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Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray

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Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray

Birth	:	3 Jun 1803 Patrick County, Virginia, USA
Death	:	6 Jun 1885 Morgan County, Missouri, USA
Burial	:	Versailles Cemetery, Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate	:	38.4247017, -92.8477020
Plot	:	Orig - 10R I47
Inscription	:	Wife of Powell Gray
Description	:	Thanks to Susan Medlock for providing this nice photo of Desdamonia and Powell Gray ----- Desdamonia's parents were: William Taylor 1775 – 1823 Elizabeth William Dunlap It is interesting to note that Desdamonia operated a boarding house in Versailles, Morgan Co, MO in 1860. Two of her children, Elizabeth & James William, also operated boarding houses; Elizabeth in Versailles, James in CO. Thanks to FindAgrave member, Mary Haley 47657848, for the following information on February 11, 2015. Mary has researched many years to compile the history of her family and is still searching. She has also provided a summary of Desdamonia's obituaries and later providing her... Read More	Thanks to Susan Medlock for providing this nice photo of Desdamonia and Powell Gray ----- Desdamonia's parents were: William Taylor 1775 – 1823 Elizabeth William Dunlap It is interesting to note that Desdamonia operated a boarding house in Versailles, Morgan Co, MO in 1860. Two of her children, Elizabeth & James William, also operated boarding houses; Elizabeth in Versailles, James in CO. Thanks to FindAgrave member, Mary Haley 47657848, for the following information on February 11, 2015. Mary has researched many years to compile the history of her family and is still searching. She has also provided a summary of Desdamonia's obituaries and later providing her transcriptionf of the two obituaries. Mary wrote: Desdemonia and Powell were married In Patrick Co, VA on November 20, 1823. They had 10 children, and I don't have all the children's info but will share what I have. Some children were: 1. Mary "Polly" Gray (118141978) Polly married George (G.E.) Staples (118141864) 2. Emma Elizabeth Gray (261131522) Elizabeth married Samuel Martin ((87749210) 3. Matilda Gray (50004383) married 1st John Martin (who died). Her second marriage was to Isaac Williams 4. Jane Gray (19913584) buried in Oklahoma. She married Peter Ivie. Their son, Norman Powell Gray, is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgan Co Missouri (per family notes). He was b- December 31, 1835 d - August 02, 1922 Married to Sarah "Sallie" A. Ward 5. Desdemonia Gray b - 1839 Married Wm. C. Servier/Server 6. James William "Billy" Gray (30292756) Married Victoria ? (30292803) 7. Harriett Newell Gray (117603720) Married Benjamin Mobley (117603661 ----- Mary has provided a summary of Desde's obit, which states that Desde was born in Patrick Co VA in 1803, her maiden name being Desdemonia Taylor, d/o William Taylor. Her mother's name isn't listed. She was married at age 19 to Powell Gray and they had 10 children, eight girls and two boys, of this number eight came to Missouri with their parents. It goes on to state Desde, Powell, and the 8 children left Patrick Co VA sometime after the 1850 census was taken as Powell. Desde and several of the younger children and the older girls, their husbands and children are ALL found in Patrick Co (except Sarah & Ewell) and an unknown child. Desdes' obit states they left Patrick Co in 1853, yet several articles on her daughter, Elizabeth who married Sam Martin, state they arrived in Versailles (Morgan Co) Missouri in November 1853. Written articles and family notes state this troop of pioneers traveled in Oxen-drawn Wagons and hardships were many. Two of Elizabeth and Sam's children died along the way, and Matilda Gray's husband, John Martin, contracted measles and died. His wish was to be buried in Missouri soil, and they carried his body to St. Charles, Missouri for burial. Family notes and interviews state this group had a "lay-over" in Illinois for 3 yrs, maybe to regroup. No notes on why they stayed this length of time, but the group picked up again and finally reached Versailles Missouri and planted roots. At the time of her death in 1885, Desde's obit tells us that seven of her children survive her, one in Oregon (no name given), the others residing in and near this city (I assume it means Versailles Missouri). Viz: Mrs. Samuel Martin, Mrs. Peter Ivie, Mrs. Staples, Mrs. B.C. Mobley , Norman Gray and Billy Gray. Elizabeth Gray Martin lived to be a great age, and Elizabeth and Sam's hotel, known as The Martin Hotel is now the site of Morgan Co. Museum. *********************** Following are Desdamonia's obituaries, which have been transcribed by Mary. The dates & sources are unknown. They were probably from a local newspaper in Versailles, Morgan Co, MO. "SUDDEN DEATH OF MRS. GRAY Mrs. Desdemonia Gray, one of the oldest citizens of Morgan Co, fell dead from heart disease last Saturday at the residence of Wm. Mariott some three miles south of Versailles. She had walked over there from her son Norman Gray's place a distance of a mile and in the evening while assisting her granddaughter, Mrs. Marriott in the milking, cried out 'catch me' and immediately sunk to the ground. Efforts were immediately made to revive her, the parties thinking it was a fainting spell, but all that could be done proved of no avail; the spirit had departed leaving the lifeless form in their hands. Deceased was born in Patrick County, Virginia in 1803, her maiden name being Desdemonia Taylor, daughter of William Taylor. She was married at the age of 19 to Powell Gray, the fruits of this union being ten children, eight girls and two boys. Of this number eight came to Missouri with their parents. She left her native state November 4th 1853 in company with her husband and family, for Missouri, and stopped three years in Illinois from whence they came to Morgan County, and settled within three miles of Versailles, whee she has resided ever since. Seven of her children survive her - one in Oregon, the others residing in and near this city, viz: Mrs. Samuel Martin, Mrs. Peter Ivey, Mrs. Staples, Mrs. B.C. Mobley, Norman Gray and Billy Gray. A Christian friend has parted From the scenes she always blest To reign in royal splendor In the realms of joy and rest. ----- OBITUARY "Died, June 6th -- -- -- at the residence of Ms. Mary Staples near this city, Mrs. Desdemonia Gray. Grandma Gray was born in Patrick county, VA, June 3rd, 1803. She moved with her husband Powell Gray to this state in 18 -- where she resided until her death, her husband having preceded her many years. Grandma Gray was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive her, and with the exception of one all resided near her. She was the grand-mother of fifty children, of whom thirty-nine are living, the great-grandmother of thirty-five and the great-great-great grandmother of one child which is living. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Oak Grove Baptist church, a generous, Christian hearted woman and living and affectionate to her children. Grandma had finished her earthly work and was only waiting for the angels to come and guide her across the dark river of death to the mansions prepared for those who love the lord. Her remains were interred in the city cemetery on Monday -- --, Rev. I. Rasher officiating at the grave." Mary wrote that the remainder of this obit I cannot transcribe and the initials at the bottom write up appear to be M.F.H. ----- Federal Census records have helped provide a brief glimpse into Desdamonia's life. On September 30, 1850, Powell & Destemonia Gray, ages 61 & 47, lived on a farm in Southern District, Patrick Co, VA, valued at $3000. Their children were Norman R., age 13; Destemonia, 11; James W., 5; & Harriet N., 4. Elizabeth Taylor, Destemonia's mother, age 78, lived with them. --- On September 2, 1860, Desdemona Gray, age 55, operated a boarding house in Morgan Co, MO; the post office was in Versaille. Her land was valued at $900 & a personal wealth of $250. Her children were shown as Matilda Martin, age 32; Norman , 25; James W., age 21; & Harriet, 16. Phillip Dunpp, age 22, a blacksmith. ----- On June 3/4, 1880,** Desdamonia, age 78, lived in Moreaus Township, Morgan Co, MO with her son, Norman P., age 44, & his wife, Sarah A., age 41, & their children Mary E., age 16; William P., 14; Nancy L., 12; Matilda J., 5; & Lillie B., 3. ----- Desdamonia died on June 6, 1885.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray's memorial?
Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray's memorial is located at: Versailles Cemetery, Versailles, Morgan County, USA.
When did Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray death?
Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray death on 6 Jun 1885 in Morgan County, Missouri, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Desdamonia M “Desdie” Taylor Gray's memorial?
Latitude: 38.4247017
Longitude: -92.8477020

