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.
“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.
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.
Transcribed from The Standard and Times, Lebanon, Kentucky • Wed, Jan 17, 1872 Page 1
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
