Shelby County Indiana, History & Genealogy - Ray's Crossing, Union Township

Shelby County, Indiana
Historical Articles
Populated Areas

Ray's Crossing

See also: Pisgah

The Shelbyville News
Saturday March 20, 1948
Page 5
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YOUR TOWN — RAYS CROSSING
By Hortense Montgomery
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Rev. Sluter in his brief paragraph says that there is no town in Union township, which is rather hard on Rays Crossing, and he spells it Wrays Crossing, which it was called in its early days. But it at one time had a post office which accounts for its being on the map of Shelby County.
It’s a good thing we didn’t stop with Rev. Sluter’s statement for we found when we called Mr. Marshall at the elevator that Rays Crossing is a very busy place and that instead of winking out as some of the early villages did this one has grown and prospered with the years.
The Cambridge City Branch of the J.M. and I. R.R. passes thru the village and serves as transportation for a large amount of produce; a freight goes each way once a day. In the middle years farms adjacent to the town were those of Thomas, Barnes, Gahimer, Branson, Rapp, Bird and Kepple; we find the name of their descendants still in the county’s affairs. The name of J. H. Thomas was prominent then as a merchant, grain dealer and mill man.
For a number of years the elevator has been one of the chief sources of industry and it is now owned by Mr. Stanley Marshall and Darrell Myers; it is conveniently situated along the railroad and the farm known as The Rays Crossing Grain Co., Inc.
One important business of the village is not found in many places and that is making sorghum; here the mills are known as The Blue River Sorghum Mills and are owned and manufactured by the Holbrook Brothers. These are among the largest mills and the most modern in Indiana and if you’d like new sorghum as we do you’ll know they make delicious cane molasses. The refuse from this cane is used as chicken litter.
The firm of "Roy and Ray" have a grocery store and connected with it is a filling station. Jacob Neeb carries on two industries, a slaughter house and a saw mill. Mr. J. W. P. Meltzer manages a business of installing lightning rods, and one there as well known as any one in the county lives in the suburbs of the village, Auctioneer Landy Phares. A rather unique business is that of barbering by a lady and her place is known as the "Brown Lady’s Barber Shop." Lovel Phares has a blacksmith shop, for what town could get along without a blacksmith shop
The Christian Union Church is the one church in the village and the Union Township Consolidated School is located in the suburbs of the township’s one town.
Now what if we had dismissed Rays Crossing with Rev. Sluter’s statement? What a busy little place it is! An interesting chat with Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Walter Meltzer saved our historical reputation!
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, January 12, 1940
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MANILLA GRAIN CO.
A. O. Cherry, Mgr.
Manilla---Rays Crossing
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The Manilla Grain Co., located at Manilla and Rays Crossing, is recognized as a leading concern in this territory, as they are headquarters for hundreds of people when in need of feeds, seeds, grain, coal and all kindred articles.
Realizing that the service rendered now will be remembered in the future, the management conducts the business on a policy of satisfaction and cooperation with the customer. However, the success of a dealer in the this business cannot rest entirely on quality and service. They must be familiar with every phase of the business and able to advise as to what products will best serve the needs of the patrons.
Such a man is Mr. Cherry as he makes a constant study of this business in order that they may be able to help the farmers get as near 100 per cent results from the use of their products as possible. This concern affords a most advantageous market for grain. They are now installing new and modern machinery and equipment for the mixing and grinding of feeds, which will give the farmers of this district the finest service of this kind.
In this review we feel that the Manilla Grain Co. should be complimented for the high standard of quality as represented in all their products.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Thursday, June 7, 1917
Page 5
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RAYS CROSSING.
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Mr. and Mrs. Clay Briley attended the all-day meeting at Blue River Chapel, Sunday.
Misses Leola Theobald returned home Tuesday evening after a week's visit with relatives and friends at Oxford, Ohio.
Jacob Neeb, who has been on the sick list for some time is greatly improved at this writing.
Will Neeb, Moses Shinolt and Edward Rapp motored to North Vernon, Sunday, in Mr. Rapp's new touring car.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Meltzer entertained, Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. John Keppel and family and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Meltzer and son, Robert.
Robert Kuhn is again able to be out, which will be good news to his many friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Meltzer and daughter, Bonita, attended the memorial services Sunday at Shelbyville.
Roy Brandt, Hazel Kepple and Lena Kepple motored to Edinburg and Franklin Sunday evening.
The Misses Laura and Leola Theobald entertained the Loyal Bereans class at their home Tuesday evening.
The C. U. Ladies' Aid Society of Rays Crossing will give a strawberry and ice cream social at the aid building Saturday evening, June 9. The public is invited.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
February 18, 1909
Page 5 Column 3
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RAYS CROSSING
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Tinsley & Sons shipped a car load of stock Saturday.
John L. Baker, who has been quite sick, is better at this writing.
Henry Haehl attended the McDaniel sale near Shelbyville, Friday.
Rev. G. L. Mann filled his regular appointment at this place Sunday.
Messrs. Jacob Mullen, John Kehrt, Will Truax, James... [The article continues in column 4.]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
February 10, 1898
===================================
RIPPLES FROM RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
Ray's Crossing, Ind., Feb. 8, '98.
Dr. Isom Inlow is now located in the Parker property.
Miss Lizzie Montgomery went to Rushville Monday morning.
'Bert Kennedy, of Arlington, was here on a brief visit Sunday evening.
A sweet little girl made mer arrival at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Neeb, of this place, early Sunday morning.
The candidates are numerous. With so many good men in the field one finds it hard to make up his mind as to who to vote for, for the several offices. Let's be very careful and try to vote for those whom we think will make the best officers if elected.
Sunday night closed a grand revival meeting in our place. The Rev. Duckworth of Ohio, and the Rev. G.W. Hagans, of Shelbyville, our regular pastor, have done a great work for God and humanity in our midst, fifty-four names having been added to the church here. There has never been such a remarkable shaking up of the ungodly as at this revival. May the good work go on, is my earnest prayer.

