Francis Ray (c 1853)
Sarah Ray (c 1855)
Susan Catherine Ray (c 1857)
George Ray (c 1859)
William Alexander Ray+ (29 Sep 1862 - 14 May 1931)
James Marion Ray (02 Mar 1867 - 10 Dec 1906)
Molly Jane Ray (c 1867)
John C. Ray (c 1868)
Thomas Morrow Genealogy Project
Person Page 33
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Alexander Ray (M)|
The Ray, Kinsey, and Moore families moved from the Gordon County, Georgia area after 1850 and were in Montgomery County, Arkansas by 1860. Alexander went on to settle and homestead land in Saline County, Arkansas after the Civil War. Here is an article from "Rural Arkansas" magazine. Volume LII, Number 2, December, 1998. ISSN 0048-878X. Published by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas. It tells some of the history of the Pleasant Hill Community in Saline County, Arkansas: "OUR CHRISTMAS CHURCH - Tucked away in a valley at the foot of a hill amid the misty forests of northern Saline County is a little jewel. Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, located at the intersection of Lawson and Lake Norrell roads, has been around for well over a century. Pleasant Hill community was settled prior to the Civil War along what was known as the Middle Road that ran between Little Rock and Hot Springs. However it was the quality of the bottomland around the North Fork of the Saline River that first drew settlers here. The agricultural focus continued after the Civil War. The Wills, Wray and Wilson plantations covered sections of land in this area. The Pleasant Hill Methodist Church was constructed in 1894 on land that had served this particular congregation since 1880. The Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in that year. It was on the Oak Hill Circuit. Their first church building was a log structure that served as a school. The structure was on private land and in 1893 J. M. and Sarah T. Vaughn sold this land to the church for $45. One of the terms of the sale was that the original school house must be moved off and a new church building constructed. A codicil to the deed was executed in 1894. The trustees were S. M. Mitchell, L. G. Grimmett and J. T. Grimmett. The current church building was built by Walter Overhault with assistance of local men. Nearby native materials were used throughout such as creek stones for the foundation and yellow pine for framing. Walnut was selected for the altar and communion rail. The simple gable roof building is of the simplified Greek Revival style that rural congregations used during this period for their houses of worship. The rectangular overall plan directly reflects the single room within. Much has been written about pioneer life of this area and Pleasant Hill Methodist Church has its share of interesting legends. One story is told of an event following the Civil War which created much excitement. The Ku Klux Klan raided a meeting of carpetbaggers, ex-slaves and bushwhackers one night in the old log church, resulting in a shooting affray in which several people were killed and are buried on top of the hill in front of the present church. This ended carpetbag activities in this part of the South. In pioneer days this was the scene of many revival meetings. People would come from miles around in wagons and buggies. One story is told of a father with seven daughters, who to discourage young swains in the neighborhood, made his daughters ride in the back of the wagon on a bed of hay never aware that when twilight overtook them, some of the girls slipped off the wagon and walked the last mile to church with their boy friends. There are many colorful stories of the pioneer preachers. A hallowed spot for many is the cemetery back of the church. Some names on the monuments date back more than 100 years. Henry and Minnie Thompson deeded some of this land to trustees of Pleasant Hill Cemetery and their successors. Trustees were Carl Ray, Coy Bean, Charles Marshall, Gene Thompson, William Thompson and Beatrice Thompson. Some of the pioneer names, Wills, Vandergrift, Wray, Wilson, Graves, Dyer, Barron, Blaylock, Fuller, Goodwin, Thompson, Thomas, Lancaster, Grimmett, Rowland, Cochran, Gilbert, Hyatt, Colbum, Ray are still well known in the area. A highpoint in the history of the 118-year-old Pleasant Hill Methodist Church was the notification that it had been included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. One of the long-time members, Gracie Adams, says things have been on the upswing. John and Diana Woolem are faithful members. "We have struggled at times to keep the doors open," Diana said. "When I first came here a large crowd was six people. Our congregation was a steadfast one with John Newson as a lay minister. He led our group for over 15 years. Then John Claunch answered the call. During his tenure our church was placed on the National Register. Rev. George McConnell came to minister and was with us two years. We now have Rev. Don Armstrong. We are really growing." The church now has 42 active members. The inside has a new face lift. The old home-made pews have red velvet cushions. Refinished hardwood floors gleam. There's a 