Bio of RAY, Thomas James (b.1854 d.1917), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol III, pg 423
THOMAS J. RAY (Thomas James Ray)
Thomas J. Ray, who became one of the best known and most successful veterinary
surgeons of the Northwest and engaged in practice in Minneapolis and in this
section of the state until his life's labors were ended, was born in Rochester,
New York, August 22, 1854, his parents being Thomas and Eliza Ray. The father
died when his son, Thomas, was but two years of age and the mother afterward
came with her children to Minneapolis, arriving in 1856. She secured a homestead
claim in Richfield township and the family took up their abode on a farm, there
remaining until 1859, when a removal was made to Sibley county, where they
resided for three years, or until 1862, when they returned to Richfield township
and again took up their abode on a farm.
Thomas J. Ray obtained his education in the public schools of Minneapolis and
early turned his attention to veterinary surgery. He became interested in the
subject, studied thoroughly along that line and became one of the most
proficient practitioners in the Northwest. While he never engaged actively in
farming he continued to reside on the old homestead which his mother had secured
in pioneer times. He enjoyed an immense practice as the years went by and his
ability constantly increased, for at all times he kept in touch with the
advancement made in the science of veterinary surgery, pursuing his studies and
his investigations in a manner constantly to promote his knowledge and
efficiency. In addition to performing his professional duties Dr. Ray acted as
agent for the St. Paul Fire Marine Insurance Company for many years and gained a
good clientele in that connection.
In 1883 Dr. Ray was married to Miss Maggie Stewart, a daughter of John and Eliza
(McClay) Stewart. They became parents of three daughters, one of whom died in
infancy, the others being: Myrtle, who is now the wife of Chris Peterson; and
Grace, who is the widow of George Robinson and has one child, Claude Ray
Robinson. In politics Dr. Ray was a lifelong republican, giving stalwart
allegiance to the party because of his firm belief in its principles as factors
in good government. He was always interested in the cause of education and
served as school clerk for fifteen years. A man of most generous spirit, he was
constantly extending a helping hand where aid was needed and the many sterling
traits of his character caused his death, which occurred on the 1st of October,
1917, being regretted by all who knew him. Practically his entire life was spent
in this section of the state and he was most highly respected, his circle of
friends constantly growing as the circle of his acquaint­ance widened.