Please contact Vicki Burress Roa

Please contact Vicki Burress Roach at roachbug@dixie-net.com.

Descendants of James Ray

Generation No. 1

1. JAMES² RAY (THOMAS¹) was born August 10, 1801 in NC, and died April 27, 1867 in McNairy Co., TN. He married NANCY BARLOW December 05, 1827 in Orange Co., NC, daughter of THOMAS BARLOW and LUCRETIA HARGIS.

Notes for JAMES RAY:

Received an email in 5/23/2003 from Kenneth B. Whittmore who descends from this line. His email is: kbyrd@itouch.net. The Little River Presbyterian Church organized in 1761 Montreat, NC (church minutes):
Members of the Church of Little River, beginning page 100 of Book II
James Ray ad. ex. Feb. 18, 1832 dismissed Sept. 20, 1846.
Nancy Ray ad. ex. Feb. 18, 1832 dismissed Sept. 20, 1846.
1835, names of children baptized in Little River Church and names of parents.
Blank for name of child/name of parent: James Ray.
Samuel P. Ray, son of James Ray (1839)
(1846) John Jasper Ray son of James and Nancy Ray.
1840 Orange Co., NC census from Susan Barlow Holmes

James Ray
1 male under 5
2 males 5-10
1 male 30-40
1 female under 5
1 female 5-10
1 female 10-15
1 female 30-40
1850 McNairy Co., TN census Dist. 6 household 25
RAY James age 48 M W NC farmer 600 real estate
Nancy 45 F W NC
Lucy 21 F W NC
Rebecca 19 F W NC
Thomas 17 M W NC farmer
William 15 M W NC
Mary 13 F W NC
Samuel 11 M W NC
John 5 M W NC
BARLOW Lucy 68 F W NC
1860 McNairy Co., TN census Dist. 6
household 964
WRAY James 59 M W NC farmer
Nancy 55 F W NC
William C. 24 M W NC school teacher
Mary D. 23 F W NC
Samuel P. 21 M W NC farm labor
John J. 14 M W NC
household 965
RICHARDS Thomas A. 32 M W TN
Lucy A. 31 A W NC
William H. 7 M W TN
Jonathan J. 5 M W TN
Thomas B. 3 M W TN
Mary 3 6 months F W TN
WRAY Martha 24 F W NC
household 966
RICHARDS Charles A. 31 M W NC blacksmith and school teacher
Susan R. 29 F W NC
Nancy E. 5 F W TN
Thomas J. 3 M W TN
Margarett M. 1 F W TN
BARLOW Lucy 80 F W NC

(From the RAY website)

The RAY family line comes to me through my father, Sam Rhapherd BREEDLOVE, and through his grandfather, Sam Paisley RICHARDS. Sam Paisley RICHARDS' mother was Lucy Ann RAY, a great great granddaughter of James RAY.

A.) James RAY.

The earliest known ancestor on this line, and probably the immigrant ancestor, was James RAY, born about 1715, and probably in Ireland but of Scottish ancestry. [COMMENT-1] He and his wife whose name is unknown lived in Pennsylvania where at least two children were born, and came to North Carolina. He probably died in Orange County, North Carolina, where he had lived for many years.

A letter written May 23, 1979, from a Pennsylvania researcher whose signature looks like Clyde L. GRIFF, states the following history of the community to which James RAY belonged:

...they all came to this area from Ireland in early 1720's. It was James LOGAN, who was a sort of land agent for PENNS' who directed these people to come into our area, first as a buffer against the Maryland claims, and next he had some rights for this land. The Susquehanna River represented the western boundry line as there was agreement with Indians, not to settle on the other side. Col. fRENCH came up in 1720's and 1730's to burn cabins of people who squatted on the western side of the river.

We have letters from LOGAN to people in area who had complained that he sold land to Germans (six: These so called Scotch-Irish came in group from Donegal in Ireland and by late 1720's had Rev. James ANDERSON as their Presbyterian Minister and so many lived in West Conestoga Township of Chester County by 1722/23 the tax records called it West Donegal or West Conestogo or Donegal. It was these people who hated Germans, and it was to these people that LOGAN wrote and said he nevr sold land to Germans, only to them, that they had a SONDERLUST and sold out and moved on. This migration path was accross from present day Harrisburg and it went by Hogestown to leTort's Spring, present day Carlisle, last outpost for years. From here you are on your own. Road was called the Conestoga Road and ran all the way to present day Roanoke, Virginia and the Donegal Society was born because of this movement of Presbyterians from Donegal Presbyterian Church. I am historian of our society, which is over sixty years old....

We have searched for titles and deeds, and found nothing about your line. Nothing to prove your William RAE was born in 1743 on River Susquehanna....

William RAY, Sr., in the pension application quoted later stated that he was born on the Susquehanna June 11, 1743. Land matching his description was purchased by James RAY March 16, 1742, being 150 acres "on the west side of the Susquehanna in the county of Lancaster in Tyrone Township". Other RAY purchases in Lancaster County during this time period were 200 acres bought by Hugh RAY on August 1, 1735, 40 acres bought by John RAY October 14, 1743, 30 acres bought by Joseph RAY December 12, 1748, and 100 acres bought by John REAH May 18, 1749.

Orange County, North Carolina, was formed in 1752. It would appear that James RAY was there even before the county was formed. There is an indenture made in March of 1749 honoring an agreement between Henry McCULLOCH, Esquire, Benjamin HILL and Abraham McCULLOCK, gentlemen and James RAY made June 12, 1747, and conveying to James RAY 350 acres on the south side of Little River in the County of Granville. This land would have been in Orange County after the formation of the county. In 1756 James RAY was granted 240 acres by Lord GRANVILLE and in 1763 received another 325 acres of land, all on or near Little River.

