Finding Eliza – Family history blog

E – EIGHT cabins

Lot to unpack here… my mind snagged on 75 people in 8 “cabins” Opps, I miscounted the first time, there were 48 people in eight cabins with four young girls, ages 12, 13 and 19 being rented out so that they weren’t living in the cabins.

By 1860 David Cleage had real estate worth $20,000 and a personal worth of $90,000. He now owned 48 people who lived in eight cabins.

Below is the 1860 slave census with those on David Cleage’s plantation being listed by age, sex and color (Mu(lato) or B(lack). Unfortunately they are not arranged in family groups. Sometimes a family shared a cabin. Sometimes a group of unmarried young men shared a cabin.

The 1860 Slave Census for David Cleage

Names and approximate ages of some of the enslaved people that lived in the quarters in 1860 on David Cleage’s plantation. They are in family groups.

Charles A. 32
Martha 25
Julie 11
Hillard 9
Frank 3
Philip 1

Charles 20
Mary 4
Richard 2
James 1

Jerry 33
Charlotte 25
Harriett 10
America Emaline 8
Joseph 3
Mary 2

Henry 36
Jane 29

Joseph 45
Amy 35
Henry 3
Jeff 2

Isaac 32
Fanny 35
William 13
Mariah 12
Neppie 10
Steve 9
Isaac 6
Malinda 3

Fanny 38
Martha Jane 20
Mary 18
Lydia 16
Ellen 14
Sydney 12
Jacob 9

From The New York Public Library. Click photo to go to page.

The pictures of these cabins are not from those on the Cleage plantation. None of those remain. They were probably similar. The cabins were grouped together near the house which allowed for community interaction. The cabins, at least some of them, had a loft that was used for sleeping, along with the downstairs. After all, quite a few people lived in most of the cabins.

A Cabin Story
“The rectangular one-story, two-room, weatherboard-clad building is constructed of southern yellow pine. It includes an overhanging porch roof, a brick masonry fireplace, and a back door. The original design featured a single front doorway, an open floor plan, and a loft. As many as 10 to 12 enslaved people were held in bondage in the cabin, where they slept in the open space and the loft.
” After freedom came, formerly enslaved Black people served as sharecroppers and lived in their former slave cabins, which they retrofitted in an effort to make them homes. They added newspaper for insulation. They added a wall dividing the large common area into two rooms. They also manifested their freedom by adding a back door, enabling them to come and go as they pleased, no longer under surveillance from the single entryway.”

In Fanny Cleage Turks application for a pension due her because her husband, Isaac Turk served in the United States Colored Troops, Charles A. Cleage gave the following testimony. Both families were enslaved on David Cleage’s plantation.

“…Charles A. Cleage, who, I hereby certify, is a respectable and credible person, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid claim as follows: that he and the said soldier Isaac Turk were slaves and belonged to the same master during the year 1849 and on up to the war of the rebellion they lived as the custom was, within a few nods of each other, both being married and having children; he further states he is enabled to fix the date of birth of Mariah Witt, daughter of said soldier Isaac Turk, by the birth of his own daughter Juley Ann Watts, which as his family Bible Record shows, occurred July 29th 1849, said Mariah Witt being born just one month later which would make the birth of said child Mariah August 29th 1849.”

Sallie Marsh said in a testimony in the Katie Cleage pension case:
“When his mother died she gave Philip to me to take care of. Philip slept in my house upstairs, until he went in the army. He slept with my oldest boy. My boys name was GEORGE Cleage, I don’t know whether he is living or not. The last I heard of him he was at Corinth, Mississippi.“

D – DAVID Cleage Bill of Sale

In 1850 slave holder David Cleage, his wife Martha and their two little sons lived with his father Samuel Clegg in Athens, Tennessee. The spelling of “Clegg” was changed to “Cleage” after the Civil War. Samuel’s occupation was farmer and he had real estate worth $20,500 and enslaved 31 people.

David was a bank cashier with $1,000 worth of real estate and owned 32 men, women and children. Later that year, his father was killed by his overseer and David, and his three older siblings, Alexander, Elizabeth and Sarah, divided their father’s property and enslaved people.

By 1860 David Cleage had real estate worth $20,000 and a personal worth of $90,000. He now owned 52 people who lived in eight cabins. Among them was the family of eight he had purchased from John Armstrong in 1852.

