Individual Details
Edward BRAY
(5 Jan 1719 - 5 Jan 1800)
Edward Bray was not a Quaker, but Sarah Maynard, was. His children became devout Quakers.
Colonial and Revolutionary Lineages of America. Vol. 17. pp. 30-35. "Edward Bray, son of Henry Bray, resided in that part of Orange County, North Carolina, which later became Chatham County, and was probably deceased before 1-5-1760, when his wife was received into the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting by a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia.
Orange County was originally formed from Bladen and Granville Counties in 1753. In 1770, Chatham County was formed from Orange County, and the locality of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting in Orange County was later included in the formation of Alamance County in 1849.
The fact that Sarah Bray brought a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in 1760 is evidence that the family were living in Virginia before that year." LOCATIONS: Prior to 1759 - Fairfax/ Louden County, Virginia 1759-1770 - Orange (now Alamance) County, North Carolina (Cane Creek MM) 1770-1803 - Chatham County, North Carolina (Cane Creek MM) 1780-1810 - Surry County, North Carolina (Deep Creek MM)
NOTES:
Reese, Edna B., THE BRAYS OF FISHER RIVER VOL II, p. 12, 13;
He lived to be ninety years of age. He is not included in the Hinshaw Quaker Records with his wife Sarah's records, but it is assumed that he died in North Carolina where she is recorded as dying in 1803. His name is recorded on the marriage record of his son Henry [the Quaker who married Kesiah Jones] in 1778, as having been a resident of Chatham County, North Carolina.
After 1790, neither Edward Bray, II, or Edward Bray, III, were listed in the North Carolina censuses, indicating that the older one had died and the younger one may have followed the popular migration route west into Kentucky;
The lives of the first three families of Brays of our line in America over-lapped extensively in years lived.
They also lived in close proximity [to each other], so information obtained by word of mouth which was recorded by some of the descendants should be authentic."
"Bray Nostalgia," Vol.2, #2, p.7, published by Cheryl Clark from family records
of Rachel Bray Schwier;
WILLS:
1. Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Mathias W. Bray, dated 17 Sep 1825,
Bk.5, pp.238-9;
2.Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Henry Bray, dated 21 Feb 1874;
3.Chatham County, North Carolina, Original Wills;
BIOGRAPHY:
"Bray-Shelton-Jameson," family history compiled for the Bray-Shelton Reunion
Organization by Rachel Bray Schwier, Reunion Historian, 1967-1972, Mooresville
Public Library, 32 West Main St., Mooresville, IN;Rachel Bray Schwier, Bray family historian, records the following
Bray Nostalgia Vol.1, No. 3 BRAY-SHELTON by Rachel Bray Schwier
There are several versions of historical stories concerning our immigrant ancerstor from England. Some state that Henry Bray, born in 1685, came from England to Baltimore, Maryland in 1699 at age 14, that he lived with an uncle Rev. Thomas Bray, described as "first head of the Baptist Church of America", and in other sources as "an Episcopal Priest". The wife listed for this Henry Bray was Sallie Yorkley or Yokley. Suzanne Bray Services read in a biography of Rev. Thomas Bray that he was an only child and therefore would not have had a nephew.
Proof that Henry Bray who married Sallie Yokley could not have come directly from England is contained in the DAR record establishing him as "Patriot of the American Revolution." Both were born and died in NC.
Another story was that two brothers came from England at the same time. One married a red red headed girl, the other bride had black hair, and we descended from the latter. I cannot frind verification of any of the above information from material I have in my possession.
For this record, I will start with the information contained in the Lineage Book started when the Bray-Shelton Reunion was organized in September 1899. I will use the name of Edward, as listed. The first name of his son, Edward is verified by Hinsahw Quaker Monthly Meeting Records.
BIOGRAPHY:
Bray Nostalgia Vol 2, No. 3, pg. 3, COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY LINEAGES OF AMERICA, Vol 17, 1953, pages 32-34
The name Henry Bray (1) appears rather frequently in Maryland records. In the "Archives of Maryland," Vol VIII, p. 439, in the proceedings of the Court of Maryland, February 17, 1725, it is recorded that a firm of London attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to take the deposition of "Henry Bray, son and heir of Henry Bray, late of London." The former is very likely Henry Bray (1), who had by this time removed or to Virginia or the Carolinas. There is also the possibility that he returned to England, but not until many years later. No record has been found of the names of his wife, but he had two sons:
1. Henry, who married, Sally Yokley and had eleven children
2. Edward II, son of Henry (1) Bray, resided in that part of Orange County, NC, which later became Catham County, and was probably not deceased when his wife was rcieved on 1-5-1760,into the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting by a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia.
