ray's mill pond history


Thomas’ father-in-law, Levi J. Knight, was instrumental in laying out the boundaries of the newly formed Berrien county. About a year after Ray purchased T7R9, he made another large purchase of land, this time in Washington County. Still, fresh catfish fried in quality oil and served with the standard coleslaw, fries, hush puppies, and grits/cheese grits are the reason people journey to Ray's. Ratcliffe, pastor; Primitive Baptist, Elder C.H. In this lowland is a chain of ponds consisting of Lucia Pond, Sampson Pond, Indian Pond, Dam Pond, and Houston Pond; all of these flow from west to east out Indian Stream to the West Branch of the Pleasant River at KIW. Remains of a Rays Mill Pond Georgia fishing map and location information: Rays Mill Pond is a Lake in Berrien County, Georgia and can be found on the Ray City USGS topo map. Ray's Millpond Cafe, Ray City, Georgia. Find the perfect mill pond stock photo. Perhaps the town held a costume party? However, the noise is the result of a crowded restaurant with friendly conversation. His death came as a great surprise. In her later years, Mary Susan Ray, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. Ray, recalled that she helped build the dam when she was young child. 211 F. &A.M. Ogden H. Carroll, T.O. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Tags: David C. Clements, L. R. Christie, Luther Rice Christie, Martha J. Baskin, Milltown Georgia, Mollie Bell Clements, Ray's Mill, William D. Lee. The Woodstock Lumber Company of Boston was the parent company of the newly formed Indian Lake Lumber Company, and it was expected that the scale of operations would increase under the new management. First records (1640) show the Slipper Mill Pond site as Norton Common, belonging to the Manor of Stansted and being an open space with the River Ems in the middle. William Joseph Lamb was a confederate veteran who long resided in Georgia Militia District 1144, the Ray’s Mill (nka Ray City) District, Berrien County, GA. His father was William Lamb and his mother was parents, Margaret Carroll, sister of Jesse and James Carroll. Wayne’s mother, Eliza Putnal, died in 1929, and was buried at Beaver Dam Cemetery, Ray City, GA. Ellen was the 16 year-old daughter of Mary E. Strickland and Levi J. Gaskins of Rays Mill, GA;  their youngest daughter, born August 4, 1899. The 912 sq. The cabin is called Mill Pond as a tribute to Weeke, the original owner and builder of the large white home that shares the property with Camp Mill Pond. Resolved, 5th. Mr. T.W. 1888 Train wreck kills John T. Ray and 30-odd others. Appetizers Jumbo Salads Chicken, Gator & Beef Seafood Favorites Ray's Fish Dinners Broiled Fish Kids Korner Sweet Tooth Side Items Beverages. L. D. Liles has sold his mercantile interests to R. S. Thigpen. William Joseph Lamb (1837 – 1908). Finally in 1939, it was scrapped in Canton, MS. A rare photograph of the Ray Lumber Company's Shay Locomotive. September 29, 1916 — page 2. Presently the St. Regis Paper Company owns T7R9. The girt to his saddle broke and the saddle turning threw him off. The J.H. CPR cars. There was no insurance. It is located on Route No. {text illegible} 13,500 in naval stores stock {text illegible} ld, making about $35,000 {text illegible} n’s property to change hands in the past few days. Photo by R. Michael White. At the extreme left of the photo is what appears to be a small building blocked up off the ground. Planted by the Town Council and the Wakefield Woodland Trust in honour of the 353 service men who were killed in the 1914-1918 World War I. Tags: Beaver Dam Cemetery, Berrien County GA, Berrien Minute Men, Company C 29th Georgia Regiment, Company K 29th Georgia Regiment, Jackson MS, John C. Lamb, Milltown GA, Ray City GA, Ray's Mill, Thomas S. Wiley, William Joseph Lamb. ft. single-family home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. It is quite possible that ATCO bought T7R9 for birch since the area had been burned over in a massive forest fire in the mid 1800's, and birch grows quite well after a fire. cylinders, 29" wheels, and a 35.375" boiler. http://www.findagrave.com, Ray City Community Library This bank was organized several years ago by Mr. Swindle when Ray City lost its regular bank, so as to carry on the business operations locally and without interruptions. In fact, it was the only known house in the East German or Palatine style ever built in Maryland. Map