In 1880 Oliver Gray left Paris, Ontario, Canada for Sanborn, Barnes County by way of Middleville, Michigan. Here he picked up his brother's family and the family of Salene Crandell, as well as the household goods and farm implements of both families. His brother, John Doyle Gray, and Salene Crandell has preceded their families to Potter Township.

Arriving at what is now Sanborn, they found no sidetrack so had to lay ties and track to accommodate the railroad cars containing their equipment.

Oliver Gray donated the land for the Gray school, District #28 and a school building was built. It was destroyed by cyclone in 1896 and rebuilt in 1902.

Oliver Gray married Mary G. Scott, who came from Ontario, Canada, in November 1892. Three children were born to this union: Edna, Mary and Oliver, Jr.

Oliver Gray passed away in 1922.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 83