Ray Sheldon was born in Medicine Lodge, July 15, 1910, to Ralph and
     Bessie Tyrell Sheldon.
       Ray participated and excelled in sports throughout his schooling. After
     graduating in 1921, Ray faced depression years of few jobs. He traveled
     with a dance band as a trumpet player until 1933, when he returned to 
     work at the local Gypsum Plant. He retired in 1973 as Maintenance Super-
     intendent.
       I came to Medicine Lodge in 1936 as a Primary School Teacher. I was born
     April 3, 1913, and grew up in Ava, Missouri. My parents were Claude and
     Halie Uhlman Hibbard. My father was a teacher and school administrator. 
     Prior to 1936, our family had visited a few times in Medicine Lodge with
     the George and Allan Hibbard families. I made my home with the George
     Hibbards when I came here.
       I liked Medicine lodge and I liked teaching first graders. I didn't like
     the dirty dust storms.
       Ray and I were married June 25, 1929, in the George Hibbard home. Married
     women were not hired as teachers in Medicine Lodge at that time, so my
     teaching days were over.
       In 1940 we began building our home next door to Ray's parents. Ray and
     his father did much of the work. It was more than a yar before the whole
     house was finished.
       Our first child, Rae Ann, was born April 29, 1941. Our happiness became
     grief with her sudden death four months later. Jana Ruth was born September
     18, 1942, and on March 31, 1945, our son, John Ray, joined the family.
       During WWII, Ray and his father worked every day of the week and often
     part of the night. The Gypsum Plant was declared vital to National Defense
     since the plater made here was used for bomb molds. There were no vacations,
     no visits to my family in the Ozarks.
       July 27, 1954 was an exciting day for our family. We were blessed with
     identical twin sons: Miles David and Mark Hibbard. Calm moments came
     seldom for a while.
       For many years our lives were bound by the school year. During that time,
     Ray served three terms on the School Board. We were both active in organizations
     that concerned the children.
       Now we belong to organizations which give us a satisfying feeling of
     belonging to the community. We are Methodists and serve our church in
     various ways. Ray has sung in the choir for years.
       Since retirement, Ray has been on the Library Board, helped with projects
     at the church, Leisure Center and Golf Course. He golfs every day the weather
     permits.
       I came to Medicine Lodge with no intention of remaining the rest of my 
     life. If the land held any promise, the blowing dust obscured it. However,
     a happy marriage, a loving family, and friends, quickly made Ray's home my
     home.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 411 
     Submitted by: Grace Sheldon