray has spent almost as busy a life as his father. He acquired his early education in the district schools of Milford Township, finished the eighth grade at Kendallville and for two years was a student in Angola. He helped work the home farm, also assisted in running the store on the farm, and in the fall of 1889 became a partner with his father in a general store at Turkey Creek. This business was moved to Helmer in 1897, and the partnership between father and son was continued until 1905, after which Mr. Pray operated the store alone until September, 1913. He then sold his business. For twelve years he was postmaster of Helmer, keeping the office in his store. Mr. Pray owns a good fam on 107 acres in section 34 of Salem Township, and since selling his store has continued to make his home in Helmer and from that point supervises his farm. He has held a commission as notary public for fifteen years. He was for many years affiliated with Helmer Lodge No. 424 of the Knights of Pythias, until the lodge lost its charter. Mr. Pray in 1909 married Clara Metz, a daughter of Emanuel Metz.
Edward E. Pray, History of Northeast Indiana, © 1884, Vol. 2, Pg. 7.