Taylor Ray
Rosenberg, Fort Bend County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1863-1936) Born in Wabash, Indiana, Taylor Ray left home at the age of 13 to seek his fortune. In 1890 he married Mattie Newton (1871-1951) and they had seven children. As railroad freight agent for the Wells Fargo Co., in 1894, Ray was temporarily assigned to Rosenberg where he remained for the rest of his life. Ray was a charter member and deacon of the First Baptist Church and a charter member of the Masonic Lodge. After the devastating 1900 storm, Ray persuaded the railroad to let local churches use box cars until new buildings were erected. Ray and others were instrumental in establishing the school district in 1898 and securing law and order. Ray served on the Rosenberg Board of Aldermen, 1902-1910, and as mayor, 1910-1912, of the commission form of city government. As treasurer, 1900-1910, of the rosenberg School Board, Ray raised funds for the construction of the first schoolhouse and hiring of the first teacher. He became president of the school board in 1910 and held that position for the next 24 years. Concerned with quality education for all, Ray also started a black school and led in the inclusion of women on the school board. Ray introduced an athletic program in 1920 and football in 1923.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Indiana in 1863, Taylor Ray left home at thirteen and came to Rosenberg in 1894 as a Wells Fargo railroad freight agent, staying the rest of his life. He helped establish the school district in 1898 and led the school board for decades, raising funds for its first schoolhouse and teacher. Notably concerned with education 'for all,' Ray started a school for Black children and championed the inclusion of women on the board, while also serving as alderman and mayor.
Why it matters
Ray's civic career shows how the railroad, the schoolhouse, and local government together made a raw Texas rail junction into a community, and how one leader pushed early education toward all its residents.
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Related people
- · Taylor Ray
- · Mattie Newton Ray
Themes & tags
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