Gray William THOMAS Gray William THOMAS, born 2 Jul 1807 in North Carolina, died 27 February 1874 at Attica, Randolph Co. Arkansas. He is buried in the Thomas Cemetery, Randolph Co. His tombstone states his birth as 1822, however, North Carolina marriage records list his birth as 1807. Based on his marriage and the birth of his children with Esther he would have been a father at age 12 had he been born in 1822. He married, 16 September 1834 in Wake Co. North Carolina, Esther MARSHBOURN born 5 November 1804 in North Carolina, died 1855 Randolph Co. She is buried in the Thomas Cemetery. She is the daughter of Daniel MASHBURN and Delphia WARREN of Wake Co., North Carolina Gray and Esther were the parents of eight children, Mary 1837, William 1839, Robert 1841, Sarah 1842, Joseph 1843, Elizabeth 1843, John 1845, and Samuel 1847. Family tradition says he built the first stone courthouse in Wake Co., North Carolina. Gray and Esther arrived in Randolph Co. before 1850. Gray William married 27 February 1859, Randolph Co. Rebecca Elizabeth MCDANIEL (aka MCDONALD) born 30 March 1834, Lawrence Co. AR., died 9 Jun 1905 at Attica. She is buried in the Thomas Cemetery. They had six children, Augustus 1859 - 1941, Claiborne 1861-1948, Clarry Ann 1863-1948, Manervy 1866-1952, Peter 1868-?, Eliza 1869-1939. Rebecca Elizabeth is the granddaughter of Frederick SMITH, who appears on the Lawrence Co. tax roles as early as 1819. Rebecca's mother, Susannah SMITH born 1817 in Indiana - died after 1890, having married James MCDONALD (MCDANIEL) and producing eleven children. Gray William was a farmer, family man, and conscientious public citizen, called to jury duty 2 Dec. 1873 for the assault and battery case of Mr. Bacon and Mr. James. It seems that Mr. James accosted Mr. Bacon regarding the filing of a lawsuit against Mr. James. Words erupted and a shot was fired. Mr. Bacon having no defense thought that " a good run was better than a bad stand." Both men were arrested and the case went to trial. "The case was delivered without argument, and after a few minutes consultation (the jury) returned the following verdict: "We the jury find the defendant guilty, and assess his fine at 5 cents." -- The above lavish amount goes to swell the school fund." [SRC: Vol. I # 17 of the Observer, (newspaper)] He owned over 300 acres. His home was located on what is now Thomas Rd., Attica. This is the same house occupied by his son Claiborne Jackson, and his sons William and Ervey throughout their lifetime. The property sold in 1982. Tax records indicate that Gray owned horses, mules and cattle. By the detailed description of the livestock on his will it can be assumed he took great pride in his animals. According to other property listed on the will, he also owned sheep, blacksmith tools, woodcutting and land clearing tools, guns, knives, 4 old spades, three augers, and a large wash pot. Any information on the parents of Gray William of his early year prior to Randolph Co. AR would be greatly appreciated. Gava