by R. Michael White. F.A. The particular area of concern to us here is the lowlands encircled by a ring of mountains of 1200 feet higher elevation. On September 20, 1874 a small group of followers met with Reverend J. D. Evans  at  the  home of Thomas and Mary Ray to organize the church. Otherwise, in a matter of seconds, the machinery would go faster and faster until something flew apart. Find contact info for current and past residents, property value, and more. In 1858 a son was born to the couple, Thomas M. Ray, Jr.  and in the spring of 1860 Mary A. delivered another son, Charles F. Ray. Now get out there and fish! Mr. R. S. Thigpen was thrown from a horse near Ray’s mill last Sunday and two of his ribs were broken. On the census form his occupation  is listed as merchant. Wellcome Library reference: WF/M/I/DM/02. Photo Collection of W. J B Mitchell Sirmans, born January 19, 1905 in Berrien County, GA; died July 13, 1983 in Lanier County, Georgia; buried Empire Cemetery. ft. single-family home is a bed, 1.0 bath property. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved to West Green, Coffee County, GA where Wayne Putnal went to work as a barber, self-employed. The McLean sisters acquired Mrs. Atkinson's share of the stock in the corporation at Mrs. Mary Atkinson's death and continued the operation of the mill with Jean McLean as president. The standing committees for the year 1934 are:  Water and lights, G.V. Rays Mill Pond is covered by the Ray City, GA US Topo Map quadrant Image Source: Georgia Virtual Vault. Another neighbor was Isaac J. Edmonsen. It is here that Joseph G. Ray built his nearly forgotten sawmill over seventy years ago. With the assistance of slave labor, the Ray family began the work to construct the earthen dam that would create an impoundment on Beaverdam Creek. Photo courtesy of George R. Kadelak. Shay locomotive its distinctive look and abilities. At the Ray mill somebody didn't act quickly enough. This photo, provided by Linda Olsson, remains a mystery. In February of 1896 incendiaries again struck in Berrien County, this time burning the landmark  Banks Mill at Milltown (now Lakeland). 1905 Wedding announcement of Mollie Bell Clements, of Ray City, and William David Lee, of Milltown. In their later years, the Putnals moved from their farm place to a house in town. Find people by address using reverse address lookup for 190 Rays Mill Pond Rd, Ray City, GA 31645. and David  J. McGee were elected to represent the new church to the Mercer Baptist Association and were sent as messengers to the Valdosta Church. Powell & Co. of North Carolina for $13,000 and naval stores stock to other parties for about $13,500. January 13, 2013 at 12:04 am (Historic Businesses) Tags: Levi J. Knight, Ray City GA, Ray's Mill, Ray's Mill GA, Thomas M. Ray, Ray’s Mill Founders Day, November 7, 1863 That a blank page in our minute book be inscribed to his memory, and that a copy of this preamble and resolution be furnished the family of brother Ray, and a copy furnished the Berrien County News, for publication and the Valdosta Times requested to copy. The population was 1,090 at the 2010 census. It was built by manual labor, most likely freemen. If he had a comparable net worth in 2007, he would certainly have been a multimillionaire. A letter from Joseph Ray to the proprietor of the Houston Pond Camps. Friday 10:30-4:00. About two weeks later, I received by mail copies of a number of a number of photos, including the one of the locomotive. 1030 Carmel Road North In the background may be seen two rows of camps which housed the employees. Eight year old Ellin Jones  was an African-American domestic servant also living in the Ray household. There is a fine school system, which is under the capable and efficient supervision of Prof. P. M. Shultz. Together with T7R9, Ray owned over 75,000 acres in Maine, perhaps making him one the largest single, non-corporate, landowners in the state. 