Anna Laura (Benson) Wray was born in the town of Hyrum, Utah, the daughter of Moroni and Martha(Phillips) Benson. Her father was a colorful figure in Cache valley and Laura was a "chip off the old block". The Benson family had frequent dealings with two local Native American tribes. When Laura was approximately age 9 she was given a pony as a gift. Not long after this the animal was stolen and Laura and her father determined it was a brave from the tribe with whom Moroni often had problems. Before Moroni and Laura could confront the Chief of this tribe. The leader of the other tribe, more closely tied to Moroni, appeared bringing with him another pony and offering it to Laura in compensation for the one taken by the opposing tribe.
On 31 October 1888 Laura Married John Wray, son of Enos and Martha(Monks)Wray, in the Logan LDS Temple. John received his teaching credentials from what is now know as Utah State University in Logan. From 1890 to 1894, the couple had their first three children, while still living in Hyrum. John Vernon Wray in 1890, Moroni Enos in 1892, and William Phillip in 1894. The family then moved to Moreland, Idaho where their other 3 children were born. Martha Revella in 1898, Ollie Benson in 1903, and LeOra Laura in 1905.
John preceeded Laura in death in 1927, as did her oldest son John Vernon in 1943. Laura eventually returned to Hyrum and lived with her half sister Margaret until Margaret's death in 1961. Laura was now 92 and it was felt she should live with her daughter Revella and her husband Glenn Forman in Salt Lake City. She would spend summers in Los Angeles with her son Ollie and his family. In 1966 Laura made her first, and only, plane trip. Flying from L.A. to Salt Lake City. Her grandson-in-law Keith Otteson, an editor with the Salt Lake Tribune made sure an article with picture was printed about her experience emphasizing that she was born before the Wright Brothers were.
Only a few months short of her 100th birthday Laura passed away. Her body was transported to Blackfoot, Idaho for the funeral service. She was interred next to her husband John in the Moreland Cemetery. Laura was an outspoken lady, opinionated and not afraid to express her views on many subjects or to work. A true pioneer woman. God bless her.