1. William Gray was born 03-22-1789 in South Carolina.[1] He married in March 1813, in Pendleton Dist, South Carolina,[2] to Loucinda Roark, who was born 03- 1-1793 in South Carolina, possibly Greenville.[3] She was daughter of Barnabus and Christian Roark, and died 09- 6-1879,[4] and is buried at Blue Eye Baptist Church, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.[5] Her father is probably Barney Roark, but that is unproven.[6] William died 03- 3-1881,4 and is buried at Blue Eye Baptist Church, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.5 He was a Private in the South Carolina Volunteers, War of 1812.4 and was a founding member of Refuge Baptist Church, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama in Jul 1851. Church records mention Wm. Sr, Lucinda, Wm. Jr, & Zedy. In the War of 1812, South Carolina #21243, it states he was in Capt James Thomson’s Co, South Carolina Mil.
Children:
2. i boy Gray born about 1814, Georgia.[7]
3. ii boy Gray born between 1815-1820.[8]
4. iii boy Gray born between 1815-1820.8
5. iv girl Gray born between 1815-1820.8
+ 6. v William M. Gray, Jr. born 03-16-1819.
+ 7. vi John Washington Gray born about 1822.
8. vii Emma A. Gray born about 1827, Alabama.[9]
+ 9. viii Emery M. Gray born about 1829.
+ 10. ix Molaijah A. Gray born about 1831.
11. x Louisa Gray born about 1833, Alabama.[10]
Second Generation
6. William M. Gray, Jr. also known as: Billy (1.William1) born 03-16-1819 in Alabama,[11] occupation Farmer, married 07-17-1844, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[12] to Zada M. Watson, also known as: Zady or Sada. She was born 09-20-1822 in North Carolina,[13] Her parents have not yet been identified, however, Isaiah and Susannah Watson have a daughter of the correct age, and are in the same area. Zady died 09-23-1895, probably in Ragland, Alabama,[14] and is buried at Macedonia Baptist Church, Ragland, Alabama.[15] William died 08-19-1893, probably in Ragland, Alabama,[16] buried at Macedonia Baptist Church, Ragland, Alabama,15 They moved to St. Clair County from Talladega county in the 1870's.
Children:
12. i E. M. Gray, Mr. born about 1845, Alabama,[17] married M. A. - - -, born about 1841, Georgia.[18] E. M. Gray in 42nd Ala Reg, Co G, infantry, enlisted St. Clair County, Alabama May 9, 1862 per Ala Dept of Archives & History online CSA database.
13. ii Mary L. Gray born Aug 1846, Alabama,[19] married 05-21-1868, in Calhoun County, Alabama,[20] to Dominic Ghio, born Apr 1818 in Italy,[21] The 1900 census says they have been married 32 years, have 7 kids, 4 are still living, by 1910. He was a farmer, and died between 1900-1910, probably in Calhoun County, Alabama.[22] In 1870 they lived in Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.20 Mary died after 1910,[23] by 1910 only 3 of their children are still living.20
14. iii John Washington Gray born 07-27-1849, Alabama,[24] occupation farmer, married 11-26-1876, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[25] at Noah Daffrons, to Nancy Daffron. She was born 01- 8-1853, in Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama,[26] the daughter of Noah H. Daffron and Narcissa Adaline Morgan, and was a housewife. According to the 1910 census, they had 4 children, but only 3 were still living.[27] She died 04-25-1939, Ragland, Alabama of heart trouble,[28] and is buried at Methodist Cemetery, Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama.[29] John died 05- 4-1937 in St. Clair County, Alabama, he was hit by a car,[30] and is buried at Methodist Cemetery, Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama.29
15. iv Jemima A. Gray born about 1852, Alabama.[31]
