Edward Gray was working as a signalman for the Great Eastern Railway at Melton Station when he married Mary Elizabeth Sadler on 24th May 1884 at St John’s Church in Woodbridge. Within a year they had a son named Willie Leslie. In 1890, Edward and Mary were divorced and Edward was left to bring up their son alone.

One year later, Edward and Willie Leslie were boarding with the Markham family at 1 Morden Villas on Melton Hill. Living next door, at the Maltings Cottage, was Annie Ayers who later, was to become Edward’s second wife.

Edward and Annie married in 1892 and set up their home in Sun Lane, Woodbridge, and then at 2 Prospect Place, Melton. Later in the same year, Edward Chester was born, followed by Archibald Sidney in 1894 and Violet Annie in 1900. By 1911, the family had moved to 2 Beulah Villas on Melton Road. Edward and Annie continued to live in Beulah Villas after the war was over, but Annie died in 1936—she is buried at Melton Old Church. In 1939, Edward was living with his daughter, Violet, in the same house. In the Second World War, he served as an air raid warden. Edward died in 1950 and is buried with his wife. In 1960, at the age of 60, Violet Annie married Jack R Hebblethwaite and continued to live in 2 Beulah Villas until her death in 1987.

Two of the Gray sons, Willie and Edward, served during the First World War.

Willie Leslie Gray

Edward Chester Gray