Register
147
John Armstrong }
Bill of Sale }
David Cleage }
Know all men by these presents that I John Armstrong, of the County of McMinn, and State of Tennessee, for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand six hundred and fifty-five dollars to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, and sold, and delivered unto David Cleage, of the County and State aforesaid, the following named negro slaves, for life, to wit, Fanny aged about thirty years, Martha Jane, aged about twelve years, Ellen, aged about ten years, Mary aged about eight years, Lydia, aged about six years, Sidney, aged about four years, Jacob, aged about one year, there being seven in number and all Children of Fannys. Each of said Negroes I warrant Sound and healthy. both in body and mind, and free from any defect whatever – and slaves for life, and covenant and agree that the title is clear of any incumberance whatever, and also Warrant the title of the same to the said David Cleage, his heirs or assigns, against the lawful claims of all persons whatever, for which I bind myself, my heirs Executors & C – Will in testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this the fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two – –
Witness           }
H P Wilson       }
Thos A Cleage }              John Armstrong Seal

This is the third slave holder who bought a family with seven children in these first four posts. We will find out more about this family in a later post.

Other posts related to Samuel and David Cleage.

C is for Cleage Bricks – About 1820
Article of Agreement Between Sam Cleage and Overseer – 1834
Bill of Sale for Bob, age 13 and Jim age 11 – 1843
Death of Sam Cleage – July 20, 1850 Athens, TN
The Death of Sam Cleage – part 2 – 1850

C – CATHERINE Cleage

Catherine, known as Katie, was born on the Hurst plantation in Mouse Creek, McMinn County, Tennessee. She was the fourth of the seven known children of Hulda Hurst. When Katie was 13, Alexander and Jemima (Hurst) Cleage bought her from Jemima’s brother, Lewis Russell Hurst. She was put to work as the seamstress.

Phillip Cleage was born into slavery about 1843 on the plantation of Alexander Cleage in Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee. Phillip was the third child of the four known children of Julie Ann Evans. He grew up to work on the farm. Sometimes he drove the coach.

In 1862, when Phillip was 19 and Katie was 16, they were married by the slave holder, Alexander Cleage. They had two children together. The first was stillborn. The second died soon after birth.

When Sherman’s army came to the area, Phillip and other men from the Cleage plantations joined the 1st U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery (USCT).

As the confusion of war intensified, Katie decided she would leave too. She first went to Cleveland, Tennessee and after working a variety of sewing jobs, eventually ended up in the USCT camp in Chattanooga. She lived on the base with her husband until he died of smallpox on 9 February 1866. In 1883 Katie filed for a widow’s pension.

Her life story is told in her depositions and those of members of her community, including others who had been enslaved on the Cleage plantations, neighbors, men who served in the same unit as Phillip and members of the slave holding Cleage family.

Using these testimonies and related information I reconstructed Katie’s life in a series of blog posts in 2019. Recently, I found this Bill of Sale between L. R. Hurst and his brother-in-law Alexander Cleage for Katie (Catherine), and her siblings. They are not related to me, but are part of the community that my Cleages were also a part of on Alexander’s plantation.

**1857 L. R. Hurst Bill of Sale to Alexander Cleage**. Click to see image on familysearch.org

Register
L. R. Hurst – bill sale – Alexander Cleage
State of Tennessee McMinn County October 19th 1857, For and in Consideration of the sum of Six thousand five hundred dollars, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, I have this day sold and delivered unto Alexander Cleage Six negroes, Vis, Charles, about eighteen, Abram, aged about sixteen, Isaac aged about fifteen years, Catharine, aged about thirteen, years, and Horrace & George, twins, aged about eight years, slaves for life, I bind myself to warrant and defend the title to said property given under my hand date above, witness, J. S. Hurst, L. R. Hurst

“My husband purchased her when quite a child…” – Jemima Cleage
Katie Cleage Civil War Pension File

B – BETSY

Betsy, also known as Elizabeth, was born into slavery in Maryland around 1837. She was eight years old when her family was sold to Foster Ray and taken to Lebanon Kentucky “for the use of him and his family.”