James RAY was a part of the Granville County Regiment of Militia on a muster roll dated October 8, 1754. [COMMENT-2] He appeared on the 1755 tax list, showing one white poll and no black polls. He qualified for Grand Jury to be held there in the town of Eno March 1, 1754. He again qualified for Grand Jury in March of 1758 and June 2, 1759, which was to be held at Corbin Town. He was to attend as a juror in Corbin Town September 11, 1759, and he was sworn to Grand Jury August 3, 1760.James RAY was the father of five sons:

John RAY, Esquire, was born about 1740, in Pennsylvania. He married first Sarah MILLER, who died about 1800 and second, on July 1, 1805, Sally CLARK, and he died in 1829. His first wife, Sarah MILLER, was a sister of his brother Joseph's wife, and was the mother of all ten children. John RAY, Esq., was a justice of the peace for many years. His children were

Joseph RAY,
Margaret RAY ROBINSON (wife of James ROBINSON),
James RAY,
Jane (Jenet) RAY ROBINSON (wife of Michael ROBINSON, Jr., a brother of James),
Sally RAY ROBINSON (wife of Joseph ROBINSON, brother of James and Michael, Jr.),
George RAY,
Susannah RAY who died unmarried,
Lydia RAY McKEE (wife of Rankin McKEE),
(Major) John RAY, and
David RAY.
William RAY, Sr., the second son, was born June 11, 1743, on the Susquehana River, probably in Donegal County, Pennsyl-vania. He married Mary STAGG, and this family is described in the following section.
Joseph RAY was born in North Carolina about 1750; he married Lydia MILLER, March 21, 1771, and died 1781, killed in the Revolutionary War. His widow never married and was a mid-wife in Smith County, Tennessee. They were the parents of five children, two of whom died before 1837, apparently without issue. The others were
James RAY,
George M. RAY, and
Sarah RAY.
James RAY, Jr., was born in North Carolina about 1740, married Jayne __, and moved to Jackson County, Tennessee. He may have gone to Tennessee as early as 1783 when 640 acres near French
Lick, Davidson County, Tennessee was granted to a James RAY. His will was made in 1810 and proved in 1816. Their children were

Mary RAY, who may have married Mr. WHITE;
Amelia RAY;
Ralston RAY;
James RAY, born about 1772, married Elinor HENSLEE;
Joseph RAY who married Kesiah HENSLEE, sister of Elinor, and had 12 children;
William RAY;
Margaret RAY CUNNINGHAM;
Martha RAY ROBERTSON; and
Neoma RAY, who may have married Cornelius CARVER.
Robert RAY was born in North Carolina, married Anice __, moved to Caswell County, North Carolina, and died 1786.
James RAY, who was born August 10, 1801, in Orange County, North Carolina, and who married Nancy BARLOW, December 13, 1827, in Orange County. They are described more fully in a later section.
More About JAMES RAY:
Burial: 1867, Prospect Cem., McNairy Co., TN

Notes for NANCY BARLOW:
I don't find her on the 1870 McNairy Co., TN census. I also don't find a Nancy Barlow Ray that is buried at Prospect Cem. with James Ray. However, buried at Prospect is Elizabeth Ray born 1813 and died Oct. 14, 1861. I wonder if she could be Elizabeth Nancy or Nancy Elizabeth??? Purely speculation.

FROM SUSAN'S WEBSITE:

NANCY BARLOW, daughter of Thomas Barlow and Lucy Hargis, [RWCP] was born 01 Apirl 1805 in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 11 October 1871, burial in Walter's Chapel Cemetery, Prairie Co Arkansas, now Lonoke Co. [RG]

She married JAMES RAY on 05 December 1827 [NCMR] or December 23, 1827 [RG] in Orange Co North Carolina, witnessed by John Ray [NCMR] The eldest son of Thomas Ray and his wife Mary Ann 'Polly' Woods, he was born 10 August 1801, in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 27 April 1867, in McNairy Co Tennessee, burial in Prospect Cemetery, McNairy Co Tennessee. [RG]

James was brother to William who married Mariah Barlow and Charles who married Lucretia Barlow, sisters of Nancy. [RG]

Note from Susan: I had done only a small amount of research on this family, when I found the Ray Genealogy website of Barbara Breedlove Rollins. She has documented this family well, and graciously allowed me to use her information here. Parts of it are shown here, but a continuation of these families can also be found at her site, along with other surnames allied to the families. While I give Ray Genealogy as the source of documentation, Barbara has her original sources cited on her site. For your personal family documentation, those sources should be cited.

The Little River Presbyterian Church organized in 1761 Montreat, NC [KBW]

Church minutes:

Members of the Church of Little River, Book II, page 100 [KBW]

James Ray ad. ex. February 18, 1832 dismissed September 20, 1846

Nancy Ray ad. ex. February 18, 1832 dismissed September 20, 1846

1835, names of children baptized in Little River Church and names of parents. [KBW]

_________ , James Ray

Samuel P. Ray, son of James Ray 1839

John Jasper Ray son of James and Nancy Ray 1846

In 1850 the Cumberland Presbyterians erected a house of worship of brick in the center part of the town of Purdy, McNairy Co, Tennessee. [Reminicences of the Early Settlement and Early Settlers of McNairy Co Tennessee by Gen. Marcus J. Wright, Washington, D.C., Commercial Pub. Co., 1882, Mormon library microfilm.] Another source indicates that the Purdy Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized by the Rev. Wm. M. Dunaway August 19, 1851, with 69 members. Many of these members transferred from Mt. Zion and Mt. Vernon Presbyterian congregations in the county. Another congregation in the county was Pleasant Ridge, which at one point had 51 members, and it is known that the James Ray family were members of this congregation. The James RAY family moved to McNairy County about February, 1848. This is a church where the RAY family were active members. Church minutes for that congregation on March 21, 1869, mentions the following persons as being present: R. YOUNG, Moderator; Elders L. A. RICHARDS, C. A. RICHARDS, J. J. ROY (sic); and H. S. HUDSPETH. Elder T. A. RICHARDS adjourned the session. I don't know who L. A. RICHARDS is since I doubt it's Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS. C. A. would be Chesley Allen RICHARDS, and I believe J. J. ROY is John J. RAY. Elder T. A. RICHARDS would be the Rev. Thomas Allen RICHARDS. Minutes of September 21, 1869, reflect the presence of the RICHARDS and RAY families just as heavily, while they are absent in September, 1870, consistent with the report that the family moved on January 1, 1870. [RG]