351 Pauline Avenue Another 100 men were already working in the mill, with many more expected as the operation grew. This home was built in 1950 and last sold on 6/27/2014 for $13,000. from the Lima plant in Ohio. Together, Thomas M. Ray and Mary Adelaide Knight had nine more children between 1855 and 1876, their last son being born in the year of Thomas’ death. At one time, the mill was the gathering place of the community, where the men would take their corn to be ground. From that point on the creek came to be known as both Beaverdam Creek and Card Creek. Ford. Early variant names were "Ray's Pond" and "Ray's Mill". Powered by water from the pond, the mill could grind meal and hominy grits from corn. Well, what better place than Ray's Millpond Cafe right here in Ray City! He served on the committed that selected and procured the site for the construction of the church building. Besides being known for having excellent American food, other cuisines they offer include Family Style, American, Seafood, and Cafeterias. The deceased was an upright man, a devout member of the Christian church and was held in esteem by his neighbors and friends. Select a Rating Select a Rating! Moore, Lawson Fountain, Leston Putnal, Levi J. Gaskins, Mary E. Gaskins, Mary E. Strickland, Matthew A. Hendley, Nelda Putnal, Ray City GA, Ray's Mill, Wayne Putnal, West Green Georgia, Willacoochee GA. Wayne Putnal & family were long time residents of Ray City, GA. Wayne Putnal and Lawson Fountain at the Ray City, GA Post Office shortly after it opened. The McLean sisters operated the mill until 1971, when they sold the corporation to Ray and Betty Wheeler, who had been employed at the mill since 1958. Elmer E. Pember, of Bangor, Maine. Breakfast Places in Ray City. Youens. Thomas Marcus Ray was born on September 20, 1822,  in the area of Georgia that would later be known as Griffin, Monroe County, GA.  His parents were Thomas and Mary Ray. It takes its later name from a son of the celebrated Enoch Crosby, who owned a mill, which stood on its out-let. The Peoples Banking Company, a private institution, is owned by Mr. J. H. Swindle, with Mr. E. J. Patten as cashier. This time, Horace Cox was formally charged with the arson. Arnold recounted the fire in DownEast: Those who oppose the opening of the new road said it would cost $500 to build that bridge. Presumably the Ray locomotive would have a had a slightly wider cab due to its wider gauge. The accusers asked R.S. In the early 1860’s Thomas Ray partnered with his father-in law Levi J. Knight to build a grist mill and mill pond (now known as Ray’s Millpond) on Beaverdam Creek on land owned by L. J. Knight. Built in 1884 as Bangor & Piscataquis #5 by Manchester, it featured 16"x22" cylinders and 57" drivers. During the week he worked his farm, and on Saturdays  he worked as a barber, cutting hair at a barbershop in Ray City. 2 Camp". David Jackson Rigell ~ First Postmaster of Ray’s Mill? Luelle Giddens Ogburn died January 17, 1999. This puts the end of the track near Lucia Pond; the two miles from there to Indian Pond must have been built after the agreement of 1914. In the summer of 1894,  fire struck at Rays Mill. Wayne Putnal and Ellen Gaskins, 1916 Marriage License, Berrien County, GA. The Piscataquis Observer mentions several times during 1917 that a Mr. Elmer McLellan of Ray visited friends in Dover, so it is evident that the area was still active until mid 1917. I was intrigued. It has a population of around 500 people, all of whom are industrious and hospitable, with fine schools, churches and live wire merchants. At this time a resolution was adopted by the Board of Directors to issue coupon bonds for up to $150,000 (150 bonds at $1000 each), at an interest rate of 6%. It was reported that the sale to Joseph Ray was difficult to make due to the large number of people involved. For a few dollars, visitors can fish from the bank or take their boat or canoe on a scenic ride. The site of the old Wellcome Pharmaceutical Factory at Mill Ponds is now a multi-million pound housing development that comes with 400 years of industrial history. Photo reprinted with permission from Linda Olsson. Ray's Mill Pond is a must to try, but this is not food I crave. They had mills at Milo, Lake View (Schoodic Lake), and at Willimantic, where they manufactured spools, bobbins, shooks, laths, clapboards, and long lumber. The distance he gives from Kroki Siding to the mill is 2 1/2 miles which agrees perfectly with the distance scaled off the topographic map; the deed for the lease called for 4 1/2 miles of track, which means that the railroad extended only two miles beyond the mill at the time of the deed. Get Directions. Watercolour by C.T. According to Arnold, they focused their work on the sides of Benson and Roaring Brook Mountains. Apparently, the company was run out of his office, or it was said to be there for legal purposes only. The crude