100-year-old piano updated and electrified. It's beautiful and appealing. Members since 1991, Tommy and Dianne Hanson are enthusiastic about their church and its future-maybe a family life center building with Sunday School rooms. Former residents and their descendants return to the church on the third Sunday of July each year to attend services and hold a day-long reunion. Perhaps it's partly the past that bespeaks of this little church's extraordinary presence. Visiting here, you wish to linger a little longer in this setting, walk in the cemetery and contemplate the past." Alexander was born in November 1828 at Greenville County, South Carolina. He was the son of Unknown Ray and Mary "Polly" Unknown. He married Amanda Moore at Georgia, circa 1849. Alexander was listed as the head of a family on the 1850 Census at Gordon County, Georgia. Dwelling #376. RAY, Alex 18 M b.GA Farmer, A. 17 F b.GA, Polly 60 F b.SC, John 24 M b.GA, E. 20 F b.GA.. Alexander was listed as the head of a family on the 1860 Census at Montgomery County, Arkansas. Mazarne Twp. Dwelling #620: RAY, Alexander 30 M b.GA farmer, Amanda 30 F b.GA, Mary 8 F b.GA, Frances 7 F b.AR, Sarah 5 F b.AR, Susan 3 F b.AR, George 8 mos. M b.AR. Note: They are living within a few doors of John L. Moore, James B. Moore, George Anderson, and John Kinsey.. Alexander served in the military at in Arkansas, in 1862. It is possible that Alexander served in the Confederate Army. A Private Alex Ray appears on the rolls of Company A, 15th Regiment, Arkansas Militia, Confederate States Army on March 22, 1862..1 Alexander was a defendant in a court case at Montgomery County, Arkansas, in January 1863. From Montgomery Co., Arkansas Court Records 1869-1912. Vol B 1854-1863. January 1863. Alexander A. RAY appointed Overseer of Road #41. Bet. Gap & Mazarn.. Alexander served in the military at Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, on 3 October 1863. Alexander served in Company H, 3rd Missouri Cavalry of the Union Army during the Civil War. The following are excerpts from his military service record on file with the National Archives: The following is taken from his Volunteer Enlistment Paper. "State of Arkansas Town of Little Rock I, Alexander Ray was born in Greenville Co. in the State of S. Carolina, aged thirty four years and by occupation a farmer Do hereby acknowledge to have volunteered this third day of October 1863 to service as a Soldier in the Army of the United States of America for the period of three years unless sooner discharged by proper authoirty; do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations and clothings as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, Alexander Ray do solemnly swear, that I will bear true and faithful allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and Articles of War. .....I Certify on Honor, that I have minutely inspected the Volunteer Alexander Ray previously to his enlistment and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgment and belief he is of lawful age; and that in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed the regulations which govern the recruiting service. The soldier has blue eyes, dark hair, fair complexion, is 5 feet 8 1/2 inches high. On another page: Declaration of Recruit Alexander Ray Volunteered at Little Rock Ark October 3, 1863. I, Alexander Ray desiring to Volunteer as a soldier in the Army of the United States for the term of three years, do declare that I am thirty four years and eleven months of age..... On another page: Entered Genl Hospital June 24, 1864 and has been treated for Scurvey. Muster rolls: May & June 1864. Remarks: On detached service as Nurse in Genl Hospital L. Rock Ark since June 21, 1864. July & Aug 1864. Remarks: Detached as Nurse at U.S. Genl Hospt Little Rock Ark since July 2, 1864 Sept & Oct 1864 Remarks: Nurse at U.S. Genl Hospital Little Rock Ark since April 1, 1864 Jan & Feb 1865. Remarks: Nurse at U.S. G. Hospital L. Rock Ark since June 24, 1864 March & April 1865. Remarks: Transferred from old Co. H to new Co. C by reorganization. Part S.O. no. 70 Hd Qrs? of Ark March 21, 1865. Nurse at U.S.A. Genl Hospital Little Rock Ark since June 22, 1864. Mustered out date May 29, 1865 under Telegram dated Washington May 30, 1865 and signed W.A. Nicholas A.A.G.". He was released from active duty at Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, on 29 May 1865. He was discharged as a Private from Captain Baileys Co. H 3rd Regiment of Missouri Cavalry by reason of a telegram from Washington May 3, 1865.. Alexander was listed as the head of a family on the 1870 Census at Saline County, Arkansas. Beaver Township. Dwelling 27. RAY, Alexander 40 M Farmer b.GA property value $300, Francis 16 F. Keeps house b.AR, Catherine 14 F b.AR, William 10 M b.AR, James M. 3 M b.AR, Mary J? 3 F b.AR, John C. 1 M b.AR.. He married Mary Jane Grimmett at Saline County, Arkansas, on 19 March 1871. Alexander and Mary Jane were married in the County Clerk's Office at Benton, Arkansas by Rev. John C. Henderson..2,3 He applied for homestead land at Saline County, Arkansas, on 1 January 