My Genealogy Hound

James G. Ray, one of the most successful merchants of Riley Township, but a resident of Marvinsville, Yell County, this State, came to this county in 1859 from Gibson County, Tenn., and settled on the tract of land he now owns. After taking up his residence here he followed farming until three years ago, when he entered the merchandising business, opening with a stock at Marvinsville; he conducted business there until May, when he sold out. Upon leaving there he went to Bentley and, in July, 1890, opened with a good stock and has been doing a very successful business since. He was born in Wake County, N. C., October 3, 1832, the son of David and Eda (Joplin) Ray, who were also natives of that State. His father followed farming in North Carolina, where he remained until 1849, when he moved to Tennessee, and came to Arkansas in 1859, where he spent the remainder of his life and died in October, 1865; his widow survived him only four years. James G. received his limited education in Tennessee, but was married in Logan County, Ark., in 1863 to Catherine, daughter of James Lattie, born December 15, 1833. To them have been born six children, five of whom are living: Eliza (wife of Arch MaGorgen), James, Joseph, Priscilla, and John, and Ella (deceased). He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist and Methodist Episcopal Churches, respectively. Our subject enlisted at Danville, July 17, 1862, in Company H, under Capt. Harrod and Col. Rings, and took part in the battle of Prairie Grove; was also in a number of skirmishes, and surrendered at Fort Smith at the close of the war, when he returned home. He is a member of the Baker Creek Lodge 388, A. F. & A. K, and was elected magistrate and constable for several years in which offices he has always performed the duties incumbent upon him to the best of his ability.