While enslaved she married Stephen Doneghy. They had several children before he left in 1864 to join the United States Colored Troops and fight in the Civil War. After slavery they remained in Lebanon, Kentucky. Stephen worked as a farm laborer and as a servant. Neither Betsy or Stephen could read or write. In 1870 their oldest son, Thomas was attending school. The younger sons at six and two were not yet old enough.

The following year, Marietta Ray Foster, the former wife of slave holder Foster Ray died and left bequests to some of her “former servants”, including Betsy. She left her $150. According to the inflation calculator that would be worth almost $4,000 today. There was also a bequest directing her nephew to spend $500 on the education of “Tim”, who I assume is Thomas. Thomas did get educated and became a teacher.

On October 4, 1879 Betsy and Stephen’s youngest son, Wesley, was born. Two months later Stephen died of unknown causes at home, unattended by a doctor.

In the 1880 census Betsy and eight of her children remained in Lebanon living at 144 Main Street. The children were Thomas (20), Samuel (17), James (12), Tinsley (10), Katie (7), Laura (6), Mary (3) and Wesley who was eight months old. The two oldest sons were working as servnts. Betsy was 48 and keeping house.

Click to enlarge to see where Betsy and family lived in Louisville. Houses highlighted in red.

In 1893 Thomas died at 33 years old. By 1897 the family had relocated to Louisville, Kentucky – 67 miles to the north. Louisville was a destination for many leaving Lebanon. Betsy’s house at 815 Thirteenth Street was full. Three daughters, three sons, two spouses and three grandsons made up the household. Everybody was employed except Sam’s wife. There were two laundresses, two domestics, two cooks, a waiter and a coachman.

In 1902, the family address in the city directory, was around the corner at 1204 W. Madison. It was there that Samuel died of meningitis in November of 1901. Tinsley followed him in December dying of inflammatory rheumatism. Betsy herself died of senility on January 1, 1906.

Previous posts in this series.

Foster Ray – Slaveholder
Marietta Ray Foster’s Death and Will – 1872
Thomas Ray Allen 1847 – 1907
Agnes Primus
Clara Hoskins Green – Thomas’ Mother
A – ASSUMPTIONS

A – ASSUMPTIONS

This is my 13th year participating in the A to Z Challenge. This year I will be writing about the families that were once enslaved on the plantation of Foster and Marietta Ray in Lebanon, Kentucky.

I first learned what plantation my grandmother Pearl’s family were enslaved on when I discovered her uncle Thomas Allen who was part of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. The information was in his petition file. Since then I have found more information and more names of the members of that community.

I found several news items from 1845 that appeared in the local Lebanon paper and mentioned that Foster Ray had asked for and received permission to bring in nine enslaved people for his “personal use”. At this time it was illegal to bring people into Kentucky and resell them, but keeping them for yourself was okay. I assumed that these were nine unrelated people until I found another item saying that the group was a family, Basil and Dinah and seven of their children – Felix (12), John (11), Agnes (10), Betsy (8), Treesy (6), Virginia (2) and Basil (1).

I found Basil and Dinah in only one record, a baptismal record for Basil at St. Augustine Catholic Church. I assume they died before slavery in Kentucky ended with the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 18, 1865. It was one of the last places in the U.S. to emancipate enslaved people.

All the children survived to be free and I found records for them – census, marriage, death records and the Will of Marietta Ray Foster, who left bequests to several of them along with two of my family members. I had assumed that all of them were unrelated and started separate family trees for each. I also assumed that they took the name of “Ray”. They didn’t. All but Basil took the name “Primus”. Which I assume was the name their parents used.

While looking for a picture to illustrate this post, I came across the one below. It was another mother with seven of her children. They were born in Maryland, as was the Primus family. You can click on the picture for more information about Anna Marie Jackson and her family who were not from the Foster Ray plantation.

A mother and her seven children who escaped to Canada after her husband died. Not related to my group.

I will write about several members of the Primus family during this challenge.

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Previous posts in this series.

Foster Ray – Slaveholder
Marietta Ray Foster’s Death and Will – 1872
Thomas Ray Allen 1847 – 1907
Agnes Primus
Clara Hoskins Green – Thomas’ Mother

Family and Friends – A to Z 2026 Reveal

AtoZChallenge theme reveal 2026 March 9 to 14

During this, is my 12th A to Z Challenge, I will be writing 26 alphabetical posts about my paternal grandmother’s and maternal grandfather’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a few neighbors. I think I have a few partially written drafts, but I’m far from ready.

