BRAY David

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 1028
• Land: 1705
• Land: 1730, Fredericksburg, VA
• Occupation: 1731, York County, VA; Appointed to Council

Notes:

Genealogies of Virginia Families, Wm & Mary Quarterly: Was a member of the Council in 1699.

Was appointed to the council in 1731 and died 1731.

WMQ:
DAVID BRAY(David l, James1), born 1699, Was appointed to the Council in 1731, and died October 5, 1731 (tombstone in Bruton Churchyard, Va. Historical Coll. XI, pg. 80). He married Elizabeth (born 1702, died. April 22, 1734), eldest daughter of John Page, nephew of Col. John Page.

According to the biography found in the Encycloepdia of Virginia Biography, Vol 1&2, Colonial Councillors of State, page 131, David Bray, Col, is the Grandson of James Bray 1611 to 1691. James, born 1611, and his wife Angelica, born 1611, would have marrried for the first time at about 18 to 20, or 1629 to 1631. Angelica baby-birthing would have been finished about 40, or 1651. The biography states they had three sons. Off-spring of James and Angelica should have birthdays between 1630 and 1650. This reinforces the statement that David is a grandson of James. Now the question remains, who were the 3 male offspring of James (1611) If James (junior,, born about 1640) is one, two are unknown.//FRRoss 12 Aug 2008//
Name: David Bray of James City county, a son of Col. David Bray of the same place, and (great) grandson of Councillor Bray, was born in 1699. He was a man of large estate and, in 1631 (typo; actually 1731), on the recommendation of Gov. Gooch, appointed a member of the council. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Page, of Williamsburg, but died Oct. 5, 1731, without issue.
Several entries in the St Peters Parish Vestry book confirm Thomas Bray Jr, born About 1701, as a member of the parish. The parish records establish That Thomas Bray (born about 1654) was a wealthy and influential person elected to the vestry of the old original wooden church near New Kent, Virginia, and that he was called Colonel Thomas Bray. The records also report that he died sometime prior to the 13 January 1701 vestry meeting. We find 3 additional records in the book concerning Col Thomas Bray, dated April 30 1734, May 26 1734, and May 2 1738, dealing with births and deaths of slave children. These entries may only relate to Thomas Bray , junior, born about 1701, who also made the rank of Colonel in the Virginia Militia. Also noteworthy are the entries for Colonel Thomas Bray Senior, which ended with his death, continuing entries for Madam Sarah (Fenn) Bray, who assumed his estate duties ending with her death is 1716, then entries concerning Colonel David Bray, dated from 1724 through 1734. One must assume that Colonel David Bray assumed custody of the plantation after his mother's death, although this does leave an eight year lack of entries under the Bray Name. The last entry for David Bray is 3 April 1734, while the first entry for Thomas Bray is April 30, 1734. Are we to assume that David Bray either died or sold his younger brother the Plantation?//FRRoss 26 Sep 2008//

We have already confirmed by parish records that Captain Thomas Bray Sr (born about 1654) was a wealthy and influential person elected to the vestry of the old original wooden Saint Peters Parish Church near New Kent, Virginia. The records also report that he died sometime prior to the 13 January 1701 vestry meeting.
Several entries in the Vestry book of Saint Peter's Parish, New Kent County, Virginia confirm the existance of Thomas Bray Junior, born about 1701. We find three records in the book concerning a Colonel Thomas Bray, dated April 30 1734, May 26 1734, and May 2 1738, dealing with births and deaths of slave children. These entries may only relate to Thomas Bray, junior, born about 1701, who made the rank of Colonel in the Virginia Militia.
The order of the dated entries seem to confirm that Colonel Thomas Bray is the son of Captain Thomas and Sarah Bray. Noteworthy are the entries for Captain Thomas Bray Senior, which ended with his death, continuing entries for Madam Sarah (Fenn) Bray, who assumed his estate duties ending with her death is 1716, then entries concerning Colonel David Bray, dated from 1724 through 1734. One must assume that Colonel David Bray assumed custody of the plantation after Sarah's death, although this does leave an eight year lack of entries under the Bray Name. The last entry for David Bray is 3 April 1734, while the first entry for Thomas Bray is April 30, 1734. What transpired here?
My first impression is to assume David Bray is the older brother of Thomas Bray and that he may have died leaving the plantation to the younger brother, but this would not generally have been the case. If David was the oldest son, then he probably would have inherited the plantation. Surley, Colonel David Bray would have been married; in which case his wife and children would inherited when he died.
After much thought, considering the similarities between these events and another David Bray already researched, I considered the other documented Colonel David Bray, acting as estate manager untill Thomas is old enought, experienced enough, and/or free from other commitments to manage on his own. Thomas was only 15 when his mother died, and never really knew his father Thomas Senior. That Colonel David Bray, James Bray of 1611's grandson, whose grave lies in the Bruton Parish Church graveyard in Williamsburgh, Virginia, however died in 1716 also. His son David Bray Junior.died suddenly in 1731, so it could be neither of these David Bray'. I am left to assume Thomas Bray Senior had another son, David Bray, who was also a Colonel. //FRRoss 28 Sep 2008//