After the death of her husband, on 01 January 1870, Nancy Ray, son John and daughter, Polly, left Tennessee, taking the train at Corinth, Mississippi, to Memphis, Tennessee. Then the family went by boat down the Mississippi River to the mouth of the White River and up the White River to Des Arc, Arkansas, to visit her son Tom who lived on a farm in the Walter's Chapel Community near Carlisle, Arkansas. [RG]

1840 Orange Co North Carolina James Ray Census Image

1 male under 5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 30-40

1 female under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 30-40

6th Dist, McNairy Co Tennessee 10 September 1850 pg 19, #257/257 Census Image

James Ray, age 48, farmer, value $400, Nancy, age 45, Lucy, age 21, Rebecca, age 19, Thomas, age 17, farmer, William, age 15, Mary, age 13, Samuel, age 11, John, age 5, and Lucy Barlow, age 68, all born in North Carolina.

6th Dist, McNairy Co Tennessee 31 July 1860 pg 421 #964 Census Image

James Wray, age 59, farmer, Nancy, age 59, William C., school teacher, age 24, Mary D., age 23, Samuel P., farm laborer, age 21, John J., age 14, all born in North Carolina

I could not identify positively any of the James or Nancy's in the 1870 census records.

Children of Nancy Barlow and James Ray are:

i. LUCY ANN RAY, born 27 May 1829 in North Carolina, and died 18 October 1893 in Hillsboro Texas, burial in Cottonwood Cemetery, near Dublin, Erath Co Texas. [RG]

She married REVEREND THOMAS ALLEN RICHARDS on 20 March 1852, McNairy Co Tennessee. [RG] He was born 27 May 1829 probably in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 30 March 1871, burial at Walter's Chapel Cemetery, Lonoke Co Arkansas, just across the county line from Prairie Co Arkansas. [RG]

Thomas Allen Richards was a Presbyterian preacher. "My Grandmother and Grandfather Richards (Lucy Ann and Thomas Allen) moved from Tennessee to Collin Co Texas near McKinney and lived there one year and moved near Carlisle, Arkansas. On the way, Grandfather held a wagon wheel to stop the wagon to keep it from running over Uncle Bob, and he pulled something loose inside him which caused his death. Walters Chapel Ark. is the burial place of Grand-father and Daddy's brother Bee--a horse threw him and hurt his head and he died. They lived in Arkansas about 6 or 7 years and returned to Texas and settled in Erath Co., Cottonwood Community, near Dublin." [RG]

After the death of her husband, Lucy Ann Ray Richards moved to Erath Co Texas. Three sisters and one brother settled in the Cottonwood Community near Dublin around 1876; John J. and Alice Ray, Susan Rebecca and Chesley Richards, Mary and Jim Richards, and Lucy Ann Richards. [RG]

They were Presbyterians, and the first church at Cottonwood was a Presbyterian church. [RG]

After the family was already situated in Erath Co, they joined with others of the family in Mississippi and other places to dispose of the property inherited through their mother, Nancy Barlow Ray: "Mrs. L. A. RICHARDS, C. A. RICHARDS and S. R. (his wife), W. C. RAY, J. T. RICHARDS, and M. D. (his wife) and John J. RAY - all of Erath Co Texas, 28th of February, 1887, appoint C.E. PARISH of Orange Co North Carolina, Attorney, to receive the amount due the heirs of Nancy RAY, deceased." [RG]

Obituary of Lucy Ray Richards from the Hillsboro and Dublin newspapers: [RG]

Death of Mrs. RICHARDS.

The west bound Texas Central passenger train Thursday was the bearer of a casket that contained all that was mortal of Mrs. Lucy Ann RICHARDS, who had left Dublin just three weeks prior to that day in apparently good health for the purpose of paying a visit to her sons at and near Hillsboro, Texas. She was sick about ten days and died Wednesday morning at the home of her son, Rev. J. J. RICHARDS, near Hillsboro. Her remains were brought up Thursday and interred at Cottonwood cemetery.

Mrs. RICHARDS was a sister of Mr. Jno. J. RAY and of Mrs. J. T. RICHARDS, and leaves six sons and one daughter, all grown. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and had been for many years.

The corpse was accompanied to Dublin by Mr. J. J. RICHARDS and wife, and Messrs. J. S. and L. B. RICHARDS, the gentlemen all being sons of the deceased lady.

The funeral ceremony, which occurred at Cottonwood at 4 o'clock Thursday evening, was conducted by Rev. J. H. CHAMBLISS, of Dublin, and was very largely attended. Mr. CHAMBLISS says the large attendance and apparent grief and respect for the dead were a most fitting and unquestionable testimonial of the very high esteem in which she was held by all who knew her.

The Telephone tenders its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

RICHARDS -

Mrs. L. A. RICHARDS, nee RAY, was born in North Carolina May 27, 1829. She professed faith in Christ at an early age, and joined the church soon after. Ever since she has lived a consistent Christian life. She was married to Mr. T. A. RICHARDS March 20, 1852, in McNairy county, Tenn. She was the mother of nine children, eight boys and one girl. Her husband and one son preceded her in death. Her father and family moved from North Carolina in 1846 to near Purdy, McNairy County, Tenn.; from there to Collin county, Texas, in 1870; and from there to Arkansas the same year; from there they came back to Texas, locating near Dublin in 1876. Here was her home until death. Thirteen days before her death in company with Dr. W. C. RAY and wife, her brother and sister-in-law, of Carlisle, Ark. she came to Hillsboro, Tex., to see her son Rev. J. J. RICHARDS. Five days after she came to Hillsboro she took sick, and in eight days died.

