William Henry RAY, Congress, IL (1812-1881)

RAY, William Henry, a Representative from Illinois; born in Amenia, Dutchess County, N.Y., December 14, 1812; moved to Oneida County, N.Y., in 1813 with his parents who settled in Utica; attended the common schools; moved to Rushville, Ill., in 1834; engaged in mercantile pursuits; also interested in banking; member of the first State board of equalization 1867-1869; elected as a Republican to the Forty-third Congress (March 4, 1873-March 3, 1875); resumed his former business pursuits in Rushville, Schuyler County, Ill., and died there January 25, 1881; interment in Rushville Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present