Land:
Page 1 of a grant of 6500 acres of land in Essex and King and Queen counties to David Bray, Richard Wharton, Henry Lightfoot and Robert Ambrose data 2 May 1705. The land was held in escheat, having been deserted by the original owners. It is interesting to note that the Escheator for York county at this time was John Lightfoot.

Buried:
We have also the monuments of the ancient and excellent family of Brays:-
"Here lyeth the body of Col. David Bray, of this parish, who died 21st of Octo., 1717, in the 52d year of his age, and left his wife Judith and son David Bray, by "whom this monument was erected, in memory of him."
On the same is the following:-
.. Under this tomb, with her husband, lyeth )Mrs. Judith Bray, who departed this life the 26th day of October, 1720, in the 45th year of her age."
There is also a large marble monument, on one side of which is the following:
"Hie depositum quicquid habuit mortale Elizabeth Bray, una cum
marito desideratissimo ,qure langueti morbo consumpta animan resignavit
22 die Aprilis, aono 173? , ?etatis 32.. .Equanimiter, Fortiter, Pie."
On the other side as follows:
"David Bray, armiger, vir forma, ingenio, morum suavitate.....
serenissimo reji Georgia Secundo, Concilii in Virginia constitutus, tamen
ante munus susceptum, florente faetate lmorteabreptus, Elizabetham Johannis
Page armigeri filiam nutu primam, et sine prole maerentem reliquit, Octo. 17, aetate 32."

Translated from Latin inscription: "Here lies buried David Bray, Esquire, a man, handsome, able, and affable and charming in manner. A Justice appointed to the Council in Virginia by the most serene King George the Second, he was snatched away by death before entering office, in the prime of his life. He had joined to him in matrimony Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of John Page, Esquire, most closely joined to him by mutual affection, and he left her childless and grieving October 5th, 1731, aged 32." She put up this monument as a final tribute to their love.

From Geaneological Dictionary of Virginia:
Name: David Bray of James City county, a son of Col. David Bray of the same place, and (great) grandson of Councillor (James) Bray, was born in 1699. He was a man of large estate and, in 1631 (typo; actually 1731), on the recommendation of Gov. Gooch, appointed a member of the council. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Page, of Williamsburg, but died Oct. 5, 1731, without issue.
From A Guide to the Memorials of Bruton Parish Church, Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2006 Edition:
Grave #38 (West Face) original in latin, translation reads "Here lies buried David Bray, Esquire. A man handsome, able, and affable and charming in manner. A Justice Appointed to the Council in Virginia by the most serene King George the second, He was snached away by death before entering office, in the prime of his life. He had joined him in matrimony Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Page, Esquire, Most closley joined to him by mutual affection, and he left her childless and grieving October 5th, 1731, aged 32 years. She set up this monument as a final tribute to their conjugal love." and
(East Face) original in Latin, Translation reads "Here are laid the mortal remains of Elizabeth Bray together with her most beloved husband, consumed by a wasting disease, she gave up the ghost on the 22nd day of April, 1734, in her 32nd year, serenely, courageously, piously."