See you in April.

Maternal grandfather Mershell C. Graham and paternal grandmother Pearl R. Cleage

Clara Hoskins Green – My 2X Great Grandmother

Cabinet card of an unidentified woman photographed by JP Ball & Son, 1887-1900. James Presley Ball put his work to use in the service of the anti-slavery movement, for example by exhibiting pictures and paintings that showed the institution’s cruelty, in a Cincinnati show in 1855. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Clara Hoskins was my 2 X great grandmother and first appeared to me in a family tree my paternal grandmother Pearl Reed Cleage wrote for me.

My grandmother Pearl Cleage’s handwritten family tree.

Clara was born in Kentucky about 1825. In 1870 she lived in Lebanon, Kentucky with her husband James Green, ten year old Benjamin Green and five year old granddaughter Josephine “Josie” Campbell. I do not know if Benjamin was their child, another grandchild or a nephew. He was attending school and was able to read. Clara did not work outside of the home. James was a carpenter. Both were illiterate. Her three children lived within walking distance of her home. The neighbors on both sides were also carpenters.

20 Nov 1871 • Lebanon, Marion, Kentucky, USA
“Item: I give and bequeath to Clara Greene and to Sara Jane Primas and to Virgie Ray and to Jim Ray all of color and my former servants the sum of one hundred dollars each .”

In the 1880 census James and Clara lived alone. Although James was sick and disabled, his occupation was still listed as carpenter. Several people living nearby had consumption.

My great grandmother Anna Reed lived next door with her six children

Clara died before her husband. I do not have a death date because Marion county did not keep death records at that time, however, on October 31, 1895, Frank White was appointed to administer the estate of James Green, deceased. As there was no mention of Clara, I surmise that she was already dead.

Clara was Catholic so I hoped that I would find her and her family in the Baptismal or Burial records for Marion County. I found her daughter Sarah and her children listed as being baptized at St. Augustine Catholic church. I did not find Thomas or Anna listed. A Clara was listed, but if Clara was born in 1825, I hope that she would nor have given birth ten years later.

“Ceremonies of baptism supplied, 6-21-1835, to St. Charles Catholic Church of Susanna Rebecca, servant of Widow Osking or Hoskins. Age 7 weeks. Sponsor, Teresa, servant of Th. Spalding. Mother: Clara, servant of Widow Osking or Hoskins.” from the CD “Marion County – Black Baptisms”

One of Clara Hoskin Greene’s great grandsons, my father, ready to take photos.

CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

Sarah Jane Ray 1845–1907 – Born into slavery, Illiterate. Day work after husband (Felix Primous) died. Birthed nine. Eight lived to adulthood.
Susan Primous – 1863–1915
Elizabeth Primous – 1864–1911
Frank Prymous – 1867–1942
John Thomas Ray Primous – 1870–1927
Estella Jane Primous – 1872–1880
Edna Ulalia Primous- 1876–1956
Joseph William Primus – 1878–1931
Martha “Mattie” Prymous – 1883–1938

Thomas Ray Allen 1847–1907 – Born into slavery; learned to read and write as an adult; served with the United States Colored Troops; hostler (takes care of horses); married twice; childless.

Anna Ray Allen 1849–1911 – Born into slavery, never learned to read or write; laundress; birthed eight children all lived to adulthood.
Josie Campbell – 1865–1900
George A Reed -1867–1945
Sarah Jane Reed – 1871–1954
Lillian Louise Reed – 1873–1938
Hugh Reed Averette – 1876–1951
Minnie Averitt Reed – 1878–1963
Clarence Elwood Reed – 1882–1954
Pearl Doris Reed – 1884–1982 (My grandmother)

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Other posts in this series

Marietta Ray Foster’s Death and Will – 1872
Agnes Primus

Agnes Primus

Unknown woman is stripped dress holding handkerchief from the Alvan S. Harper Collection

Agnes Primus was born into slavery in Maryland about 1835. When I found her, she was enslaved by Foster and Marietta Ray in Lebanon, Kentucky. Her two children were born there and were baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Lebanon.

A print of a baby getting baptized. Not related to the subject at hand.