Family Members:

Spouse

Powell M Gray

(1795 - 1857)

Children

Mary Polly Gray Staples

(1825 - 1907)

Elizabeth Gray Martin

(1826 - 1930)

Norman Gray

(1835 - 1922)

Harriett Newell Gray Mobley

(1845 - 1916)

Flowers:

Left by Anonymous on 19 Sep 2013

R.I.P.

Left by Anonymous on 11 Aug 2014

Left by Anonymous on 05 Feb 2015

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Versailles Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4247017, -92.8477020

2. First Baptist Church Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4311580, -92.8397460

3. Antioch Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4530983, -92.8835983

4. Oak Grove Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3955100, -92.8073200

5. Mount Nebo Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4487600, -92.9104800

6. Bethel Mennonite Cemetery
Marvin, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4169100, -92.7742200

7. Freedom Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4896500, -92.8555200

8. Ritchie Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3725690, -92.9041780

9. Shelby Ross Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4962323, -92.8848780

10. Zwanzig Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3455400, -92.8810600

11. Locust Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3452400, -92.8811400

12. Mount Zion Mennonite Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4960400, -92.7901900

13. Big Rock Cemetery
Barnett, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3967300, -92.7418500

14. Prairie View Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.5077600, -92.8029100

15. Glensted Cemetery
Glensted, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.5154200, -92.8541300

16. Chapman Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3369700, -92.8079100

17. Hume Cemetery
Gravois Mills, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3300275, -92.8396370

18. Beulah Mennonite Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4706800, -92.7377400

19. Versailles Mennonite Church Cemetery
Versailles, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4785300, -92.7435100

20. Kelsay Cemetery
Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4589005, -92.7288971

21. Excelsior Mennonite Cemetery
Excelsior, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.4702500, -92.7335200

22. Ellis Family Cemetery
Glensted, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.5299200, -92.8311700

23. Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery
Glensted, Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.5005989, -92.9424973

24. Saint Pauls Methodist Cemetery
Morgan County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3988991, -92.9822006