Family/Spouse: PAGE Elizabeth. Elizabeth (daughter of PAGE John and PAGE Elizabeth --LNU--) was born in 1702; died on 22 Apr 1734; was buried in Williamsburg, VA (Bruton Parish Churchyard). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 1027
• Occupation: 1692, James City County, Virginia; Justice of James City
• Occupation: 1705, James City County, Virginia; Sheriff
• Occupation: 1710, James City County, Virginia; Vestryman
• Alt. Death: 1717
• Alt. Death: 21 Oct 1717

Notes:

Col. DAVID BRAY (James1), of Wilmington Pariah, James City county (born 1666; died October 21, 1717 - tombstone in Bruton Churchyard) was Justice of James City in 1692, Sheriff in 1705, and vestryman 1710; married Judith -- (born 1676, died 0ctober 26, 1720), and had issue:
David (Va. Historical Collection, XI, pg. 80).

BRAY. James City county.
Arms: Azure a chevron between three eagles legs erased a la
Cuisse sable, armed gules.
Crest: An ounce ppr.
James Bray, J. P., of James City county 1666; member of the
Council, 4 March, 1674-5; married Angelica i They had
issue, (1) Thomas; (2) James, J. P., of James City county, in 1710, vestryman of Bruton parish; sheriff in 1717; married about 1698, Mourning, widow of Col. Thomas Pettus. (3) Col. David Bray, J. P., of James City county, 1710; vestryman of Bruton parish; had issue David, born 1699, member of the Council; died 1731; married Elizabeth, dau. of John Page of Gloucester. (4) Angelica, married Mingo Inglis of Williamsburg. The Bray arms are on the tombs of the first and second David Bray in Bruton churchyard. They correspond with the arms of Bray in the Visitation of Nottingham in 1614.

Alt. Death:
David was a Justice in 1692, Sheriff in 1705, and a Vestryman in 1710. He died October 21, 1717, and his wife Judith died in 1720. They are both buried in the Bruton Churchyard, Bruton Parish, Charles, Virginia. His tomb is inscribed: COLONEL DAVID BRAY 1717 together with the Bray coat-of-arms.

Alt. Death:
Date on tombstone in Bruton Parish Churchyard

We have also the monuments of the ancient and excellent family of Brays:-
"Here lyeth the body of Col. David Bray, of this parish, who died 21st of Octo., 1717, in the 52d year of his age, and left his wife Judith and son David Bray, by "whom this monument was erected, in memory of him."
On the same is the following:-
.. Under this tomb, with her husband, lyeth )Mrs. Judith Bray, who departed this life the 26th day of October, 1720, in the 45th year of her age."
There is also a large marble monument, on one side of which is the following:
"Hie depositum quicquid habuit mortale Elizabeth Bray, una cum
marito desideratissimo ,qure langueti morbo consumpta animan resignavit
22 die Aprilis, aono 173? , ?etatis 32.. .Equanimiter, Fortiter, Pie."
On the other side as follows:
"David Bray, armiger, vir forma, ingenio, morum suavitate.....
serenissimo reji Georgia Secundo, Concilii in Virginia constitutus, tamen
ante munus susceptum, florente faetate lmorteabreptus, Elizabetham Johannis
Page armigeri filiam nutu primam, et sine prole maerentem reliquit, Octo. 17, aetate 32."

Buried:
The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Oct., 1893), pp. 78-86

pp. 79. So. Mr. Brock in his notes correctly rep-resents the Bray arms, as inscribed upon the tombs in Bruton churchyard.

We have also the monuments of the ancient and excellent family of Brays:-
"Here lyeth the body of Col. David Bray, of this parish, who died 21st of Octo., 1717, in the 52d year of his age, and left his wife Judith and son David Bray, by "whom this monument was erected, in memory of him."
On the same is the following:-
.. Under this tomb, with her husband, lyeth )Mrs. Judith Bray, who departed this life the 26th day of October, 1720, in the 45th year of her age."
There is also a large marble monument, on one side of which is the following:
"Hie depositum quicquid habuit mortale Elizabeth Bray, una cum
marito desideratissimo ,qure langueti morbo consumpta animan resignavit
22 die Aprilis, aono 173? , ?etatis 32.. .Equanimiter, Fortiter, Pie."
On the other side as follows:
"David Bray, armiger, vir forma, ingenio, morum suavitate.....
serenissimo reji Georgia Secundo, Concilii in Virginia constitutus, tamen
ante munus susceptum, florente faetate lmorteabreptus, Elizabetham Johannis
Page armigeri filiam nutu primam, et sine prole maerentem reliquit, Octo. 17, aetate 32."