Children are: William Henry. Jonathan James, Mary Susan, Samuel Paisley, and John Sidney Richards [RG]

ii. SUSAN REBECCA 'BECKY' RAY, born 19 November 1830 in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 27 March 1898. [RG]
She married CHESLEY ALLEN RICHARDS, a half-brother of Jim Richards, her sister Polly's husband. [RG] (No known relationship to Thomas A. Richards) [RG]
6th Dist McNairy Co Tennessee 31 July 1860 pg 422 #966 / 973-74 Census Image Charles (Chesley) A. Richards, age 31, blacksmith and school teacher, North Carolina, Susan R., age 29, North Carolina, Nancy E., age 5, Tennessee, Thomas J., age 3, Tennessee, Margarett M., age 1, Tennessee, and #974, Lucy Barlow, age 80, $4000, North Carolina.
They moved to Erath Co Texas around 1876, and their children were: Nancy, Thomas James, Margaret, Nannie, and Molly J. Richards [RG]

iii. THOMAS B. 'TOM' RAY , born c1833 in Orange Co North Carolina, and died in Prairie Co Arkansas a few years after the Civil War. He was a school teacher. [RG]
He married MOLLY J. ROBINSON on 06 February 1861. [RG]

v. WILLIAM RAY, born 28 October 1834 in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 24 May 1908, burial in Walter's Chapel Cemetery, Lonoke Co Arkansas. [RG]
He was a dentist. [RG]

v. MARY DOAK 'POLLY' RAY, born 28 December 1836 in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 10 March 1909 [RG]
She married JIM RICHARDS. half brother to Chesley A. Richards who married her sister, Rebecca. [RG] (No known relationship to Thomas A. Richards) [RG]
They moved to Erath Co Texas around 1876, and their children were: Willie and Nora Richards [RG]

vi. SAMUEL PAISLEY RAY, born c1839 in Orange Co North Carolina, and was killed in the Battle of Shiloh on 06 April 1862 [RG]
Sam Paisley Ray was named for an Orange Co North Carolina Presbyterian minister. I assume the family were members at the Little River church. "After Cross Roads was united with Hawfields in the service of a pastor, Eno, which had at first been its partner, was united with Little River, which became a distinct congregation about this time, under the charge of Rev. James H. Bowman, in the year 1794. In the great revival of 1802, and onwards, he gathered a goodly number into his two churches. His ministry closed in 1815. His successor was Samuel Paisley, half-brother of William Paisley and son of an Indian captive, who commenced his labors here in 1816. In 1821 the congregations were blessed with a revival of religion that brought numbers into the church. After some years of service, Mr. Paisley left them, and is now ministering in Moore County, a member of the Fayetteville Presbytery." [Sketches of North Carolina, Historical and Biographical, Illustrative of the principles of a portion of her early settlers, by Rev. William Henry FOOTE, Robert Carter Publishers, New York, 1846, pp 228-229] [RG]
Sam Paisley Ray described the Civil War from a soldier's point of view in the following letter, transcribed as written:
Fort Wright Randolph Tenn July 25th 1861

Dear Father Mother brother and Sisters.

I seat my self this good night to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am in good health at this time hopeing when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all like blest I haven't any thing much to wright our regiment and John wrights is a going to leave here to morrow or next day we will go to east tennessee or to masouria one we don't know which we will go to memphis first and get our uniform I am wiling to go any where and fight for our homes and our wrights none of you neadent to wright any moore until I wright you agane I will wright as soon as we git whare we are a going I receieved a letter from Chesley and tomas when Froke Smith got back the only letters I have receieved in two months nearly it was the first that I have got from thomas. I think you all have treated me a little bad since I have .... I have done my part in wrighting if we go to east tennessee I will come by home and sta 3 or 4 days and if we go to masouria I don't now when I can come thomas Barlow is well and sends his love to you all Buck is well and sends his love to you all John Ray and Tom Wagoner is well and also sends their best respects to you all it is giting late I must close so fare well fore a while.....give my love to all of my connection after receieving a good portion for your selves yours as ever.... [RG]

Sam Paisley Ray was killed in the Battle of Shiloh on 06 April 1862, a battle fought within the hearing of his family at home. His sister, Lucy Ann Ray Richards named her child born April 09, 1862, in McNairy County, Samuel Paisley Richards. [RG]

vii. JOHN JASPER RAY, born 02 September 1846 in Orange Co North Carolina, lived to be 105 years old, dying 07 May 1952 in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co Texas. [RG]
He married ALICE LEFTON on 09 January 1872 in Des Arc, Prairie Co Arkansas. [RG]
This family lived in Prairie Co Arkansas, Erath and Tarrant Co Texas. He was post master at Dublin for about five years, holding that job until "The Republicans stopped my pay." [RG]

Their children were: Sam, Walt, John Jr., Ella, and Alma [RG]

An article about John J. RAY, the youngest brother, was written for his 101st birthday:

"Ray was born in Orange Co North Carolina., but lived the early part of his life in Tennessee. He still recalls the roll of the cannon in the battle of Shiloh, 15 miles from his home. And he recalls that the Union army took all his family's horses. The family moved to Arkansas after the War Between the States, and in 1876 RAY came to Texas, settling near Dublin." [RG]

A letter from John J. Ray, Jr., dated October 23, 1971, describes the early life of his father:

When John was 13 months old, the family moved to McNairy County, Tenn. Their farm was on Oxford Creek, about 7 miles south of Purdy, then the county seat. The county seat was later moved to Selma, about 3 miles from the farm. They lived there until December 31, 1869. James Ray had died on April 27, 1867. Tom had married Molly J. Robinson on February 6, 1861 and moved to Arkansas. Dr. Will Ray had also moved to Arkansas. Tom returned home from the Southern Army, wounded, and died in a year or so. [RG]

Another paragraph of this letter: "Mrs. [Nancy Barlow] Ray, John and Polly had dinner the first day in Des Arc at Mrs. Bull's home. Mrs. Bull was a cousin of Mrs. Tom Ray [Molly J. Robinson Ray]. it was here that John met Alice Lefton, on January 4, 1870. He married her in the same home January 9, 1872." [RG]