Orange County was originally formed from Bladen and Granville counties in 1753.
In 1770 Chatham County was formed from Orange County, and the locality of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting in Orange County was later included in the formation of Alamance County in 1849. The fact that Sarah Bray brought a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in 1769 is evidence that the family were living in Virginia before that year.
Edward (1) Bray married Sarah Maynard, who died March 15, 1803, and is probably buried in the Friends Cemetary at Deep River, NC She was the Daugher of Henry Maynard and his wife who was part Indian.
Children, probably others: 1. Henry (2) of whom further 2. Edward
Henry (2) Bray, son of Edward (1) and Sarah Maynard Bray was born 8-22-1755, died 8-27-1838 and is buried in the Whitelick Quaker Cemetary, west of Mooreville, Morgan County, Indiana. (Editor's note: it continues listing the marriage bond with Kezia Jones and their children, Jemima, John Henry, Sarah, Edward (2), Mary, Richard, Joseph, Abijah, Abijah, Kezia and Massy which I have been listing in the BRAY-SHELTON information).
Edward (2) Bray, son of Henry (2) and Kezia Jones Bray, was born in Guilford County, NC 1-18-1786 and died in Hamilton County, IN September 14, 1872. He and his wife and buried in Hinkle Creek Cemetary. He apparently removed to Kentucky prior to his marriage, remaining there for some years therafter. On his removal to Indiana, he settled first in Mooresville Morgan County and was appointed to serve on the original committee in the Founding of the Whitelock Monthly Meeting. Later he removed to Hamilton County, where he built the homestead northeast of Westfield on land granted to him by President Andrew Jackson. He was the first to bring pure bred cattle to Hamilton County.
Edward (2) Bray married in Kentucky March 5, 1812, Elizabeth Shelton.
John M. Bray, son of Edward (2) and Elizabeth Shelton Bray was born in Kentucky April 21 1819. He was a resident of Hamilton County, IN. JOHn M. Bray married (first) Sarah Dixon, and (second) December 14, 1854 Caroline Thompson. Children of the second marriage. 1. Thomas Thompson of whom further, 2. William T. S., 3 Phoebe Ann 4. Catherine Louisa, married Cyrus Heath of Noblesville, IN.
Thomas Thompson Bray, son of John M. and Caroline (Thompson) Bray, was born at the paternal homesteak northeast of Westfield, October 6, 1855, and died May 27, 1931. He was a merchant and farmer. Thomas Thompson Bray married, May 3, 1882, Alma Gause. Children : 1. Herbert E., born April 1, 1883 married (first) August 12, 1908 Leila Reoo; married (second), Mary Hargitt. Children of first marriage Mary Suzanne, born December 26, 1911 married June 15, 1935, Edward Ottman, and Martha Alma, born November 3, 1914; married Thomas Charles Kennett, of Macon, Georgia, 2. Hazel Martha born June 21, 1885 in Westfield, IN, married Perry Douglas Richards.
Source cited "Acts of the Assembly of Maryland", Vol VI, p. 178; "Archives of Maryland", Vol VII, p. 349; records from Mr. William G. Bray, Martinsville, IN; "Henshaw's Encyclopedia of American Quaker Geneaology"; "County Histories of the United States" by F. Douglas Halverson; "Blanchard's History of Morgan, Monroe and Brown Counties, IN"; The Pioneers of Morgan County in Indiana Historical Society Publications", Vol V, part 5, p. 239 and family Bible.
(Bray Notebook, Vol 2, page 081)
Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Mathias W. Bray, dated 17 Sep 1825,
Bk.5, pp.238-9;
Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Henry Bray, dated 21 Feb 1874;
WILLS:
Chatham County, North Carolina, Original Wills;
Edward's will leads one to belive that he died aprox. 1760 children that were born after that are not Edward's
DEATH:
Edward BRAY died 5 Jan 1760.Sarah MAYNARD BRAY is not known to have remarried thereafter.
MARRIAGE
Edward was married to Sarah Maynard in 1742 in Fairfax Friends, Waterford, Fairfax County, Virginia. Marriage date also given as 27 Oct 1759 in North Carolina.and, as about 1750 in Virginia. Neither of these dates seem accurate
CENSUS:
1790 FC, Chatham County, North Carolina, p.85;
Edward and Sarah Maynard Bray moved to Cane Creek, Orange County, North Carolina from the Fairfax Friends Monthy Meeting, Waterford, Fairfax County, Virginia. Henry was born in North Carolina, so the move was before 1755. Sarah Maynard Bray presented the Cane Creek MM with her Quaker credentials from the Fairfax, Virginia MM.
