I'm seeking information for a friend of mine on her Ray family. She would like to get in touch with some of the Ray family who is researching the line of Major Willie Ray, the Buster Brown midget, or his father James Milton Ray (or John Milton Ray). She would like to exchange information with you if possible. She is related to the same family. Her ancestor was Jane Ray who married John Reynolds about 1831-32 in TN. They lived in Bedford County, TN. Jane was born 1816-17. She believes she was the daughter of John Ray on the 1820 Census. He is listed with several children, but no wife. She believes his first wife had died by 1820. Also in Bedford Co. was a James Ray who lived on Sinking Creek. He died 5 Aug., 1835. His widow was Jane and one of the younger sons was James M. Ray. She believes the James who had died was a brother of the John Ray above, so their children could be cousins. Her Jane Ray and her husband lived in Perry Co., TN in 1844. One of their sons was born there. By 1880, Jane Ray Reynolds was a widow living in Van Buren Co., AR. On census records, she says she was born in TN, her father was born in Ireland, and her mother in NC.
Does this fit with anybody's family? She has a little more information from deeds and court records. You can contact her at:
Wilda Reon
1206 N. Erie Ave.
Russellville, AR 72801
Thanks!