1872. According to land records at the National Archives he settled in Saline County, Arkansas, S1/2 of NE1/4 and NW1/4 of NE1/4 Section 12 Township 1N Range 15W on 120 acres. He said that he had settled, plowed, fenced, and cultivated about 20 acres at the time of his application. He built a house, a corn crib, stables, smoke house, and planted an orchard. He said that he settled on the land in December of 1865 and a witness said that he had been there since January of 1870. His application No.5255 filed at the land office at Little Rock, Arkansas under the Homestead Act of May 20, 1862 was completed and approved October18, 1875 and his Homestead Certificate No.453 was signed by President U. S. Grant on December 20, 1875.. Alexander was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census at Saline County, Arkansas. Beaver Township. 3 June 1880. Enum. Dist. 167. Page 3. Dwelling 22. RAY, Alexander M 49 b. SC Occupation: Farmer. Parents born in SC. Mary Jane F 30 b. AR Parents born in TN. Susan F 20 b.AR Parents b.SC/GA, William A. M 17 b. AR Parents b.SC/GA, James M. M 13 b.AR Parents b.SC/GA, Molly Jane F 13 b.AR Parents b.SC/GA, Robbert Luis M 5 b.AR Parents b.SC/AR, Ermeline F 3 b.AR Parents b.SC/AR, Ida May F 1 mo. b.AR Parents b.SC/AR. GRIMMETT, Nancy (Mother in Law) F 58 b.TN Parents b.NC/KY.. Alexander registered to pay taxes at Saline County, Arkansas, in 1890. Pleasant Hill (Beaver Township) School District #10: Ray, Alex.. Alexander applied for a military pension at Pulaski County, Arkansas, on 22 May 1891. Service in Company H, 3rd Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, United States Army during the Civil War. He lists his ailments as follows: 1. "Piles" contracted at Jacksonport, AR on 20 Jan. 1864 from "effect of exposure & lack of foode". 2. Cattar(?) in head contract at Avilla, AR on 20 Dec. 1872 "while following my avocation of Farming". 3. Disease of the heart "palpitation of heart" contracted at Avilla, AR about 1874 "while at work on Farm". 4. Injury to left foot on about 20 July 1866 "while splitting rails on my farm I accidently cut my foot on left leg which continues to trouble me"..3 He sold property at Saline County, Arkansas, on 23 February 1899. On February 23, 1899 Alexander Ray made a Warranty Deed (Saline County Deed Book U, Page 585) and transferred his 120 acres in Saline County, Arkansas to his sons Robert Louis Ray and James Marion Ray for the consideration of $100.00. He retained the right to occupy the houses and buildings until he and his wife's death..3 Alexander died on 18 October 1899 at Saline County, Arkansas, at age 70.3 His body was interred at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Saline County, Arkansas, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. His headstone has no dates and is inscribed: "CO. H, 3 MO. CAV.". |
William Alexander Ray+ (29 Sep 1862 - 14 May 1931)
| Baby died in 1922 at Ferndale, Saline County, Arkansas. An unknown person body was interred in 1922 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alexander, Saline County, Arkansas, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.2 Baby was born in 1922 at Ferndale, Saline County, Arkansas. Baby Ray was the child of Walter William Ray and Rose Ophelia Graves. |
| Her body was interred at Kilgore Cemetery, Solgohachia, Conway County, Arkansas, at Kilgore Cemetery. Zola was born in 1895 at Conway County, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Dr. William Franklin Morrow and Margarett Olivia "Lee" Carroll. Zola died in 1896 at Conway County, Arkansas. |
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Giles R. Graves (M)| Giles was born on 23 April 1837 at Humphries, Tennessee.1 He was the son of Thomas Graves and Margaret Unknown. He married Martha H. Vandegrift at Saline County, Arkansas, on 16 August 1859. They were married by John B. Wilson, Justice Of The Peace..2,1 Giles served in the military at Saline County, Arkansas, in July 1861.3,4 Giles served in the military at Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, on 11 March 1864.5,6,1 Giles was listed as the head of a family on the 1870 Census at Saline County, Arkansas. Union Township. Dwelling 31. Graves, Giles R. 33 M Farmer b.AR, Martha H. 25 F Keeps House b.AR, Mary E. 10 F At School b.AR, James M. 5 M b.AR, Nancy J. 3 F b.AR, George W. 1 M b.AR... Giles was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census at Saline County, Arkansas. Giles registered to pay taxes at Saline County, Arkansas, in 1890. Pleasant Hill (Beaver Township) School District #10: Graves, G. R... Giles applied for a military pension at Saline County, Arkansas, on 18 August 1890.1 Giles died on 12 March 1908 at Saline County, Arkansas, at age 70.1 His body was interred at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alexander, Saline County, Arkansas, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. There are no dates on his tombstone. It is inscribed with a union shield and "Giles R. Graves - CO. E 2 MO. L.A." in relief..6 |
James M. Graves+ (11 Nov 1864 - 01 Feb 1939)
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