16. v Christian Elizabeth Gray also known as: Chrissie was born Feb 1856 in Alabama.[32] She married on 08- 5-1877, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[33] to William Allan Watson, born 04-17-1842 in Alabama,[34] son of William E. Watson and Bethany Meadows. He died after 1920, probably in Calhoun County, Alabama.[35] They were living in Blue Eye, Talladega County, Alabama in 1880, St. Clair County Alabama in 1900.[36] Christian died after 1920, probably in Calhoun County, Alabama.35
17. vi William H. Gray also known as: Billy born 03-27-1857, Talladega County, Alabama,[37] occupation farmer, married (1) 11-13-1877, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[38] married at Robert Burd's house to Virginia L. Bird, also known as Jinni. She was born about 1856 in Georgia,[39] daughter of Robert and Catharine Bird. She died about 1887, in Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama.[40] After Jinni died, Billy married again on 07-20-1890, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[41] to Ida Jane Campbell, born 03-26-1872, St. Clair County, Alabama,[42] the daughter of William R. Campbell and Martha Jane Campbell. The 1910 Alabama census says they have been married 20 years, have 2 children, and both are living,[43] Ida Jane died 06- 4-1948, Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama,[44] buried at Macedonia Baptist Church, Ragland, Alabama.15 Billy died 12-31-1911, Ragland, St. Clair County, Alabama,[45] buried at Macedonia Baptist Church, Ragland, Alabama.15 Billy obtained a homestead land grant for 40.22 acres on Jan 20, 1910.
18. vii H. J. Gray, Miss born Jan 1860, Alabama,[46] died before 1870,[47]
19. viii Abner M. Gray born about 1862, Alabama,[48] married 07-28-1878, in St Clair County, Alabama,[49] to Matilda Johnson, also known as: Tilda. The 1900 Alabama census for St. Clair County, Alabama says they had 5 children, 2 are still living. She was born about 1857 in Georgia,[50] the daughter of James Reuben Johnson and Sarah Elizabeth Bramlet, and died after 1920. Abner and Tilda lived in St. Clair County, Alabama.[51] Abner died before 1900.[52]
20. ix Thomas Foust Gray born May 1864, Alabama,[53] was a Farmer, married 06- 1-1881, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[54] at home of Martha Nash,[55] to Harriett Fannie Macon Nash, born Oct 1859, Alabama.[56] She was the daughter of Holden Nash and Martha Newbourn. Thomas and his younger brother Durbin and their families were living in the Bessemer, Alabama area in 1900, when the booming mining industry was attracting workers from all areas.
21. x Durbin I. Gray born 05- 4-1868, Alabama,[57] occupation Farmer and miner, married 03-20-1892, in St. Clair County, Alabama,56 at the home of the bride's mother,56 to Francis Victoria Colley, also known as: Fannie. She was born 08-13-1874 in Alabama,[58] the 6daughter of James Oscar and Eliza Colley, and died 11- 6-1955 in Dixiana, Alabama.[59] She is buried at Hopewell Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama.60 Durbin died 09-18-1959, at home,[60] and is also buried at Hopewell Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama,61 In later years they lived in Bradford, Alabama, but lived in Bessemer, Alabama in 1900.[61]
7. John Washington Gray (1.William1) was born about 1822 in Alabama,[62] and married on 12- 8-1853,[63] to Mary Ann Rogers, born about 1822 in Mississippi.[64] She died about 1871 in Gonzales Co, Texas,[65] and is buried in an unmarked grave in Gonzales Co, Texas.[66] John married again on 06- 6-1872, in Lavaca Co, Texas,[67] to Margaret Worthington, born about 1840 in Arkansas.[68] She and John both died before 1900,66 and are buried in unmarked graves in Gonzales Co, Texas.67
Children by Mary Ann Rogers:
22. i William F. Gray born 10-10-1854.66
23. ii Elmina Gray born 02- 4-1856,66 died 10- 4-1856.66
24. iii James F. Gray born 08-25-1857, Gonzales Co, Texas,[69] married 1885, in Gonzales Co, Texas,66 Annie Hull, born Mar 1865, Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas,66 died 03-27-1956, Gonzales Co, Texas.66 James died 12-27-1928, Gonzales Co, Texas.66