map that Arnold drew shows the Slip, but also shows a branch track to the "No. John T. Ray, Thomas Ray’s 15 year old nephew, lived with the family and attended school along with his cousins. They were living in West Green when Wayne Putnal registered for the WWI draft on June 5, 1917. Later there were references to the "Hay Farm", but whether these were one and the same is unknown. – Adel News. Children of Rachel Smith and Jay Sirmans: In 1899, Jay Sirmans gained a bit of local attention after his attempt to capture a large alligator for exhibition in the western states. Resolved, 3rd. He continued to serve on the building committee until his death. The postmistress is Mrs. J. F. Fountain, and the rural mail carriers are James Grissett and L.A. McDonald. – Valdosta Telescope. The earth for the dam was mined from a finger of land on the property. Most important, it lists two business headings: Arnold captioned this photo: "Kroki Siding near Barnard". 1888 Train wreck kills John T. Ray and 30-odd others.) The community was named after Ray M. Thomas, the proprietor of a local mill. replaced, and a straight link-and-pin couple has replace the automatic type coupler. This is the 'record' load for the winter - I knew most of these men at In the 1890s he lived near Ray’s Mill where he owned and operated a turpentine still. The earth for the dam was mined from a finger of land on the property. The slot in the coupler (on which the oil can rests rests) is so that this engine may be coupled to cars which have link & pin couplers instead of the more modern knuckle coupler. He was a member of Woodmen of the World, and insurance through the fraternal organization provided a large and distinctive monument to mark his grave. This made him the owner of 51,496 acres of blueberry lands, pine, and spruce forests. Creech and H.P. Research turned up this postcard showing the Joseph G. Ray By that time, Robert was already a successful manufacturer of  Naval Stores, in the comparatively new turpentine industry. Find contact info for current and past residents, property value, and more. In 1976, the town’s present barber was Carson Boyd.). H.A. Mollie Bell Clements and William David “Bill” Lee were married on Wednesday, February 22, 1905 by Reverend Luther Rice Christie. Thigpen’s total annual payroll for the operation ran $5000 a year. Share Your Experience! Thomas M. Ray died June 14, 1876. It appears that R.S. Cuisine: Seafood, Breakfast, Brunch. Two lumber camps were still operating, as were the two crews making shovel handles. The requirements have been raised from a grade of B honors in two courses and Juniors and Seniors constitute a majority of the membership. The groom was a son of Moses C. Lee and Amanda Clements. There were 1000 shares, at $100 per share. The stock will be moved to the latter’s still near Ray’s Mill. The pond was actually a nice lake, about four acres in size with a rapid current. On October 15, 1920, Joseph G. Ray petitioned the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to dissolve the Ray Lumber Company, which was granted. The bride is a very popular as well as pretty young woman, and is a daughter of the late David Clements. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 31.0802008 (latitude), -83.1732066 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 200 feet (61 meters) above sea level. According to a letter from Arnold to the St. Regis Paper Company on February 12, 1969, the railroad ran up around to the north side of Indian Pond where there was a log landing known as "The Slip". (229) 455-2226, Monday 10:30-5:30 this restaurant is hidden back in the woods by Mill pond, a 3 acre pond. Ray, a prominent citizen of Berrien County, died last week, after a long spell of illness. or. Resolved, 1st. By 1886, The Atlanta Medical and Surgical Journal reported that the community had a doctor, serving a population of 150 people. This was a common occurrence in the mills of the time, and a man was kept down in the engine and furnace room whenever the mill was running to shut off the steam instantly in case the governor failed. Thomas M. Ray was apparently at his home near Grand Bay in the fall of 1861, for Mary delivered another daughter the following spring: Sarah Jane “Sallie” Ray was born May 23, 1862. He  married Mary Jane Albritton on March 3, 1852  in Houston County, GA. She was the daughter of Allen and Rebecca Albritton, and the sister of Matthew