Ray, David

Born in Kentucky, David M. Ray (1840-1907) was the second of eight children to Zachariah Ray and Elizabeth A. Miller, daughter of prominent Baptist minister Reverend David Miller. When Ray was twelve, his family moved to Grayson County, Texas. At twenty, he decided to study medicine under Dr. William P. Head of Kentucky Town.

Before Ray completed his studies, the Civil War broke out, and he joined the Confederate Army as a private in the 16th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted). Appointed hospital steward, he passed the examination to become an assistant surgeon within a year. He also received a teaching certificate that enabled him to teach various subjects, including English grammar, arithmetic, and geography.

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