25. iv John D. Gray born 02-20-1858, Gonzales Co, Texas,[70] died Dec 1870, Gonzales Co, Texas.66
26. v Frances Gray born 04-12-1860, Gonzales Co, Texas,[71] died 07-21-1871, Gonzales Co, Texas.66
27. vi Ruth J. Gray born 10-26-1861, Gonzales Co, Texas.[72]
28. vii Lucinda Gray born about 1867, Gonzales Co, Texas,[73] married Herman M. Gosch, died 1890, Texas.66 Lucinda died 01-23-1890, Texas.66
29. viii Minnie Gray born before 1872, Texas,66 married 11-30-1878, in Lavaca Co, Texas,66 Miles Harris, born 11-30-1858.[74] Minnie died 01-17-1918, Matagorda Co, Texas.66
Children by Margaret Worthington:
30. ix John Hicks Gray born 02-27-1873, Gonzales Co, Texas,[75] married 11-14-1894, in Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas,66 Nancy Jane Leazar, born 01-12-1870, Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas,66 (daughter of James Franklin Leazar and Rhoda Elizabeth Winters) died 12-21-1951, Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas.66 John died 09-30-1903, Lavaca Co, Texas.66
31. x Jesse Roark Gray born 02- 2-1875, Gonzales Co, Texas,[76] married 07-25-1901, in Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas,66 Pearlee Harriet Leazar, born 06- 3-1880, Moulton, Lavaca Co, Texas,66 (daughter of John Alexander Leazar and Nancy Laurie Thomasson) died 03- 2-1926, Kerrville, Kerr Co, Texas.66 Jesse died 07-12-1930, Kerrville, Kerr Co, Texas,66 buried at Glen Rest Cemetery, Kerr Co, Texas.67
9. Emery M. Gray (1.William1) was born about 1829 in Alabama,[77] married 05-12-1861, in Talladega County, Alabama,[78] to Mary A. Christian, who was born about 1840 in Alabama,[79] the daughter of Sarah W. Christian.
Children:
32. i Sarah Gray born about 1869, Alabama.[80]
33. ii Charley Gray born about 1871, Alabama.[81]
34. iii Mollie Gray born about 1874, Alabama.[82]
35. iv Nellie E. Gray born 06-26-1877, Alabama,[83] died 12- 8-1880,[84] buried at Blue Eye Baptist Church, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.85
10. Molaijah A. Gray also known as: Malcijah (1.William1) was born about 1831 in Alabama,[85] married 03-25-1856, in St. Clair County, Alabama,[86] to Lorinda Eva Stidman, also known as Laura. She was born about 1839 in Alabama,[87] the daughter of James A. Stidman.
Children:
36. i Exa Gray born about 1857, Alabama.[88]
37. ii Willie Gray born Feb 1860, Alabama.[89]
Sources:
[1] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 60, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 72, my Wm. living next door, 1830 AlabamacenStCl age 40-50, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 81 Blue Eye Ch Cemetery survey by V. Lais 12-31-2000
[2] Index to War of 1812 Pension Files, Vol 2, by Virgil D. White, pg 881
[3] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 57, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 69, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 79, 1880 AlabamacenStClair son William says mother b.KY, 1800 South CarolinacenGrnvl age <10 Blue Eye Ch Cemetery survey by V. Lais 12-31-2000
[4] Blue Eye Ch Cemetery survey by V. Lais 12-31-2000
[5] Tallad Tombstone Inscr, by Upchurch
[6] Greenville South Carolina Deed Book i, pg 23 listed as heir of Barnabas, recorded 22 Aug 1811, says she is in Nox, KY at time
[7] 1830 AlabamacenStCl age 15-20
[8] 1830 AlabamacenStCl age 10-15
[9] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 23
[10] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 17
[11] Some St. Clair County Cemeteries (Ragland) by Rubye & Harold Sisson,pg 14, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 40, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 51, 1880 AlabamacenStCl,age 62,b.Alabama, picture of tombstone