Data for MAYNARDs is William Wade Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Geneaology vol. 1. pgs 375, 528 and F. Douglas Halverson: "County Histories of the United States"
TIME-LINE
I have not found a recorded date from the marriage of Edward Bray and Sarah Maynard (sometimes spelled maynor). The marriage took place in Virginia, Their son, Henry was born August 22, 1755 in Fairfax County, VA.
TIME-LINE: 1 Richard Bray was born in 1742.
2 Susannah Bray was born about 1744.
3 Rachel Bray was born about 1746.
4 Elizabeth Bray was born about 1748.
5. Sarah (Sally) Bray was born about 1750.
6. Edward Bray was born about 1752 in Virginia.
7 Henry Bray Sr was born on 22 Aug 1755 in Fairfax County, Virginia. He died on 27 Aug 1838 in Mooresville, Morgan County, Indiana. He was buried on 27 Aug 1838 in White Lick Cemetery, White Lick, Morgan County, Indiana.
8 James Bray was born about 1756.
9. Mary Jane (Polly) Bray was born about 1757 in Chatham County, North Carolina.
10. John Bray.
11 Joseph Bray was born about 1760.
12. 1760, 1-5 Sarah Maynor Bray received permission to join Cane Creek Orange County, NC from Fairfax, MM Lauden County VA. She had been disowned by the Society for marrying a non Quaker.
13. 1788 1-3 Henry Bray received permission to go to New Garden MM, NC from Cain Creek MM, NC to marry. He did not leave Cane Creek MM at this time.
14. 1788, 2-2 Henry Bray and Kezia Huff Jone
Colonial and Revolutionary Lineages of America. Vol. 17. pp. 30-35. "Edward Bray, son of Henry Bray, resided in that part of Orange County, North Carolina, which later became Chatham County, and was probably deceased before 1-5-1760, when his wife was received into the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting by a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia.
Orange County was originally formed from Bladen and Granville Counties in 1753. In 1770, Chatham County was formed from Orange County, and the locality of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting in Orange County was later included in the formation of Alamance County in 1849.
The fact that Sarah Bray brought a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in 1760 is evidence that the family were living in Virginia before that year." LOCATIONS: Prior to 1759 - Fairfax/ Louden County, Virginia 1759-1770 - Orange (now Alamance) County, North Carolina (Cane Creek MM) 1770-1803 - Chatham County, North Carolina (Cane Creek MM) 1780-1810 - Surry County, North Carolina (Deep Creek MM)
NOTES:
Reese, Edna B., THE BRAYS OF FISHER RIVER VOL II, p. 12, 13;
He lived to be ninety years of age. He is not included in the Hinshaw Quaker Records with his wife Sarah's records, but it is assumed that he died in North Carolina where she is recorded as dying in 1803. His name is recorded on the marriage record of his son Henry [the Quaker who married Kesiah Jones] in 1778, as having been a resident of Chatham County, North Carolina.
After 1790, neither Edward Bray, II, or Edward Bray, III, were listed in the North Carolina censuses, indicating that the older one had died and the younger one may have followed the popular migration route west into Kentucky;
The lives of the first three families of Brays of our line in America over-lapped extensively in years lived.
They also lived in close proximity [to each other], so information obtained by word of mouth which was recorded by some of the descendants should be authentic."
"Bray Nostalgia," Vol.2, #2, p.7, published by Cheryl Clark from family records
of Rachel Bray Schwier;
WILLS:
1. Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Mathias W. Bray, dated 17 Sep 1825,
Bk.5, pp.238-9;
2.Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Henry Bray, dated 21 Feb 1874;
3.Chatham County, North Carolina, Original Wills;
BIOGRAPHY:
"Bray-Shelton-Jameson," family history compiled for the Bray-Shelton Reunion
Organization by Rachel Bray Schwier, Reunion Historian, 1967-1972, Mooresville
Public Library, 32 West Main St., Mooresville, IN;Rachel Bray Schwier, Bray family historian, records the following
Bray Nostalgia Vol.1, No. 3 BRAY-SHELTON by Rachel Bray Schwier
There are several versions of historical stories concerning our immigrant ancerstor from England. Some state that Henry Bray, born in 1685, came from England to Baltimore, Maryland in 1699 at age 14, that he lived with an uncle Rev. Thomas Bray, described as "first head of the Baptist Church of America", and in other sources as "an Episcopal Priest". The wife listed for this Henry Bray was Sallie Yorkley or Yokley. Suzanne Bray Services read in a biography of Rev. Thomas Bray that he was an only child and therefore would not have had a nephew.