H. Albritton. Little is known of his early life. About a year before his death Walter L. Arnold, the famous trapper, visited our family in Brunswick. View all Hotels & Motels in Ray City, or Hotels & Motels in Zip code 31645. Thomas Ray was among those who attended. I would like to extend my appreciation to all of those people who aided me with this project: Dr Lawrence Allin, of the University of Maine at Orono for his guidance in historical research; Gary Randall who provided sources of information; Oscar Cronk who provided the biographical sketch of Walter Arnold; the fine research assistants of the University of Maine at Orono's Special Collections; the Maine Historical Society; the State of Maine Archives; the employees of the Registry of Deeds of York, Cumberland, and Piscataquis Counties; Gerry and Mandy Packard of Sebec Lake for their assistance in finding the site; my wife, Lorraine Prince, for helping me read hundreds of microfilmed newspapers; Jim Shaw, who after coming across this history in early 2004, sent me additional information, including correspondence to Walter Arnold regarding Ray's Mill; George Kadelak for providing information and photos of Shay locomotives; and my new friends in Mississippi: Pauline Watkins, Madge F. Noble, Sharron Cauthen, and Tony Howe for tracking down a photo of Ray Lumber Company locomotive #1 in its final years in Mississippi. Early History of T7R9 is very sketchy. His sister Martha Elizabeth Sirmans married Joe S. Clements, who was treasurer at the Clements Sawmill and later served as Mayor of Ray City. His obituary appeared in th June 23, 1908 edition of The Valdosta Times. Mr. Lamb  was about seventy years of age and was reared in this county. They didn't hold onto it for long, however, for on November 27 and 30, 1920, they each sold their 1/2 undivided interest to ATCO of Milo, which was a subsidiary of the American Thread Company of New Jersey. The main mill was situated in the center of this photo. The mill house itself was constructed from the local timber; “The ceiling rafters were hand hewed and wood pegs were used instead of nails.”. As for the other equipment, the Lidgerwood skidder was probably a steam donkey, commonly used in logging operations in the South and the West, and also used extensively at the slate quarries in nearby Monson. Thigpen continued his turpentine still at Rays Mill and worked for public improvements to support his operation. The pond’s dam was built sometime between the mid-1700s and 1867. Two waterwheels (one either side) drove 4 pairs of stones. The house was constructed entirely of peg and rail construction; there were no nails used. Photo by R. Michael White. Hampden, Maine 04444 According to Arnold, the Ray Lumber Company used cars leased from the Canadian Pacific for loading the sawn lumber; this was a common arrangement for small logging railroads to make. The company was formed with $100,000 in capitol stock, with no common stock, and with nothing paid in. 211 F.A.M. The Ray Railroad, as it was called, followed Caribou Brook south through the pass until it came to the Canadian Pacific Railway at a place known by the Indian name "Kuroki", later shortened to "Kroki". It also offers dishes that are genuinely southern. This document was also signed by Ray and Nye as Treasurer and President, respectively. At that time the club consisted of only a small number of students most of whom were underclassmen, there being only two majors in the math department. They were said to be due for operation in early January. No need to register, buy now! Thomas himself, was a major in the 138th Battalion, 6th Military District, Lowndes, County, GA. By order of Butler Lodge No. The Giddens home was located near Ray City on the Milltown & Ray City road and was cut into Lanier County when it was created in 1920. Just wilderness now.". In correspondence to Arnold, a Mrs. Eva Crabtree Burgess identified these men as John and Leslie Larrabee, the latter a resident of Sangerville. CCSAR22 Member. Thigpen continued with his operations at Ray’s Mill. many modifications. Ellifare Hayes, the family maid was now a young woman of 19. Knight   as Post Master of “Ray’s Mills”, Berrien County, Georgia. shop were found in the brushy area to the left. The spring which feeds it has been a focal point of local life for even longer. The cotton mill was situated on land purchased from the estate of William Washington Knight, deceased brother-in-law of T. M. Ray. See Larger Map - Get Directions. Thigpen. Situated midway between Greenville and Brownville, Ray's Mill Ray, a resident of Franklin, Massachusetts, purchased the township with cash and by taking out mortgages with the sellers of the property. Studstill, sec.