More About NANCY BARLOW:
Burial: 1871, Walter Chapel Cem., Prairie Co., AR

Children of JAMES RAY and NANCY BARLOW are:

i. LUCY ANN³ RAY, b. May 27, 1829, NC; d. October 18, 1893, Hillsboro, TX; m. THOMAS ALLEN RICHARDS, March 20, 1852, McNairy Co., TN.
Notes for LUCY ANN RAY:
B.) Thomas Allen RICHARDS and wife Lucy Ann RAY.
Thomas Allen RICHARDS was born August 28, 1827, in Tennessee. He married Lucy Ann RAY, who was born May 27, 1829, in North Carolina, probably in Orange County, the daughter of James RAY and wife Nancy BARLOW, who are described in the RAY Chapter (Error! Reference source not found.). The marriage between Thomas Allen and Lucy Ann took place March 20, 1852, in McNairy County, Tennessee. Thomas Allen RICHARDS died March 30, 1871, at the age of 43 years, 7 months, and 2 days. He is buried at Walters Chapel, Loneoke County, just across the county line from Prairie County, Arkansas. Lucy Ann died October 18, 1893, in Hillsboro, Texas, and is buried at Cottonwood Cemetery, near Dublin in Erath County, Texas. Thomas Allen RICHARDS was a Presbyterian preacher. "My Grand-mother & Grand-father RICHARDS (Lucy Ann & Thomas Allen) moved from Tennessee to Collin County, Texas near McKinney and lived there one year and moved near Carlile, Arkansas. On the way, Grand-father held a wagon wheel to stop the wagon to keep it from running over Uncle Bob, and he pulled something loose inside him which caused his death. Walters Chapel Ark. is the burial place of Grand-father and Daddy's brother Bee--a horse threw him and hurt his head and he died. They lived in Arkansas about 6 or 7 years and returned to Texas and settled in Erath county, Cottonwood Community, near Dublin."[COMMENT-8] Des Arc and Carlisle, Arkansas, are about fifteen miles apart, and Sam Paisley RICHARDS remembered the store owned by his future father-in-law, Thomas McCARLEY.
Living with the family in 1860 in McNairy County, was Martha WRAY, born North Carolina, age 24.[COMMENT-9] Next door was Charles A. RICHARDS, 31, blacksmith & teacher, born North Carolina; Susan R. RICHARDS, 29, born North Carolina; Nancy RICHARDS, 5, born Tennessee; Thomas J. RICHARDS, 3, born Tennessee, Margaret M. RICHARDS, 1, born Tennessee, and Lucy BARLOW, 80, born North Carolina. Lucy BARLOW was Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS' grandmother, Lucy HARGUS, wife of Thomas BARLOW.
When Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS died, four of the heirs bought the other heirs out. Sam's land was on the west and extended south. Henry's (the home place) was just east of Sam's. Burrow's land was east of Henry's. The house Burrow built is still standing where he built it. Bob's land was south. Burrow and Bob sold their farms and moved away. Bob moved east of Stephenville and lived there until he died, and Burrow moved to west Texas. He later lived at Abilene and Austin. Sam's house has been moved across the road in front of where Uncle Henry's house used to be which has been moved across Highway 6 east of the Cottonwood Church.[COMMENT-10]

Ruth RICHARDS WILSON remembers that Sam Paisley RICHARDS said when he was a boy, when other people's boys were riding calves on Sunday afternoon, his mother had her children at home reading the Bible. She raised a very good family.
After the death of her husband, Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS moved to Erath County, Texas. Three sisters and one brother settled in the Cottonwood Community near Dublin around the middle part of the 1870's (1876.) They were John J. RAY and wife Alice; Susan Rebecca (Beckey) RAY RICHARDS, and husband Chesley RICHARDS; Mary Doak (Polly) RAY RICHARDS and husband Jim RICHARDS, and Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS, widow of Thomas A. RICHARDS who died before they moved. They were Presbyterians, and the first church at Cottonwood was a Presbyterian church. More information on this family can be found on the Ray Page about their parents, James RAY and Nancy BARLOW.

On the 1880 Erath County Census, the extended family is together on page 54:

C. A. RICHARDS

142/142 John J. RAY 143/143
L. A. RICHARDS, white female 50, Keeping house, North Carolina, North Carolina, North Carolina
Samuel P., white male 17, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina
John Sidney, white male 15, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina
R. C., white male 16, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina
Lafayette B., white male 9, Arkansas, North Carolina, North Carolina
144/144
W. H. RICHARDS, white male 26, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina (this is Lucy's son Henry);
Kate, white female either 15 or 25; North Carolina, North Carolina, North Carolina
Thomas E., white male 2, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina
After the family was already situated in Erath County, they joined with others of the family in Mississippi and other places to dispose of the property inherited through their mother, Nancy BARLOW RAY: "Mrs. L. A. RICHARDS, C. A. RICHARDS and S. R. (his wife), W. C. RAY, J. T. RICHARDS, and M. D. (his wife) and John J. RAY - all of Erath County, Texas, 28th of February, 1887, appoint C. E. PARISH of Orange County, North Carolina, Attorney, to receive the amount due the heirs of Nancy RAY, deceased." [COMMENT-11]

The following are the obituaries for Lucy Ann RAY RICHARDS from the Hillsboro paper and from the Dublin paper:

Death of Mrs. RICHARDS. The west bound Texas Central passenger train Thursday was the bearer of a casket that contained all that was mortal of Mrs. Lucy Ann RICHARDS, who had left Dublin just three weeks prior to that day in apparently good health for the purpose of paying a visit to her sons at and near Hillsboro, Texas. She was sick about ten days and died Wednesday morning at the home of her son, Rev. J. J. RICHARDS, near Hillsboro. Her remains were brought up Thursday and interred at Cottonwood cemetery.

The corpse was accompanied to Dublin by Mr. J. J. RICHARDS and wife, and Messrs. J. S. and L. B. RICHARDS, the gentlemen all being sons of the deceased lady.

