Person:Thomas Ray (11)

"Anyone born within the sound of the bells was a special person" These were the bells of the "Blue Coat School" in the Cockney area of London.

His birth date was calculated from Interment Record. Shortly after he married Anna, he joined the American Cabinet Company at the Two Rivers facility. According to the 1910 Census,he had petitioned for naturalization and was a foreman in the cabinet plant (Hamilton Manufacturing Company) and was renting a home at 1600 - 22nd Street, Two Rivers with his wife (Anna) and son (Harold).

The Foremanship was in the Trimming Department and he held that position for many years. He left the firm to try his skill in the real estate business in Chicago but was called back to The American Cabinet Company in a short time. In March 1925 he was placed in charge of the Chicago sales office. He was proud of his heritage and "would always be an Englishman". An executive of The American Cabinet Company noted the increased sales in the area and J.W. Christianson commented that "Tom Ray worked with one thought in mind: the building of good will by giving greater service". He authored a paper that was presented to the International Association of Blueprinters and Allied Industries Annual Sales Conference outlining methods of building Good Will. This he defined as competence, satisfaction and service. He ended his paper with "The difference between a sucessful concern and a defunct one is a few thousand smiles and the same number of Thank Yous".

It was interesting that Tom had petitioned for citizenship but always changed his mind just at the last minute. He held true to his English birthright.

In 1920, they were living at 227 Huron Street with wife, Anna and Son, Harold. This is where they hasd a rooming house. There were several rooming houses in the vicinity.

While living in Chicago, they lived 1412 Norwood Avenue during the 1930 Census. They owned their own home valued at $15,000. They owned a radio. His occupation was a manager Cabinets, dental.

He died at the Augustana Hospital in Chicago. The Funeral Director was Fred Klaner, 1253 North Clark Street, Chicago. Tom is buried at Rosehill Cemetery, Lot N1/2, Sub 4, No. 56, Sec 119

!CENSUS: 1910 Census Roll 1375732, Two Rivers, Manitowoc, WI, Ward 4, E.D. 41,Page 19B.

!CENSUS: 1920, U.S. Census, Illinois, Cook, Chicago, District 1159

!CENSUS: 1930, U.S. Census, Illinois, Cook, Chicago, District 1886

!DEATH: Rosehill Cemetery Interment Record #110229