Orville RAY, engaged in stock-raising and agricultural pursuits, on section 8, Berwick Township, where he resides and owns 200 acres of land, was born in Kentucky, Feb. 18, 1819, and is a son of Hickerson RAY, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to this State in 1845, locating in Roseville Township, this county, where he died about 1855.

The father was married to Miss Sarah KELLY about 1815. She was born in Virginia, about 1800, and died in 1881, in this county. Of their union the following children were born: Wyatt, Orville, William, Thomas and Elizabeth, twins, Hickerson, John C., Jane, Emily, Harriet and Paradine.

Mr. RAY came to Warren county as early as 1840, for a time worked by the month. By using economy and diligence, for which he is noted, he had put himself in such shape that by 1845 he was able to purchase some land, and began farming for himself. At that time he located in Roseville Township. He moved from there to Floyd Township, where he lived until 1870.

Orville RAY was united in marriage with Miss Jane SMITH, February 1, 1845. She was born in March, 1827, in Kentucky, and has become the mother of seven children, six of whom are living, namely, Archie M., Ira T., Harvey L., Eliza, Victoria and Silas O. John H. died in infancy. Archie married Elizabeth WELCH, who died leaving two children, Charles and Mary. Ira T. married Miss Millee AYERS, and they have one child. They live in Gage County, Nebraska. Harvey selected for a wife Milinda Jane CARR: the names of their two children are Mary E. and Mable [sic]. Eliza became the wife of John W. SMITH, of Ringgold County, Iowa, and is the mother of four children – Nora, Henry, Arthur and Lena. Victoria is the wife of Joshua ROSWELL. They have four children living, as follows: Arnold N., Charles, deceased, Mina Ester and Harvey. Silas O. lives with his parents.

Mr. RAY is the owner of 200 acres of land where he resides, and in addition to its cultivation, is devoting a considerable part of his time to raising and dealing in fine horses. He has some fine roadsters and heavy draught horses, 23 head in all, and in this branch of his vocation he is meeting with marked success. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. RAY are members of the Baptist Church, and in politics Mr. R. votes with the Democratic party.

The father of Mrs. RAY, wife of the subject of this notice, John SMITH, was born in Kentucky in 1800, and died in this State in 1839. He was married in 1822, to a Miss Usurla [perhaps Ursula] HENDRICKS, who was born in Virginia, in 1800. She died in April, 1873, in this State, after having borne her husband eight children, namely: Elizabeth, David, Nancy, James A. J., John T., William H., Brison B. and Keziah Jane. The parents came to this State during the Black Hawk War, in 1832. They were consistent members of the Baptist Church, and in politics her father was a strong supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party.

Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Warren County, Illinois p. 565. Chapman Bros. Chicago. 1886

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2009