Brick Wall Query: I am trying to prove the parents of Tabitha Ray (1817-1901). Her Franklin Co. marriage bond to Josephus Meador in 1843 was signed by James Ray and William Ray. William is identified as the uncle of Tabitha. My theory has been that Tabitha was the daughter of James Ray who died before Tabitha’s marriage and I think that the bond may have been signed by Tabitha’s brother, James Ray and her uncle, William Ray. It should be noted that Ray is sometimes spelled Wray in the records. I have a copy of a DAR application for James Ray, as well as his will, and there is no mention of a child named Tabitha in either document. (So this may be a different James Ray.) The application does not ask for the parents of the Revolutionary Soldier, so there are two possibilities: Possible father of James: Luke Ray lived in Bedford Co. He died by 1812. He married twice: Tabitha Willet and Sarah Murray. Administration of Luke’s estate names his children and includes sons, James, William and Simeon Ray, among others. It states: “Saml Hale adm of James Ray Dec’d, John Bartle admr of Simeon Ray dec’d” This document is dated 1843 (the year of Tabitha Ray’s marriage to Josephus Meador). It further states: “The children and heirs of James Ray deceased all believed to be infants and their names unknown.” (Research Note: Franklin Co. Chancery Court 1845-035. Plaintiff: Admr of Simeon Ray. Defendant: William Ray. Surnames include Meador.) Possible father of James: Moses Ray was a resident of Franklin Co. He married Elizabeth Morris, daughter of Daniel and Tabitha Morris of Bedford Co. They had 17 children, including James, William and Tabitha. Tabitha married Mr. Wright. Moses died in 1802. His will, which names the 17 children, was probated in October 1802 in Franklin Co. Possible brother of Tabitha Ray: James Ray, Jr. Listed in the 1870 Franklin Co. census with James Ray are Josephus, age 13, and Tabitha, age 9. Tabitha Ray's husband was named Josephus Meador. It seems likely that Tabitha’s brother would choose those names for his children. Tabitha and Josephus named one of their sons James and another William. James Wray Death Record: white male, farmer, died 4 Jan 1880 Franklin County of derangement, aged 65 yr, born in Franklin County, spouse of Susan Wray, Susan Wray spouse reported death. (born 1815 - note - Tabitha (Ray) Meador was born 1817) James was married to Susan Wimmer. Research Note: Elizah Wimmer, 18, F, W is living with the James and Susan Ray family at the 1870 census in Franklin Co., Virginia. Josephus Meador ( white male) (farmer) d 12 Oct 1873 Franklin Co of consumption, aged 51 yr 11 mo 3 da, b Franklin Co, sp of Tabitha Meador, Tabitha Meador wife reported. Source: Franklin County, Virginia Death Records, 1853-1896. Abstracted by Neil Hailey. In Josephus Meador’s will, it is stated: “First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Tabitha Meador the land known as Paine Track containing 154 acres to have and to hold as her money paid for the land, she is to have it during her natural life, to do as she thinks best to make a living.” So we see that Tabitha must have inherited money. I do not have any further details, other than the possibility of her being one of “infants with names unknown” in Luke Ray’s will. Any help in untangling this family would be greatly appreciated. I have been trying for years. I keep coming back and hoping to find clues. Diane Kuras virginia_kin@hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ More photos, more messages, more storage—get 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail. http://imagine-windowslive.com/hotmail/?locale=en-us&ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_mini_2G_0507