Ray, S. E.

The following data is extracted from Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - Charleston Township.

S. E. Ray, dealer in dry and fancy goods, boots and shoes, etc., Charleston; was born near Montpelier, Vt., Aug. 5, 1833; in early childhood, he accompanied his parents to Geauga Co. (now Lake), Ohio; there, his father resided until his death, and his mother still resides there; at about the age of 20 years, Mr. Ray went to La Fayette, Ind., and engaged as a traveling salesman for Luce Brothers in the stationery business; and, after remaining with them four years, went to Chicago, and for about six years traveled for the well-known stationery house of Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co., establishing the Memphis branch of that house, under the name of C. H. Chamberlain & Co., which continued until after the breaking-out of the war; in 1862, he returned to Chicago, and the following year came to Charleston and engaged in the livery business; in 1875, he disposed of his business, and engaged in merchandising. Mr. Ray was married March 31, 1863, to Miss Josephine Bunnell, of Charleston; she died Sept. 18, 1867, leaving one child-Henrietta, since deceased. He was married again Dec. 10, 1867, to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Willhoit, of Edgar Co., Ill., and has one child -Samuel A. Mr. Ray is President of the Board of Education of Charleston, of which he has been a member for the .past two years, and has served two terms on the Board of Aldermen.

Source: Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - Charleston Township

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