The TELEPHONE tenders its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

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RICHARDS - Mrs. L. A. RICHARDS, nee RAY, was born in North Carolina May 27, 1829. She professed faith in Christ at an early age, and joined the church soon after. Ever since she has lived a consistent Christian life. She was married to Mr. T. A. RICHARDS March 20, 1852, in McNairy county, Tenn. She was the mother of nine children, eight boys and one girl. Her husband and one son preceded her in death. Her father and family moved from North Carolina in 1846 to near Purdy, McNairy County, Tenn.; from there to Collin county, Texas, in 1870; and from there to Arkansas the same year; from there they came back to Texas, locating near Dublin in 1876. Here was her home until death. Thirteen days before her death in company with Dr. W. C. RAY and wife, her brother and sister-in-law, of Carlisle, Ark. she came to Hillsboro, Tex., to see her son Rev. J. J. RICHARDS. Five days after she came to Hillsboro she took sick, and in eight days died....

Children of Thomas Allen RICHARDS and wife Lucy Ann RAY included the following:

William Henry RICHARDS, born February 9, 1853, in Tennessee; married Kate HINTON January 13, 1876. Their children were
Ed RICHARDS,
Willie RICHARDS,
Lula RICHARDS READ, and
Mamie RICHARDS SPRATT.
Henry is buried at the Cottonwood Cemetery, having died January 31, 1944.
Jonathan James (Jim) RICHARDS, born February 14, 1855, in Tennessee; married first Ona PATTERSON, August 29, 1886. Jim married a second time. He was a Presbyterian minister. His children included
Albert RICHARDS,
Hugh RICHARDS,
Tom RICHARDS, and
Lucy RICHARDS NATION.
Mary Susan RICHARDS COZBY, born December 5, 1859; married J. A. W. (Drew) COZBY July 25, 1878, in Erath County; died June 21, 1932, age 72 years, 6 months, 16 days. Her children included
Joe COZBY,
Johnnie COZBY,
Burrow COZBY,
Allie COZBY BLAIR, and
Lucy COZBY HAVIS.
Samuel Paisley RICHARDS married Maryetta (Mamie) McCARLEY and is described in the following section.
Robert C. (Bob) RICHARDS, born May 17, 1866, in Tennessee, married Essie TRAWEEK April 28, 1889. Their children were
Whit RICHARDS,
John Dennis RICHARDS,
Glen Evans RICHARDS,
Edna RICHARDS ARMSTRONG,
Mable RICHARDS ALLEN, and
Mary RICHARDS.
John Sidney (Sid) RICHARDS, born June 21, 1864; died June 20, 1945. Sid's first wife died, and then he married Una LONG, a sister of Gaudie LONG who married Burrow RICHARDS. The child of the first wife died in infancy, and there were no children born of the second marriage.
Lafayette Burrow RICHARDS was born June 18, 1871, in Carlisle, Arkansas; he married first Gaudie LONG (sister of Una LONG) and second Alice Mable ALBERT.

His children by Gaudie LONG were

Herbert Prentice RICHARDS, born January 7, 1897, and
Sidney Leon RICHARDS, born November 15, 1896, and
Gaudie Lafaye RICHARDS, born March 30, 1907, died August 28, 1907.
Prentice's son James P. RICHARDS of Kingwood, Texas is a genealogist.
Thomas Barlow ("Bee") RICHARDS was born May 24, 1857 and died June 30, 1870, age 11 years, 1 month, 6 days. He died from a fall off a horse.[COMMENT-12]

(FROM SUSAN'S WEBSITE)
Children of Nancy Barlow and James Ray are:

i. LUCY ANN RAY, born 27 May 1829 in North Carolina, and died 18 October 1893 in Hillsboro Texas, burial in Cottonwood Cemetery, near Dublin, Erath Co Texas. [RG]
She married REVEREND THOMAS ALLEN RICHARDS on 20 March 1852, McNairy Co Tennessee. [RG] He was born 27 May 1829 probably in Orange Co North Carolina, and died 30 March 1871, burial at Walter's Chapel Cemetery, Lonoke Co Arkansas, just across the county line from Prairie Co Arkansas. [RG]
Thomas Allen Richards was a Presbyterian preacher. "My Grandmother and Grandfather Richards (Lucy Ann and Thomas Allen) moved from Tennessee to Collin Co Texas near McKinney and lived there one year and moved near Carlisle, Arkansas. On the way, Grandfather held a wagon wheel to stop the wagon to keep it from running over Uncle Bob, and he pulled something loose inside him which caused his death. Walters Chapel Ark. is the burial place of Grand-father and Daddy's brother Bee--a horse threw him and hurt his head and he died. They lived in Arkansas about 6 or 7 years and returned to Texas and settled in Erath Co., Cottonwood Community, near Dublin." [RG]
After the death of her husband, Lucy Ann Ray Richards moved to Erath Co Texas. Three sisters and one brother settled in the Cottonwood Community near Dublin around 1876; John J. and Alice Ray, Susan Rebecca and Chesley Richards, Mary and Jim Richards, and Lucy Ann Richards. [RG]
They were Presbyterians, and the first church at Cottonwood was a Presbyterian church. [RG]
After the family was already situated in Erath Co, they joined with others of the family in Mississippi and other places to dispose of the property inherited through their mother, Nancy Barlow Ray: "Mrs. L. A. RICHARDS, C. A. RICHARDS and S. R. (his wife), W. C. RAY, J. T. RICHARDS, and M. D. (his wife) and John J. RAY - all of Erath Co Texas, 28th of February, 1887, appoint C.E. PARISH of Orange Co North Carolina, Attorney, to receive the amount due the heirs of Nancy RAY, deceased." [RG]

Obituary of Lucy Ray Richards from the Hillsboro and Dublin newspapers: [RG]

Death of Mrs. RICHARDS.

The west bound Texas Central passenger train Thursday was the bearer of a casket that contained all that was mortal of Mrs. Lucy Ann RICHARDS, who had left Dublin just three weeks prior to that day in apparently good health for the purpose of paying a visit to her sons at and near Hillsboro, Texas. She was sick about ten days and died Wednesday morning at the home of her son, Rev. J. J. RICHARDS, near Hillsboro. Her remains were brought up Thursday and interred at Cottonwood cemetery.

The corpse was accompanied to Dublin by Mr. J. J. RICHARDS and wife, and Messrs. J. S. and L. B. RICHARDS, the gentlemen all being sons of the deceased lady.