David married BRAY Judith --?--. Judith was born in 1676; died on 26 Oct 1720. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
We have also the monuments of the ancient and excellent family of Brays:-
"Here lyeth the body of Col. David Bray, of this parish, who died 21st of Octo., 1717, in the 52d year of his age, and left his wife Judith and son David Bray, by "whom this monument was erected, in memory of him."
On the same is the following:-
.. Under this tomb, with her husband, lyeth )Mrs. Judith Bray, who departed this life the 26th day of October, 1720, in the 45th year of her age."
There is also a large marble monument, on one side of which is the following:
"Hie depositum quicquid habuit mortale Elizabeth Bray, una cum
marito desideratissimo ,qure langueti morbo consumpta animan resignavit
22 die Aprilis, aono 173? , ?etatis 32.. .Equanimiter, Fortiter, Pie."
On the other side as follows:
"David Bray, armiger, vir forma, ingenio, morum suavitate.....
serenissimo reji Georgia Secundo, Concilii in Virginia constitutus, tamen
ante munus susceptum, florente faetate lmorteabreptus, Elizabetham Johannis
Page armigeri filiam nutu primam, et sine prole maerentem reliquit, Octo. 17, aetate 32."

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: James City County, Virginia; Wealthy Ship owner and merchant
• Reference Number: 925
• Occupation: 5 Apr 1670, James City County, Virginia; Council Member
• Occupation: 6 Dec 1677, James City County, Virginia

Notes:

Genealogies of Virginia Families, William and Mary Quarterly, Vol 1, p.447: James Bray of James City County was living in Virginia in 1658, was a member of the Council in 1670, and died at Middle Plantation, Oct 24, 1691(York County Records and Bruton Parrish Register),
His shattered tombstone still rests in Bruton Parish Churchyard, Williamsburg. He married Angelica, and in 1658 received a certificate from York Court on account of the importation of his wife 'twice into Virginia'

WMQ Vol XIV:
JAMES1 BRAY,of James City county, Was living in Virginia in 1658, was a member of the Council in 1610, and died at Middle Plantation, October 24, 1691. (York County Records and Bruton Pariah Register.) His shattered tombstone still rests in Bruton Churchyard, Williamaburg. He married Angelica , and in 1658 received a certificate from York Court on account of the importation of his wife twice into Virginia." He had issue: (Hening, Statutes at Large, IV., 370 ; VI., 412)
Thomas Bray.
James Bray.
David Bray.
Anne Bray.

Name: James Bray of James City county, was living in Virginia as early as 1666, and, on April 15, 1670, was sworn a member of the council. He retained his seat until 1676, when during Bacon's rebellion, he seems to have been an active supporter of Gov. Berkeley. He signed the proclamation of Aug. 11, 1676, calling an assembly to meet in the following September. The commissioners sent to suppress the rebellion reported, on Dec. 6, 1677, that Mr. James Bray was a great loser in his estate by that uprising, but they were evidently not favorably disposed towards him, for the English board of trade and Plantations, on Dec. 6, 1677, pronounced him to be a "rash and fiery fellow," and, on Feb. 10, 1678-79, the same body directed that he be put out of the council. He was too friendly to Berkeley to suit the tastes of the royal commissioners. His wife, Mistress Angelica Bray, will always be remembered as one of the "guardian angels of the rebel camp," as the ladies whom Bacon stood in front of his men at Jamestown to protect them while they were throwing up fortifications, were called. Her maiden name is not known. Col. Bray was a wealthy merchant and ship owner in Virginia. He died Oct. 24, 1691. He had three sons who left issue and a grandson, Col. David Bray, who was also councillor for a few months. III--Colonial Councillors of State