Agnes son John was born May 9, 1852. He was baptized by Rev. John B. Hutchins on March 4, 1853. Agnes was listed as the mother, a servant of Foster Ray. Although they use the word “servant” they were all enslaved.

Her daughter, Kate Elizabeth was born April 12, 1855 and baptized February 28, 1857 again by Rev. John B. Hutchins at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Agnes listed as mother, servant of Foster Ray.

Home of Foster and Marietta Ray. Later Marietta and Col. Thomas Foster. *The Lebanon Enterprise*
Lebanon, Kentucky • Thu, Mar 29, 1962Page 1

In the 1870 census, Agnes Primus and her two children, now 18 and 17, were among the servants enumerated in the household of Marietta and Colonel Thomas Foster. Col. Thomas Foster was listed as a farmer with real estate worth $324,150 and personal worth valued at $81,460. The photo above shows their large home. Living there were Marietta’s infirm mother Elizabeth Phillips, her 34 year old nephew/adopted son Hugh B. Ray, a little two year old Belle Phillips, and ten servants. The gardener and the nurse were identified as white. Both were literate. Six were identified as black and Agnes’ children as mulatto. Of the six, five were illiterate. Agnes could read and not write. Katie and John were literate.

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I was surprised to find Katie Primus as a student at Berea College during the 1870-1871 school year. The 1870 Census was taken during the summer so she could have been in Lebanon during the summer at Berea during the school year.

Berea College was founded in Madison County, Kentucky in 1855 by Kentucky abolitionists and educators. The school was integrated and the ministers associated with Berea preached and talked against slavery. After John Brown’s raid in 1859, sentiment ran high against the school. There were numerous mob actions until the staff left Kentucky en masses for points north with plans to return as soon as they could. After the Civil War, they were able to and established the school. Berea was not a college as we think of them today – subjects went from the very basics through the college curriculum. If you are interested, you can read more here.

Will of Marietta Foster

“Item: I give and bequeath to my faithful nurse Agnes Primas one thousand dollars to be invested by my executors in a house and lot in Lebanon for her and her heirs as they may consider best for her interests.”

Marietta Foster wrote her will November 20, 1871. Among other bequests, she left $1,000 to buy Agnes Primus a house. Marietta Foster died on January 9, 1872.

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In the 1880 Census Agnes Primus was living with a different white family, Harrison and Mary Borders and their daughter Mary, who suffered from rheumatism. Harrison drove an express wagon. There were three servants.

Katie Primus worked as a servant and boarded with the James Smith family. Katie’s brother John Scott married James’ daughter, Hattie Smith later that year. Unfortunately, John died in 1881, soon before their daughter was born on November 20, 1881. Hattie named her John Scott, after her father. That was pretty confusing as I thought she must be a boy with that name. Rev. Peter Joseph DeFraine baptized John Scott Primus, six days later at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Katie Primus was the sponsor.

In 1885 Katie Primus married Henry C. Allen in Chicago, Ill. By 1900, they had three sons Primus, Guy and Stanley.

Agnes lived with Katie and her husband in Chicago until her death in 1919. She is buried in MT Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

At first Katie’s husband Henry worked as a waiter in a hotel. Later did catering. By 1920 they owned their home valued at $5,000 free of mortgage. In the early years, Katie did hairdressing. Later she had no occupation outside of the home. Through the years the house was full of family – sons, and grandchildren. Henry died in 1930. Katie followed him eight years later in 1938. She was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Agnes’ Grandchildren

John Scott Primus, born in 1882, chose to be known as Scottie Primus. She took her step father’s last name – Davis. Scottie became a high school English teacher. She taught in Kansas City, Missouri for many years, retiring to Louisville, Kentucky where she died in 1963.

The oldest was named Primus A. Allen was born in 1887. He completed the 6th grade. He was tall, slim with blue eyes. He married and had one son. Although he started his work life as a plasterer, he later became a red cap with railroads and continued with that. He lived with his brother Guy when he died in 1954.

Guy Eugene Allen was born in 1890. He completed four years of high school. He was tall, slender with brown eyes and brown hair. He and his wife had two sons. For awhile he worked as a postman. Later, Guy had his own business building and repairing houses. He owned his own home, right down the street from his brother Stanley. He died in 1986.