-treasl., C.H. In 1880, R. S. Thigpen and his younger brother John Thigpen were living in the 1125 Georgia Militia District in Worth County. Page then renamed the cypress pond Page’s Mill, built a second millhouse, and opened a large general store. there. The Valdosta Times George Cook. As a young man Cox had worked in a carriage shop, and was the son of a Berrien County mechanic, Samuel D. Cox. Winthrop B. Nye was also a director; the last director being Frederick E. Pember, a forester from Bangor. one time. have appeared while operating. -Valdosta. Description. According to a history of the Wiregrass area published by the Coast Plain Area Planning & Development Commission, Thomas M. Ray began operation of the grist mill, known as “Knight and Ray’s Mill”  on November 7, 1863. She and her husband, Bill Lee, ordered their home from the Sears Catalog about 1917 (see Ray City’s Mail Order House). Cox had been suspected of numerous arson cases in Berrien and Clinch counties. He had lived at his home in this county many years and was well known by the people of the county. Thompson is the G. & F. Agent, having served in that capacity for a long number of years. At this junction there was a siding, and in 1913 the Maine Rail Road Commissioners Report states that a new shelter was built there named "Ray". Whether the track was built as far as Indian Pond by the time Indian Lake Lumber took over is somewhat unclear, but there had been an extensive operation there. The 1860 Census indicates that, in addition to the Ray children, two other youngsters were living with the Ray’s. Besides the valuable Ray’s Mill property, the still at the Bamberg place was also sold. Mill Pond Meadow – History. Children of Thomas Marcus Ray and Mary Jane Albritton (1836 – 1853), Children of Thomas Marcus Ray and Mary A Knight (1836 – 1923). There is no record that this unit saw active duty during the war. The present 4 storey, 5 bay mill building dates from 1780 and was built on the foundations of an earlier forge or fulling mill. Your family history is important. James F. Fountain ~ Postmaster & Pecan Planter. So why is Ray's Mill so important? She apparently excelled in the study of mathematics at G.S.W.C., for she joined the Euclidean Club, an honors society for math students. Tuesday 10:30-5:30 Workmen spent hours hunting for the embers, and thought they had found all of them. The corporation had four directors in all, Ray being the Treasurer. The Baptist and Methodist churches conduct Sunday Schools, and young people’s organizations. Mr. J. Sirmans, a well known resident of Berrien county, living about a mile and a half from Ray City, died at his home Wednesday night at 9 o’clock, says the Valdosta Times. Thomas buried Mary Jane in the cemetery at Union Primitive Baptist Church, which was the only church in the area. Carter; Street, W.M. During 1913 a post office was established at Ray, the postmaster being Fenton W. Straw when the Maine Register came out for 1914. On the 22nd, the Ray Lumber Company sold its holdings, except for the public lots reserved by the State of Maine, and excepting 100 acres reserved for the Ray Lumber Company, to Frank C. Hatch of Boston, and Harold F. Ingraham, a traveling salesman from Bangor. It was a prime example of half-timber and wattle-and-daub construction typical of late medieval dwellings in the valley of the Upper Rhine in Germany. For the Greek mathematician Euclid the club was named when it was organized in the spring of 1930. You may like to walk Mill Pond Meadow Commemorative Wood. Photo by R. Michael White. Thomas M. Ray. He  died on February 23,1898, and was buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, Lowndes County, GA. As Ray’s Mill was the best known landmark of the immediate vicinity, the growing community became known by that name also. His sister Valeria Sirmans (1874 – 1961) married James Isaac Lee. During the winter about three million board feet of logs were landed on the ice of the pond. Arnold wrote on the back of this photo: "This was the general store 211 Free and Accepted Masons provided this tribute: Tribute Of Respect , Butler Lodge No.