Obituary of Peter Ray

Obituary of Peter Ray

Peter Ray, one of the oldest and best known colored residents of this city, died at his home, 192 South Second street, last Saturday noon at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He was born in New York City, but has resided in the Eastern District of Brooklyn for the past fourteen years. For over seventy years he has been in the employment of Lorillard, the tobacconist, having entered the employment of Pierre Lorillard’s grandfather in 1811 as an errand boy. In 1826 he was made foreman at the Worcester street works. When the factory was removed to New Jersey he was made a general superintendent, which post he filled up to within three weeks of his death, always attending faithfully to the interests of his employers. Four generations of Lorillards have known his active services, from the grandfather of the present head to his two sons, who often found it useful to consult a man of his long experience. In 1819 Mr. Ray was one of the founders of St. Philip’s Colored Church in New York, of which he has ever since been an influential member. In the early days of anti-slavery agitation Mr. Ray took an important part, being one of Wm. Lloyd Garrison’s warm supporters at the time of the mob at Chatham Street chapel. His zeal and devotion to the interests of his race was also shown in the matters of colored schools. In the early part of the century there were managed by the Manumission Society of Quakers, and white teachers were employed. Mr. Ray was one of the first to urge the employment of colored teachers instead, and himself secured positions for several and was instrumental in making the change generally. Mr. Ray leaves two children, Dr. Peter W. Ray, and a married daughter. His wife died four years ago. The funeral will take place on Wednesday at one o’clock, the Rev. Mr. Crummell, of Washington D.C., officiating. Mr. Crummell is a graduate of Oxford University, being one of those students educated by the English anti-slavery sympathizers years ago, and is known as an eloquent and influential speaker.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, January 30, 1882