Person:Joseph Ray (11)

Joseph was raised by his stepfather William Mathis. He also went by the names of James Ray, James Wray and James Mathis.

The first time Joseph Ray appears in the county is 1825 when he buys land from John Turnbull. (Book L, Page 168) There are various acquisitions of land in the following years. There was a will probated for Joseph Ray in May 1856 as found in Book 5 Page 153 located in the Clerk of Court Office, Wilkes County, North Carolina. The Will of Joseph Ray I, Joseph Ray of Wilkes County, State of North Carolina being sick and weak in body but sound in mind and wishing to dispose of my property real and personal do make my last will and testament as follows unknown word.

First I give and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Ray all my land unknown work household, and kitchen furniture and all my stock of cattle, hogs, sheep, one horse for the support of herself and family and at her death all the property in her possession to be sold and equally divided among the following named children unknown word James Ray, Rachel Moore, Sally Combs, Nancy Phenoix, Daniel Ray, Jeremiah Ray, Delela C. Ray, Margaret C. Ray all my lawful heirs also I want my son John Brook to have an equal part with the above named unknown word.

Second I want my wife to sell my colt and collect all debts owing to me and pay what I am owing and the balance of money to apply to her support raising his children. I appoint my wife Elizabeth Ray my executor to execute this my last will and testament.

Joseph Ray(X)Signed and acknowledged in the presence of this March 19th, 1856