My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Sebastian County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Joab H. Bray was born in Chatham County, N. C., March 17, 1825, and is a son of Solomon and Sallie (Brooks) Bray, natives of the same county and State. The father was a man of education, and was a wagon-maker by trade. Both himself and wife died in North Carolina in October, 1848. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following seven are still living: Joab, Leander, Ely S., Ruth, Julia, Ursula and Mary. Those deceased were named Charles, Samuel and Elizabeth. The grandparents on both sides were born and passed their entire lives in Chatham County, N. C. Joab learned the wagon-maker’s trade of his father, and followed that business exclusively until coming to Arkansas. He received a good education, and in 1860 immigrated to Tennessee by wagon, settled in Hardeman County, where he conducted extensive wagon-works until 1879. In 1853 he married Emily Brooks, a native of North Carolina, who has borne him eleven children: Adelaide S., Lousena A., Ursula H., John B., Joab L., Charles G., Edwin W., Mary E. and Walter. Decimus and an infant are deceased. While in North Carolina Mr. Bray belonged to the militia, in which he advanced to the office of adjutant. He also served as justice of the peace and constable. Mr. Bray came to this county in 1879, and now owns 220 acres of land, eight-five being under cultivation. In religion his wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, and he to the Cumberland Presbyterian, and in politics Mr. Bray is a strong Democrat. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity over forty years, and is a much respected citizen.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 217 biographies included in The History of Sebastian County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Sebastian County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Sebastian County, Arkansas family biographies here: Sebastian County, Arkansas

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.