by: annette.kapple
We find our first known Wray male in living in Brunswick County, Virginia in 1733. Benjamin Wray I did some road work in 1733 according to this road work order book.
The Wray family was living on the edge of settlement at this point.
In 1747 Bejamin Wray I is said to be living in a Cabin on Maggodee Creek, Lunenburg County, Virginia. This was noted by William Cabell surveyor.
In 1748 we find Benjamin I and his likely sons Moses, and Joseph living in Lunenburg, Virginia. They are listed on a tax list. They didn't move, because this area of Lunenburg County used to be part of Brunwick County, VA.
Nov. 4. 1753 Wrays met Moravian visitors
"We had an almost untrodden road, and had to cut a number of trees out of the way. Our wagon stuck fast in a mud-hole, and it took two hours to get it out. The tackle did us good service. One mile beyond we found water, then had four miles of good road to a creek, where we stopped for noon. In the afternoon we crossed Maggedi Creek, near which lives Benjamin Reh, an old man of about 90 years, and his wife who is nearly a hundred. Both are quite bright and active, gave us milk to drink, and were very friendly. Near this house is a deep muddy place, then we climbed a steep hill to the Warrik Road, which leads in a western direction and is fairly good. At two miles we crossed a small creek, and three miles beyond set up our tent by a large creek. Here we had to guard our horses carefully for we had heard that there were people about who would lead them off. We cooked dumplings this evening and they tasted good, and after prayers we lay ourselves peacefully to rest."
My ancestor Benjamin Wray II was born in 1757 in James River, Virginia according to his pension file. Benjamin Wray I was likely his grandfather. Moses is confirmed to be his father and named in his will.
Moses Wray returned to the Maggodee Creek area of Virginia and purchased some property on the Creek in 1762.
Benjamin Wray II enlisted in the Revolutionary War early in the war. He fought at the battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781
Bejamin Wray II buys land in 1792 Blackwater Creek, Franklin County, Virginia.
Moses Wray dies in 1802 in Franklin County, Virginia.
In 1812 my ancestor Anderson Wray is born to Elias Wray and Polly Thruman.
My ancestor Elias Wray son of Benjamin Wray II's family migrated to Indiana
In 1836 Anderson Wray and brother Villorous are in court in Jackson County on charges of trespassing and rioting.
Benjamin Wray dies 28 Jan 1841 in Franklin County, Virginia
Anderson Wray is named in an 1850 lawsuit regarding his father Benjamin Wray's estate.
In 1854 the Governor of Indiana cancels the $17 fine against Anderson and Villorous from the 1836 incident.
In 1855 Anderson Wray becomes a pioneer in Kansas.
Anderson Wray makes a journey in severe weather to help bring food to the settlement during their first winter in Kansas.
Anderson Wray was shot by a neighbor over a land dispute.
Anderson Wray's son William Harrison Wray enlisted in the Civil War on 19 Oct. 1861 in Geneva Kansas.
William Harrison Wray is killed in battle on 30 Sep 1862. He died with the rank of Sargeant.
Anderson Wray dies 4 Mar 1867 in Allen County, Kansas.