The Telephone tenders its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

6th Dist, McNairy Co Tennessee 31 July 1860 pg 421-422 #965 Census Image
Thomas A. Richards, age 32, Lucy A., age 32, William H., age 7, Jonathan J., age 5, Thomas B., age 3, Mary S., age 6 months, and Martha Wray, age 24, all born in Tennessee, except Lucy and Martha, born in North Carolina.
The family moved to Arkansas, Texas, back to Arkansas, and eventually settled in Erath Co Texas.
Children are: William Henry. Jonathan James, Mary Susan, Samuel Paisley, and John Sidney Richards [RG]
More About LUCY ANN RAY:
Religion: Presbyterian
More About THOMAS ALLEN RICHARDS:Occupation: Presbyterian Minister
ii. SUSAN REBECCA RAY, b. November 19, 1830, Orange Co., NC; d. March 27, 1898; m. CHESLEY A. RICHARDS.
iii. THOMAS B. RAY, b. 1833, Orange Co., NC; m. MOLLIE J. ROBINSON, February 06, 1861.
More About THOMAS B. RAY:

Occupation: School teacher

iv. WILLIAM C. RAY, b. October 28, 1834; d. May 24, 1908.
Notes for WILLIAM C. RAY:
From the RAY website
B.) William RAY, Sr., and wife Mary STAGG.

William RAY, Sr., son of James RAY, was born June 11, 1743, on the Susquehana River, probably in Donegal County, Pennsyl-vania. In North Carolina he married Mary STAGG, the daughter of Thomas STAGG and wife Judith __ of Orange County, North Carolina. William RAY, Sr., died about 1834, being at least ninety years of age, in Orange County and probably was buried at the Little River Cemetery there.

William RAY, Sr., fought in the Revolutionary War as described in his pension application. The application follows:
State of North Carolina )(
Orange County )(

On the 29th day of June, A. D. 1833 personally appeared before me, William H. HALL, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, William RAY senr resident of the county and State aforesaid, aged 90 years on the 11th day of June 1833 who after having first been duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1833.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated:

In the year 1776 declarant was duly appointed Captain of a company of militia in the county of Orange & state aforesaid, which company consisted of drafted men, for three months, and he marched his said company from the Town of Hillsboro NC to Fayettville, NC then called Cross Creek. Declarant's company was attached to a regiment commanded by Col. MOORE. Gen. CASWELL was the commanding General. Declarant served out the Term of three months as a Captain for which his said company was drafted. He did not receive a written commission as captain.

The declarant was a Militia Captain in the County of Orange aforesaid during the whole of the Revolutionary War and was generally engaged in pursuance of instructions given by superior officers, in drafting men and delivery of them at the Town of Hillsboro NC. In addition to the tour of three months for which he served in the capacity of captain as aforesaid, he performed two other tours of three months each commanding militia companies as captain, & was on each occasion duly appointed to the captaincy, but did not receive in these cases, a written commission.

One of the Said Tours he performed in the year 1781, which commenced as soon as the capture of Hillsboro NC by the Tories took place. The declarant marched his company from Hillsboro to Lindly's Mills in Orange County the day after the battle with the Tories at that place. He was in pursuit of the Tories. In this Tour Genl. BUTLER and Col. MABANE were his superior officers. In the same year of 1781 before the capture of Hillsboro as aforesaid, the Declarant as captain as aforesaid, marched a company of drafted militia from Hillsboro on a tour of three months duty to the Yadkin River in NC and there joined General BUTLER's Brigade. The ____ returned was, when Lord CORNWALLIS was pursuing Genl. GREEN's army from South Carolina into North Carolina.

The declarant performed a great deal of other military duty during the Revolutionary War but on account of his advanced age & want of memory, he cannot pretend to specify the details of his service. He remembers the three tours of three months each, above set forth, but he cannot remember the circumstances and details of them further than he has stated. He is very deficient in memory and is not enabled to give a more precise account than the above, of his service. The general results of his having performed three tours of duty as a Captain of the militia and having served under the officers aforesaid and by having been engaged in that duty & the additional one of drafting and delivery of soldiers as above set forth is actually impressed on his memory but most of the accompanying circumstances have passed from his recollection. He was born on the Susqueanna in the State of Pennsylvania on the 11th June 1743. He hath no written account or records of his age. He was moved ______ North Carolina, ____ eighteen months old and has resided in said county and state ever since.

He knew Captain William LYTLE, Major TATUM and Colonel Archibald LYTLE who were Continental officers.

The declarant always volunteered his service and knows of no person by whom he can prove his service except William CUMMINGS of Hillsboro. He hath no documentary proof of his service. He duly relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. He is known to John HANKS, a clergyman, Rankin McKEE and Alexander C. HALL, residents of his county.

Sworn to and subscribed before me.

Wm. H. HALL, JP William hisxmark RAY (Seal)

William RAY was a J.P. on May 2, 1765, when John DUNNAGAN was appointed Constable in his room. William RAY signed as security for Joseph ALLISON for a tavern on August 7, 1764. William REA purchared land in neighboring Rowan County, North Carolina, December 15, 1755, for forty pounds, being 320 acres on both sides of Fourth Creek. [COMMENT-3]

William RAY signed the petition and was an Orange County freeholder in the December 10, 1776 election described in the section concerning Hugh WOODS.

In 1778 William RAY owned property in the New River Basin of North Carolina, assessed value of 99 pounds.

By 1780, Ashe County had established settlers, and for example William RAY, who had built a mill and John BAKER who had previously built a pounding mill. [COMMENT-4]

There is a power of attorney from Elias ALLRED July 23, 1791, appoint-ing William RAY of Orange County, North Carolina, to receive final settlement certificate of Charles GAZETEY re Revolutionary War service.