Proof that Henry Bray who married Sallie Yokley could not have come directly from England is contained in the DAR record establishing him as "Patriot of the American Revolution." Both were born and died in NC.
Another story was that two brothers came from England at the same time. One married a red red headed girl, the other bride had black hair, and we descended from the latter. I cannot frind verification of any of the above information from material I have in my possession.
For this record, I will start with the information contained in the Lineage Book started when the Bray-Shelton Reunion was organized in September 1899. I will use the name of Edward, as listed. The first name of his son, Edward is verified by Hinsahw Quaker Monthly Meeting Records.
BIOGRAPHY:
Bray Nostalgia Vol 2, No. 3, pg. 3, COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY LINEAGES OF AMERICA, Vol 17, 1953, pages 32-34
The name Henry Bray (1) appears rather frequently in Maryland records. In the "Archives of Maryland," Vol VIII, p. 439, in the proceedings of the Court of Maryland, February 17, 1725, it is recorded that a firm of London attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to take the deposition of "Henry Bray, son and heir of Henry Bray, late of London." The former is very likely Henry Bray (1), who had by this time removed or to Virginia or the Carolinas. There is also the possibility that he returned to England, but not until many years later. No record has been found of the names of his wife, but he had two sons:
1. Henry, who married, Sally Yokley and had eleven children
2. Edward II, son of Henry (1) Bray, resided in that part of Orange County, NC, which later became Catham County, and was probably not deceased when his wife was rcieved on 1-5-1760,into the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting by a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia.
Orange County was originally formed from Bladen and Granville counties in 1753.
In 1770 Chatham County was formed from Orange County, and the locality of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting in Orange County was later included in the formation of Alamance County in 1849. The fact that Sarah Bray brought a certificate from the Fairfax Monthly Meeting in 1769 is evidence that the family were living in Virginia before that year.
Edward (1) Bray married Sarah Maynard, who died March 15, 1803, and is probably buried in the Friends Cemetary at Deep River, NC She was the Daugher of Henry Maynard and his wife who was part Indian.
Children, probably others: 1. Henry (2) of whom further 2. Edward
Henry (2) Bray, son of Edward (1) and Sarah Maynard Bray was born 8-22-1755, died 8-27-1838 and is buried in the Whitelick Quaker Cemetary, west of Mooreville, Morgan County, Indiana. (Editor's note: it continues listing the marriage bond with Kezia Jones and their children, Jemima, John Henry, Sarah, Edward (2), Mary, Richard, Joseph, Abijah, Abijah, Kezia and Massy which I have been listing in the BRAY-SHELTON information).
Edward (2) Bray, son of Henry (2) and Kezia Jones Bray, was born in Guilford County, NC 1-18-1786 and died in Hamilton County, IN September 14, 1872. He and his wife and buried in Hinkle Creek Cemetary. He apparently removed to Kentucky prior to his marriage, remaining there for some years therafter. On his removal to Indiana, he settled first in Mooresville Morgan County and was appointed to serve on the original committee in the Founding of the Whitelock Monthly Meeting. Later he removed to Hamilton County, where he built the homestead northeast of Westfield on land granted to him by President Andrew Jackson. He was the first to bring pure bred cattle to Hamilton County.
Edward (2) Bray married in Kentucky March 5, 1812, Elizabeth Shelton.
John M. Bray, son of Edward (2) and Elizabeth Shelton Bray was born in Kentucky April 21 1819. He was a resident of Hamilton County, IN. JOHn M. Bray married (first) Sarah Dixon, and (second) December 14, 1854 Caroline Thompson. Children of the second marriage. 1. Thomas Thompson of whom further, 2. William T. S., 3 Phoebe Ann 4. Catherine Louisa, married Cyrus Heath of Noblesville, IN.
Thomas Thompson Bray, son of John M. and Caroline (Thompson) Bray, was born at the paternal homesteak northeast of Westfield, October 6, 1855, and died May 27, 1931. He was a merchant and farmer. Thomas Thompson Bray married, May 3, 1882, Alma Gause. Children : 1. Herbert E., born April 1, 1883 married (first) August 12, 1908 Leila Reoo; married (second), Mary Hargitt. Children of first marriage Mary Suzanne, born December 26, 1911 married June 15, 1935, Edward Ottman, and Martha Alma, born November 3, 1914; married Thomas Charles Kennett, of Macon, Georgia, 2. Hazel Martha born June 21, 1885 in Westfield, IN, married Perry Douglas Richards.