W. T. S.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
November 4, 1897
Page 2
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Ind., Nov. 2, '97.
Literary at No. 5 school house on Friday nights.
Mrs. Mary Sytama was on the sick list Saturday.
We are getting a much needed rain at this writing.
Mr. James Ryan, of Rushville, came down Friday night on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Lora Ryan of this place.
Mrs. Ril Wicker and little sons, Charles and Floyd, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Wicker, of this place.
Work is progressing on Mr. T. A. Cotton's new barn, notwithstanding a part of the frame fell in raising and broke two beams.
W. T. R.

BY ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT
Our teachers will hold their institute at No. 7 next Saturday.
Mrs. Cora Parrish made flying visit to Indianapolis Saturday.
Miss Flossie Brown, one of our brightest little girls, is very low with typhoid fever.
Orville Gordon has returned from a trip to Illinois friends, made on his wheel, and reports a nice time.
Matthew Phares is building an addition to his house, and otherwise improving it preparatory to moving into it.
Thomas Golding, of Howard county, was here last week to attend the funeral of his daughter, Mrs. Forrest Watson.
Mr. Landy Branson was at Indianapolis one day last week, probably as advance agent for some matrimonial office.
Charles Linville and wife are rejoicing over the advent of a new girl at their house. It will respond to the name of Ruth.
Rev. Ann Moore conducted the [the article continues...].
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
July 18, 1895
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Ind., July 16, '95.
Our Sabbath school is progressing nicely.
J. C. Dodd, of Johnson county, is sojourning in these parts.
The chintz bugs are interfering with the corn in this vicinity.
We are to have a new barber shop here, mangaged by Rapp & Holbrook.
Mrs. India Haymond, of Waldron, is visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cotton.
Mr. George Haehl, who has been on the sick list for quite awhile, is no better.
Mrs. Nancy Parker is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Bert Williard near Fountaintown.
Charley Holbrook, the hunter, is running the engine of his father's threshing machine.
The farmers are well pleased with the turnout of wheat, it being better than they expected.
The Sabbath school of this place will give a festival in a couple of weeks, the proceeds to go for the benefit of the school.
Quite a number of our citizens were at Shelbyville, yesterday, attending court as witnesses in the damage suit of Berry vs. Gahimer.
Dr. Carney, of Shelbyville, was called Sunday night to see Mrs. John Ray, of this place, who was dangerously ill, but is better at this writing.
Mrs. Leeta Vaux, of Pittsburg, Pa., who has been visiting the family of Thomas Cotton, left for Carl Junction, Mo., Monday morning to see her parents, Rev. and Mrs. James Smith, formerly of this place.
The Sabbath schools of Union tp., will hold their township convention next Sunday, at Little Blue River Baptist church, at three o'clock p.m. A good program will be carried out, and several good speakers will be in attendance and a grand time is expected. Everybody is welcome.
I. X. L.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
June 6, 1895
Page 2
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Ind., June 4, '95.
The squirrels have begun to suffer once again.
Johnny Phayres and lady are improved somewhat.
Aunt Oma Wicker still remains in a serious condition.
Old Union will be well represented in the county contest.
Mr. William Kepple will have his new house painted shortly.
Mrs. Charles Hatfield traded for a fine top buggy the other day.
Mrs. Lee Benifield, who has been very ill, is somewhat improved.