[12] St. Clair Marriages 1818-1899 by Rubye Sisson,pg 75, Marriage Records (1819-1858w) (arranged in date order), have copy of page, issued on 15th, solemized on the 17th, by H. D. Acker MG
[13] Some St. Clair County Cemeteries (Ragland) by Rubye & Harold Sisson,pg 14, picture of tombstone, 1830 NCcenAnson age 5-10, 1840 AlabamacenStCl age 15-20, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 38, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 48,1880 AlabamacenStCl,age 57,b.NC
[14] Some St. Clair County Cemeteries (Ragland) by Rubye & Harold Sisson pg 14 picture of tombstone unknown person gave me a date of died 9/28/1895
[15] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson pg 14
[16] Some St. Clair County Cemeteries (Ragland) by Rubye & Harold Sisson pg 14
[17] 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 15, 1870 AlabamacenClay age 25
[18] 1870 AlabamacenClay age 29
[19] 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 25, 1880 AlabamacenCalh age 32, 1900 AlabamacenCalh age 53, 1910 AlabamacenCalh 65, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 13
[20] correspondence from Teresa Martin dandtmartin found at otelco dot net
[21] 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 50, 1880 AlabamacenCalh age 62, 1900 AlabamacenCalh age 82
[22] 1910 AlabamacenCalh, wife says she is a widow in 1910
[23] not found on 1920 census
[24] 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 12, Kilgroe Funeral home record, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 20, living w/gr-parents, 1920 AlabamacenStCl age 71, 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 32, 1910 AlabamacenStCl age 60
[25] St. Clair Co Alabama Newer marriages by Rubye Sisson pg 75
[26] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 24, Kilgroe b.Jan 8, age 86, 1870 AlabamacenStCl age 18, 1920 AlabamacenStCl age 67, 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 26, 1910 AlabamacenStCl age 57
[27] St. Clair Co Alabama Marriages by Rubye Sisson pg 75
[28] Kilgroe Funeral home record for J. W. Gray, was a widow at his death, but his death cert says was married, not widowed. Her Kilgroe record died4/25/1939
[29] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 24
[30] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 24, Kilgroe Funeral home record, Alabama death cert #13082, fa. Billie, mo. Zadie, informant John Gray, diedMay 4.
[31] 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 8, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 17
[32] 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 5, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 15, 1920 AlabamacenCalh age 68 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 26, 1900 AlabamacenStCl age 44
[33] St. Clair Co Alabama Marriages by Rubye Sisson pg 204
[34] 1850 AlabamacenStCl age 8, 1880 AlabamacenTalld age 38, 1920 AlabamacenCalh age 78, St. Clair Co Alabama Families: Lowery, Putman, Jackson, & Wilson by James E. Ray 1900 AlabamacenStCl age 58
[35] living w/dau Julia in 1920
[36] St. Clair Co Alabama Marriages by Rubye Sisson pg 204, per letter written by Abner Isaiah Watson dated Aug 11, 1967
[37] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 14, tombstone 3-27-1856, 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 3, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 13, 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 23,b.Alabama, 1900 AlabamacenStCl age 40, 1910 AlabamacenStCl age 53
[38] St. Clair Marriages 1818-1899 by Rubye Sisson,pg 75, Marriage Record A (1871-1878),pg 283, have copy of marriage certificate.
[39] 1880 AlabamacenStClair, age 24,b.Georgia, parents b.Georgia
[40] per Inez Latham, son Bob was 8 when mother died
[41] St. Clair Marriages 1818-1899 by Rubye Sisson,pg 75. Marriage Record C (1886-1901)pg. 287, married at W.R.Campbells, have copy of marriage certificate.
