JOSEPH RAY

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The Story as I know it

Joseph. Ray was born April 28, 1777 in Anne Arundel county Maryland. His tombstone said so at his instruction left in his will.  Thank you Joseph!  "Joseph Ray born in Annarunda County Maryland the 28th of April 1774...."  His parents were Joseph Ray and Mary Sheckles.  He was the 5th of 12 children.

The Ray family was still in Anne Arundel County in 1790 for the Census, roll M637_3, page 371.  At that time there were 8 children at home.  Mr. Ray had 14 slaves, which was a large number for that area.  Anne Arundel County seat is Annapolis Maryland.

The Livingston County Historical Societies, History and Families has the Ray family story under Charles Ray.  It states that Joseph Ray Sr. moved his large family to Washington County Kentucky.  They moved after 1790 but before 1797.  There is a deed from Washington County made on May 7, 1795 selling land on Cartwright's creek to John Ray of Washington County.  This could be Joseph's oldest brother John Schekels Ray.

On Dec. 1797 Joseph Ray wed Peggy Rutter in Washington County KY.  Washington County, KY Marriage Records 1792-1878 from Book 1, page 14, transcribed and compiled by Margaret Clark Kington.  James Rutter is noted on the marriage record and M (minister?) Joshua Carman.  Joseph was the first of at least 4 brothers to marry in Washington County. 

On June 17, 1799, Joseph Ray was granted his first land grant in Livingston County for 200 acres on Big Creek.  He received another 200 acres Nov. 16, 1801 on Sandy Creek.
from Livingston County Land Grants 1782-1924.  He received a final 53 acres Oct. 18, 1823 on Big Creek.  I cannot find a Big Creek, so whether is was an alternate name for Sandy Creek or one of the 2 rivers that edge the county, the Tennessee or Cumberland, I cannot say.

By 1810 young Joseph Ray had moved his family to Livingston County KY.  It is on the Ohio River not far from Paducah.  The 1810 Livingston County Census Smithland, roll 7, page 157 has the following household:
1 male 26-44 (Joseph)
1 female 26-44 (Peggy)
1 female 10-15
3 males 10 or under
3 slaves

That same year finds his brothers and parents still in Washington County.  However, Peggy's parents James Rutter  & Elizabeth Owen Rutter are also in Livingston County.   I have a note that  in 1815 they lived on Sandy Creek near Burma. I'm not sure where that came from.

The 1820 Livingston County Census, roll M33_26, image 19, has: for Joseph Rhea
1 male >45, 1 female>45, 3 males 10-15, 4 males <10

Peggy continues to produce another son for the 1830 Census, Salem roll 39, page 11.  The family add 1 more son, but Peggy is gone.  Peggy Rutter Ray died sometime between 1821 and 1830. Her youngest son was listed on later census as "insane".  It could be there were birth complications from which she did not recover and he was a damaged child.  This, of course is speculation.  She may be buried in Mills Pioneer Cemetery between Burma and Salem.

The Livingston County Court Order Land Patents shows that Joseph Ray, Jr. was granted Patent #20 of 50 acres on Sandy Creek.  It was surveyed Feb. 19, 1836 and granted to him on Jan. 31, 1837.  My thanks to Lynn for passing on this information to me.  Our Joseph was a Jr., but it possible that this refers to our Joseph and Peggy's son born in 1812 as the original Joseph was never in Kentucky.

 From the will of Joseph Ray , the family had standing in the community, a substantial farm and a number of slaves,  a family of nine children, with only one known daughter.  Livingston County KY Will Book B, page 157.  The will contains wonderful details including specific directions about what to write on his tombstone with the admonition "This rock I want to be planted deep so that it may stand a long time." 

From the will and the census details over the years we can state the children of Joseph Ray and Peggy Rutter were:
1.  Lucinda Ray, born 1801 wed Isaac Coffield
2.  James H. Ray, born c 1805
3.  Felix G. Ray, born c 1807
4.  Lloyd Ray, born c1808
5.  Joseph Ray, born 1812
6.  Alfred Ray, born 1813
7.  John Ray, born 1815
8.  Robert D. Ray, born 1817
9.  Edmond R. Ray, born 1821

Joseph Ray died in 1855, his will was proved Nov. 19, 1855.   His will was not dated when written, but all his children were alive and included at that time. .The extensive farm and holdings were divided between his sons. The will assigned John Ray guardianship of the youngest son Edmond R. In case John died then son Alfred Ray would act as guardian. The will notes that "Edmond is frequently in an unsound state of mind".

Joseph's holdings at the time of writing the will included a number of slaves.  He stipulated that none of the blacks would be sold out of the family except for one and he could "chose his own master".  Also Jane must keep her youngest child and not be parted from her husband.

I have a copy of the transcribed will.  If you would like a copy CONTACT US.

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