In 1792, Orange County, North Carolina, certified administration of the estate of Christopher CORONER, deceased, to William RAY, Esq. [COMMENT-5]

The federal direct tax of 1816, as assessed in Orange County, North Carolina, was assessed against Charles DUNNIGAN, Little River, 216 acres, $444 value; Alsey DUNNIGAN, Little River, 79 acres, $158; Dicey DUNNIGAN, Little River, 244 acres, $500 (This would be Dicey CARRINGTON DUNNAGAN, widow of Sherid (Sherwood) DUNNAGAN, Sr., and my ancestor through the WILLIAMS/ANDERSON/BREEDLOVE route; Timothy DUNNIGAN, Little River, 563 acres, $1,100; John RAY, Sr., Little River, 500 acres, $2,400; William RAY, Sr., Little River, 192 acres $400 (my ancestor through the RAY/RICHARDS/BREEDLOVE line, described in this section); Joseph RAY, Little River, 301 acres, $913; Thomas RAY, Little River, 192 acres, $800, probably my ancestor, a son of William RAY, Sr., and described below; Capt. John RAY, Little River, 436 acres, $1,508; Capt. John RAY as Executor for George RAY, Little River, 420 acres, $1,500; James RAY, Little River, 104 acres, $616; William RAY (of William) Little River, 200 acres, $450; John RAY (of William) Little River, 200 acres, $500; Thomas BARLOW, Little River, 96 acres, $200 (my ancestor, see later section); Ashley DUNNAGAN, Eno, Orange County, 50 Acres, $200. [COMMENT-6]

The will of William RAY, Sr., reads as follows:

In the Name of God, Amen. I William RAY, Sr., of the County of Orange and State of North Carolina, being of Sound mind and Memory thanking God for the Same and Calling to mind that man was Born to die, do make & publish this my Last will and Testament setting aside all others heretofore made by me at any Time whatever-------

Item 1, It is my will and desire that all my Just debts & Funeral Charges be paid out of my Estate.

Item 2, I give & Bequeath to my son James RAY one Negroe Boy, Named Isaac.

Item 3, I Give & Bequeath to my daughter Jane HOPKINS the sum of Fifty dollars.

Item 4th, I Give & Bequeath to my Son William RAY, 1 Bed & furniture.

Item 5th, I Give & Bequeath to my daughter Sally RHEW the Sum of Fifty dollars.

Item 6th, I Give & Bequeath to my Son John RAY, three Negroes to wit Fillis, Polly & Tunssy.

Item 7th, I Give & Bequesth to my two Grandsons James RAY of Thomas and John RAY of Thomas Five dollars each and my four other Grand Children of Thomas RAYs, dec., to wit: William, Rebecca, Charles & Bogan One dollar each.

Lastly I will that all the Estate owned by me at my death, Real & personal be held on a Credit of Twelve months by my Executor and after paying the Expenses of my Estate & the Legacies heretofore named the Surplus of money that may Remain on hand if any Is to be Equally Divided between my heirs each to Share & Share alike. I Constitute & appoint Richison NICHOLS Executor of this my Last will & Testament, in Testimony whereof I have set my hand & Seal this 13th day of February, 1833

William REA

- in presence of -

Adam DICKSON

Thomas DICKSON

The signature, spelled REA, is in his handwriting. The top part of the instrument, in someone else's handwriting, says RAY. Richison NICHOLS, who was appointed Executor, was their family lawyer.

William RAY, Sr., and his wife Mary STAGG were the parents of the following children:

Capt. James RAY, born in 1765 in Orange County, North Carolina, married Janet ALLISON. He died February 6, 1837. His children were deceased before he made his will, leaving his property to grandchildren. His children were

a daughter who married Mr. COLE;

a daughter who married a Mr. JONES;

William RAY, who died in 1813 after marrying in 1810 Nancy ALLISON, and leaving two children,

James RAY III who died unmarried and

Elizabeth RAY who married Bogan RAY, son of Thomas RAY and wife Mary WOODS, described in a following section, Elizabeth and Bogan's children being listed there.

William RAY, Jr., was born in 1772, in Orange County. He married Mary (Polly) McGEE on April 10, 1794. William RAY, Jr., died in 1848. He was evidently very eccentric. His wife and sons moved away to Illinois many years before his death. He left a good-sized estate and a reputation for business shrewdness. His sons were

William RAY and

Alfred RAY.

John RAY, Sr., was born about 1776 in Orange County, North Carolina. On January 4, 1801, he married Mary (Polly) Dunnagan, probably a cousin, the daughter of Charles Dunnagan and Alicia STAGG, described in the following section. John RAY, Sr., died in 1856, and she died in February of 1857. Their children were

Sally RAY HOPKINS, wife of Elizapahn HOPKINS, probably her cousin;

Levinia (Viney) RAY LEATHERS, wife of William LEATHERS, probably her cousin;

Mary RAY who never married, cousin or otherwise;

Elizabeth (Betsie) RAY, who never married;

Benton RAY;

Jane (Jinny) RAY LEATHERS, wife of Moses LEATHERS, perhaps a cousin;

Charlotte RAY, who died unmarried;

Martha (Patsy) RAY, who died unmarried; and

Edna RAY BALL, wife of Marcus BALL.

Jane RAY HOPKINS was born in Orange County, North Carolina about 1778. On March 1, 1794 he married Eliza HOPKINS. She died in or before 1841. Eliza HOPKINS, who married Sally RAY listed in the previous family was probably her son.

Sally RAY RHEW was also born in Orange County, North Carolina. She married John (?) RHEW, and died before 1841.

Thomas RAY, the youngest son of William RAY, Sr., and Mary STAGG, was born about 1778, in Orange County, North Carolina, and married Mary Ann (Polly) WOODS. They are more fully discribed in a later section. [COMMENT-7]

More About WILLIAM C. RAY:

Burial: 1908, Walter's Chapel Cem., Loneoke, AR

Occupation: Doctor

v. MARY DOAK "POLLY" RAY, b. December 28, 1836, Orange Co., NC; d. March 10, 1909; m. JIM RICHARDS.

vi. SAMUEL PAISLEY RAY, b. 1839, Orange Co., NC; d. April 06, 1862, Battle of Shiloh, Shiloh, TN.

vii. JOHN JASPER RAY, b. September 02, 1846, Orange Co., NC; d. May 07, 1952, Fort Worth, TX; m. ALICE LEFTON, January 09, 1872.