[42] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 14, tombstone 3-26-1872, 1900 AlabamacenStCl age 35, 1910 AlabamacenStCl age 38,1920 AlabamacenStCl age 46 widow, living w/parents. 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 9, 1930 AlabamacenStCl age 59
[43] 1900 Alabama census wrong-married 10 yr, 5 children, 5 living, 1910 Alabama census married 20 yr, 2 children, 2 living, which is what family says.
[44] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 14, picture of tombstone, Alabama death cert #12980
[45] Some St. Clair Co Cemeteries (Ragland) by Sisson,pg 14, picture of tombstone, death cert not found
[46] 1860 AlabamacenTallad age 6mo.
[47] not on 1870 census w/parents
[48] son Dock says born Georgia, 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 8 b.Alabama, 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 18, marriage record says consent of father, so he is not yet 21 in 1878. Tildy says Abner b.Georgia 1900 census
[49] St. Clair Co Marriages 1818-1899consent of grooms father
[50] son Dock says born Georgia, 1900 AlabamacenStCl b.Alabama age 48 living w/son Henry, family sheets provided by Elton Jackson b.1857, 1920 AlabamacenStCl age 63 b.Georgia, 1860 GeorgiacenPauld age 4, 1870 AlabamacenStCl age 14, 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 23
[51] per son Docks death certificate, correspondence from Elton R. Jackson to Vicki Lais, July 2000
[52] 1900 AlabamacenStCl wife Tildy is HH
[53] 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 6, 1880 AlabamacenStClair age 16,b.Alabama, 1900 AlabamacenJeff age 36
[54] copy of marriage certificate, Thomas not of age, Harriett of full age, and Martha Nash gave permission for the marriage. Wm. Gray signed for bond, not sure why permission given by wrong parent.
[55] copy of marriage certificate
[56] 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 17, 1900 AlabamacenJeff age 40
[57] 1870 AlabamacenTallad age 2, 1880 AlabamacenStClair age 13,b.Alabama, 1900 AlabamacenJeff age 29 b.May 1871, 1910 AlabamacenTusc age 41, 1920 AlabamacenJeff age 55 Hopewell Cem Survey by church
[58] 1880 AlabamacenStCl age 5, 1900 AlabamacenJeff age 25, 1920 AlabamacenJeff age 45, 1910 AlabamacenTusc age 35, Hopewell Cem Survey by church
[59] obit in Bham News for Francis Gray 11/7/1955 pg 15
[60] obit of Durbin Gray Bham News 9/20/1959, pg B-2
[61] per conversation with Raymond Phillips
[62] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 28, 1870 TexascenGonz age 48
[63] GenForum Gray post #6738 by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[64] 1870 TexascenGonz age 48
[65] RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[66] email from Sylvia Sheret Newman
[67] Lavaca Co, Texas Marriage Records Book C, pg 145
[68] 1880 TexascenGonz age 40
[69] 1870 TexascenGonz age 13, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[70] RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman, born 1858 or 59
[71] 1870 TexascenGonz age 10, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[72] 1870 TexascenGonz age 8, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[73] 1880 TexascenGonz age 13, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[74] RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman born 1858 or 1859
[75] 1880 TexascenGonz age 8, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[76] 1880 TexascenGonz age 6, RootsWeb Gray/Leazar Genealogy by Sylvia Sheret Newman
[77] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 21, 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 45
[78] Talladega Co Alabama Marriage Rcd B-1852-1864
[79] 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 40
[80] 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 11
[81] 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 9
[82] 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 6
[83] 1880 AlabamacenTallad age 3, Talladega County, Alabama Tombstone Inscriptions by Upchurch
[84] Talladega County, Alabama Tombstone Inscriptions by Upchurch
[85] 1850 AlabamacenTallad age 19, 1860 AlabamacenStCl age 28
[86] St. Clair Co Alabama Marriages by Rubye Sisson pg 75 consent of brides father James A.
[87] 1860 AlabamacenStCl age 21
[88] 1860 AlabamacenStCl age 3
[89] 1860 AlabamacenStCl age 4mo