Stanley Henry Allen was born in 1892. He completed the 8th grade. He was medium height, medium weight with dark brown eyes, black hair and light brown complexion. He was a porter at the railroad station. He married but had no children. He owned his home when died in 1970.

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Agnes Primus and her family came a long way from slavery. I could not find any evidence that Agnes owned a home in Lebanon, Kentucky. Perhaps she did and sold it, financing her move with Katie to Chicago.

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More about this family

Marietta Ray Foster’s Death and Will – 1872

Marietta Ray Foster’s Death and Will – 1872

***The Standard and Times***, Lebanon, Kentucky • Wed, Jan 10, 1872 Page 2

I only had one, Foster Ray…

In the Civil War pension file of my 2x great uncle Thomas Allen, I learned that the slave holder of my paternal grandmother’s grandmother and and her children was Foster Ray of Marion County, Kentucky. His wife’s name was Marietta Philips Ray. He died in 1863. Unfortunately he left his affairs in order so there was no need for probate with a list of those people he enslaved.

**From the pension file of Thomas Allen**

“Were you a slave? If so, state the names of all former owners, particularly the name of your owner at the date of your enlistment. Yes, only had one Foster Ray.“

Several years later Foster Ray’s wife, Marietta remarried. Her second husband was Col Thomas Foster. She died in 1872 and according to newspaper articles, there was an outpouring of sorrow. Her funeral was crowded with standing room only. The eulogy was printed as a pamphlet because so many people wanted a copy. Unfortunately I was unable to find one.

Funeral of Mrs. Foster

The funeral of Mrs. Marietta Foster late consort of Col. T.J. Foster of this city, took place at the Baptist church at ten o’clock last Wednesday morning. The respect and affection felt for the deceased was strikingly evinced on this occasion by the uncommonly large assembly which came together to pay this last sad tribute to her memory. The house was filled to its utmost capacity, the seats being nearly all occupied by ladies, while most of the gentlemen stood in the aisles and other available standing room. Many went away because they were unable to find a place in the house.
The services were opened by the chanting of a voluntary by the choir- “Silent Land,” in D minor – a most touching and appropriate musical composition, admirably interpreted by a few fine voices. Rev. V. E. Kirtley conducted the introductory services, after which the funeral discourse was preached by Rev. T.H. Cleland, D. D., from the text, “And in the garden there was a sepulchre.” The sermon was a deeply impressive and feeling one, and held the audience spell-bound from the initial sentence to the close. We shall not mar it by attempting a synopsis, as it will be printed in full in pamphlet form in a few days.
At the conclusion of the services the remains were removed and interred in Ryder Cemetery.
Few persons have ever died more generally regretted by all their acquaintances than Mrs. Foster. The kindness of her disposition and the suavity of her manners, entirely free from any trace of pride or exclusiveness upon the hearts of all with whom she came in contact and attracted them irresistibly toward her. The loss so deeply deplored by those nearest to her is sensibly felt and sincerely lamented by the whole community.
Transcribed from The Standard and Times, Lebanon, Kentucky • Wed, Jan 17, 1872 Page 1

In her Will, Marietta Ray foster left some money to those she described as her former servants. My great great grandmother Clara Hoskins Greens and her daughter Sara Ray Primus were among those named.

From the Will of Marietta Phillips Foster

About 1871 Marion, Kentucky, USA
Will Date: 20 Nov 1871 Probate Date: 20 Nov 1871
Item: I give and bequeath to my faithful nurse Agnes Primas one thousand dollars to be invested by my executors in a house and lot in Lebanon for her and her heirs as they may consider best for her interests.
Item: I give and bequeath to Clara Greens and to Sara Jane Primas and to Virgie Ray and to Jim Ray all of color and my former servants the sum of one hundred dollars each and to Tresey Maxwell and Betsey Doneghy (also of color) the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars each.
Item: I request that my said nephew Hugh B. Ray shall out of the remainder which may accrue to him of my estate after my husband’s death, expend the sum of five hundred dollars in the education of Tim (Jim?) the son of Stephen Doueghy and Betsey his wife.

Did they receive this money? Did it change their lives? It was hard to tell with only the censuses and other records available online. More to come.

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Thomas Ray Allen 1847 – 1907
Foster Ray – Slaveholder