Matilda Ray (1814-1900)

RAY, WILLIAMS, WALKER

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 2/12/2021 at 15:41:20

April 5, 1900 Osceola Sentinel

A well known colored woman, Mrs. Matilda Ray, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joesph Williams in this city Saturday evening, March 31st, aged eighty-five years, four months and twenty-seven days. The funeral services were held at the A.M.E. church Sunday, April 1st, at two p.m., Rev. Joplin delivering the sermon.

The deceased was born in slavery on the plantation of Brias Ray, July 14th, 1814, and remained with him until his death in Gentry county, Mo., in 1868. In that time her master had moved to Kentucky, thence to Clay county, Mo., and lastly to Gentry county.

She was married to Thomas Ash in early life. Six children were born of the union; only two are living – Mrs. John Walker, of Des Moines and Mrs. Joe Williams of Osceola. One son died in army service, he and Joe Williams enlisting together. Mrs. Ray drew a pension because of his death. She had lived in Osceola since 1874. Her son-in-law, John Walker, of Des Moines attended the funeral.