Source cited "Acts of the Assembly of Maryland", Vol VI, p. 178; "Archives of Maryland", Vol VII, p. 349; records from Mr. William G. Bray, Martinsville, IN; "Henshaw's Encyclopedia of American Quaker Geneaology"; "County Histories of the United States" by F. Douglas Halverson; "Blanchard's History of Morgan, Monroe and Brown Counties, IN"; The Pioneers of Morgan County in Indiana Historical Society Publications", Vol V, part 5, p. 239 and family Bible.
(Bray Notebook, Vol 2, page 081)
Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Mathias W. Bray, dated 17 Sep 1825,
Bk.5, pp.238-9;
Randolph County, North Carolina, Will of Henry Bray, dated 21 Feb 1874;
WILLS:
Chatham County, North Carolina, Original Wills;
Edward's will leads one to belive that he died aprox. 1760 children that were born after that are not Edward's
DEATH:
Edward BRAY died 5 Jan 1760.Sarah MAYNARD BRAY is not known to have remarried thereafter.
MARRIAGE
Edward was married to Sarah Maynard in 1742 in Fairfax Friends, Waterford, Fairfax County, Virginia. Marriage date also given as 27 Oct 1759 in North Carolina.and, as about 1750 in Virginia. Neither of these dates seem accurate
CENSUS:
1790 FC, Chatham County, North Carolina, p.85;
Edward and Sarah Maynard Bray moved to Cane Creek, Orange County, North Carolina from the Fairfax Friends Monthy Meeting, Waterford, Fairfax County, Virginia. Henry was born in North Carolina, so the move was before 1755. Sarah Maynard Bray presented the Cane Creek MM with her Quaker credentials from the Fairfax, Virginia MM.
Data for MAYNARDs is William Wade Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Geneaology vol. 1. pgs 375, 528 and F. Douglas Halverson: "County Histories of the United States"
TIME-LINE
I have not found a recorded date from the marriage of Edward Bray and Sarah Maynard (sometimes spelled maynor). The marriage took place in Virginia, Their son, Henry was born August 22, 1755 in Fairfax County, VA.
TIME-LINE: 1 Richard Bray was born in 1742.
2 Susannah Bray was born about 1744.
3 Rachel Bray was born about 1746.
4 Elizabeth Bray was born about 1748.
5. Sarah (Sally) Bray was born about 1750.
6. Edward Bray was born about 1752 in Virginia.
7 Henry Bray Sr was born on 22 Aug 1755 in Fairfax County, Virginia. He died on 27 Aug 1838 in Mooresville, Morgan County, Indiana. He was buried on 27 Aug 1838 in White Lick Cemetery, White Lick, Morgan County, Indiana.
8 James Bray was born about 1756.
9. Mary Jane (Polly) Bray was born about 1757 in Chatham County, North Carolina.
10. John Bray.
11 Joseph Bray was born about 1760.
12. 1760, 1-5 Sarah Maynor Bray received permission to join Cane Creek Orange County, NC from Fairfax, MM Lauden County VA. She had been disowned by the Society for marrying a non Quaker.
13. 1788 1-3 Henry Bray received permission to go to New Garden MM, NC from Cain Creek MM, NC to marry. He did not leave Cane Creek MM at this time.
14. 1788, 2-2 Henry Bray and Kezia Huff Jone
Events
| Birth | 5 Jan 1719 | Chatham County, North Carolina | |||
| Christen | 1737 | Fairfax, Virginia, United States | |||
| Marriage | 27 Oct 1759 | North Carolina, British America - Sarah MAYNARD | |||
| Census | 1790 | Chatham County, North Carolina |  | ||
| Death | 5 Jan 1800 | Chatham, North Carolina, United States | | ||
| Burial | Friends Cemetery, Deep River Mm, Surry, North Carolina |
Families
| Spouse | Sarah MAYNARD (1733 - 1803) |
| Child | Patrick BRAY (1755 - 1826) |
| Father | Edward BRAY IV ( - 1739) |
| Mother | Ann DUNCUMB (1696 - 1774) |
Endnotes
1. 1790 Federal Census, North Carolina, Chatham County, National Archives, Ancestry.com, Orem Utah.
2. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN QUAKER GENEALOGY, BY HINSHAW,, William Wade Hinshaw, Family History Library, 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 USA.