BRAY. James City county.
Arms: Azure a chevron between three eagles legs erased a la
Cuisse sable, armed gules.
Crest: An ounce ppr.
James Bray, J. P., of James City county 1666; member of the
Council, 4 March, 1674-5; married Angelica i They had
issue, (1) Thomas; (2) James, J. P., of James City county, in 1710, vestryman of Bruton parish; sheriff in 1717; married about 1698, Mourning, widow of Col. Thomas Pettus. (3) Col. David Bray, J. P., of James City county, 1710; vestryman of Bruton parish; had issue David, born 1699, member of the Council; died 1731; married Elizabeth, dau. of John Page of Gloucester. (4) Angelica, married Mingo Inglis of Williamsburg. The Bray arms are on the tombs of the first and second David Bray in Bruton churchyard. They correspond with the arms of Bray in the Visitation of Nottingham in 1614.

From William & Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, p. 266:
BRAY FAMILY.
JAMES1 BRAY, of James City county, was living in Virginia in 1658, was a member of the Council in 1670, andHe married Angelica , and in 1658 received a certificate from York Court on account of the importation of his wife "twice into Virginia." He had issue: (Hening, Statutes at Large, IV., 370; I., 412) 2 Thomas Bray, 3 James Bray, 4 David Bray, 5 Anne Bray.
Of James City county, was living in Virginia as early as 1666, and, on April 15, 1670, was sworn a member of the council. He retained his seat until 1676, when during Bacon's rebellion, he seems to have been an active supporter of Gov. Berkeley. He signed the proclamation of Aug. 11, 1676, calling an assembly to meet in the following September. The commissioners sent to suppress the rebellion reported, on Dec. 6, 1677, that Mr. James Bray was a great loser in his estate by that uprising, but they were evidently not favorably disposed towards him, for the English board of trade and Plantations, on Dec. 6, 1677, pronounced him to be a "rash and fiery fellow," and, on Feb. 10, 1678-79, the same body directed that he be put out of the council. He was too friendly to Berkeley to suit the tastes of the royal commissioners. His wife, Mistress Angelica Bray, will always be remembered as one of the "guardian angels of the rebel camp," as the ladies whom Bacon stood in front of his men at Jamestown to protect them while they were throwing up fortifications, were called. Her maiden name is not known. Col. Bray was a wealthy merchant and ship owner in Virginia. He died Oct. 24, 1691. He had three sons who left issue and a grandson, Col. David Bray, who was also councillor for a few months.
Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume I
III--Colonial Councillors of State

Occupation:
sworn member of council and retained his seat until 1676 until Bacon's Rebellion where he appears to be on the wrong side

Occupation:
English board of trade and plantations pronounced him to be a "rash and fiery fellow" and asked that he be removed from the Council

Died:
died at Middle Plantation, October 24, 1691. (York County Records and Bruton Parish Register.) His shattered tombstone still rests in Bruton Churchyard, Williamsburg.

Buried:
died at Middle Plantation, October 24, 1691. (York County Records and Bruton Parish Register.) His shattered tombstone still rests in Bruton Churchyard, Williamsburg.

From William & Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, p. 266:
BRAY FAMILY.
JAMES1 BRAY, of James City county, was living in Virginia in 1658, was a member of the Council in 1670, and died at Middle Plantation, October 24, 1691. (York County Records and Bruton Parish Register.) His shattered tombstone still rests in Bruton Churchyard, Williamsburg. He married Angelica , and in 1658 received a certificate from York Court on account of the importation of his wife "twice into Virginia." He had issue: (Hening, Statutes at Large, IV., 370; I., 412) 2 Thomas Bray, 3 James Bray, 4 David Bray, 5 Anne Bray.

James married GIBSON Angelica in 1658. Angelica was born in 1634 in James City County, Virginia; died in 1663 in Williamsburg, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 926

Notes:

' White Apron'

John married CHETWODE Anne in 1597 in Moreton Corbet, Shropshire, England. Anne was born in 1581 in Staffordshire, England; died in 1667 in Moreton Corbet, Shropshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]