The Gray family tree spreads across several states with roots growing deep into Illinois, Oklahoma, and California. James Gray, the earliest proven ancestor of the Gray family line, was born in Illinois.

He married Martha Virginia White (also known as “Mattie”). Mattie was born on October 13, 1847 in Washington County, Illinois. She was the daughter of William Harvel White M.D., born on July 26, 1810 in Georgia and Mary Emeline (maiden name unknown), born on December 27, 1815 in Illinois.

James and Mattie had at least three children, all born in Illinois:   

William Howard Gray, born March 1868

Flora Jane Gray (also known as Minnie) born on April 17, 1869

Thomas M. Gray, born on August 5, 1871

This 1870 Illinois census shows a Gray family living in the Patoka Township, Patoka Post Office, in Marion County. View census image

Note: the census taker only put down Mattie's middle name.  This “Virginia” in all probability is Martha Virginia Gray, the age would be correct. The names and ages of William H. and Flora would also be correct.

There is no other information on Mary B. Gray. If this is the correct family, she could be from a previous marriage. There is a Mary B. Gray (age 18) listed on the 1880 census living in District 109, Patoka Township, Marion County with her Grandmother, Nancy M. Gray, age 63. View original census image

On February 3, 1881, a Mary B. Gray married William P. Simcox in Marion County, Illinois. (NOTE: William P. Simcox is on the same 1880 census page as Mary)

James Gray died between 1871 and 1874. The cause of his death is unknown. Mattie was left with small children to raise, so she took in washing to support the family.

On November 15, 1874, Mattie married Henry L. Mann in Sangamon County, Illinois. Henry (born August 3, 1824) had been married before and had several children. Only one survived. Into this marriage, he brought one daughter named Lillie L. Mann, born in February 23, 1869.

Henry and Mattie had a daughter together named Ada F. Mann, born on February 15, 1878 in Illinois.

The entire family is listed on the 1880 census in the Mosquito Township, Christian County, Illinois.  View original census image