A large drowd attended the Sunday school Convention at Sheldille[sic] last week.
Several of the citizens in this locality went to Flat Rock, fiishing[sic], one night last week.
Miss Emma Carr is suffering severly from rheumatism in the feet and lower limbs.
Mr. Isom Wicker is once more troubled by his hip, which was injured some time ago.
Mr. Thomas Rhodes has the contract of moving Wm Kepple's old houe nearer the road.
There has been a great deal of practicing going on at Little Blue recently for Children's DAy.
Children's day will be held at the Little Blue River Baptist Church next Sunday, all are invited.
Thomas Kincade, who raised Cain at meeting here last Sunday week, left the state for fear of the grand jury.
There is a rumor current there the ex-Treasurer J. H. Thomas will soon launch his bark in a matrimonial sea.
Blessed rain has once more put in its appearance much reviving the parched crops and doing an untold amount of good.
Mr. Ora Bowers, who it will be remembered had typhoid fever early in the season, has gone to Tennessee for his health, which has been very poorly ever since.
Mr. Charles L. Rapp has re-arranged the interior of his store and summer kitchen, and is better prepared than ever for waiting on his numerous customers.
There is a blacksmith war being waged here and they have reduced the price on shoeing horses all around with new shoes for 65 cents. Mr. Liberty Berry taking the lead.
John Holbrook is doing quite a business selling buggies, surries, road wagons and threshing machines. HaSving sold five sold five[sic] surries, one road wagon and three complete threshing outfits this season. He has an office in Shelbyville and his friends are pleased to hear of his success. ' [He should advertise in the Democrat and increase...
I. X. L.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
March 13, 1894
Page 2
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, March 12, 1894.
Jacob Thomas is on the sick list.
Miss Lottie Towns is on the list of the ailing.
Uncle Ephram Hester is not in the best health.
Robert Halbrook has an attack of the grippe.
The mumps are raging in and near Possum Glory.
Derb Jarrel, our tile man, is building a new house.
Mr. William Sleeth has a severe attack of the grip.
Mr. John Phares' school (No. 4) is out next Tuesday.
Mrs. Maggie Rapp has a very sore finger, caused by a felon.
Mrs. Whipple Ray and family spent Sunday with James Rice.
Jacob Gaheimer was seen around Saturday gathering up cats.
Mrs. Matthew Phares is suffering from a severe stomach trouble.
Mrs. Kate Cross and family spent Thursday night with Dr. Carney.
It is reported that hollow-horn has made its appearance in this vacinity.
Mr. James Thomas and family spent Sunday with Alfred Branson.
Miss Della Parker is gone on an extended visit to her sister near Waldron.
Doc. Mullen and son, Jacob, were here on a short visit Saturday morning.
Mrs. Amos Carmony is suffering from a large catarrah on her hand.
There was meeting at the Hall last Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday night.
Thomas Tadlock and wife, of Marion, were seen in our midst last Sunday.
Joseph Witz, who has been sick for some time, I am glad to say is convalescing.
Mr. Web. Berry, of Morgan county will permanently locate here in the near future.
Miss Chistina[sic] Posz, of Shelbyville, spent last week pleasantly with Miss Maggie Mohr.
Mr. Martin Good has a severe attack of grippe at present, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Mr. Geo. Rick, who has been suffering most of the winter from a felon on his thumb is some better.
Mr. and Mrs. Straw and two children, of ner Smithland spent Sunday with our old friend Dr. Carney.
Mrs. Alice Kinkaid, who I am sorry to say, has been sick so long, has been reported as not being much better.
Next Saturday night, Sunday and Sunday night there will be meeting at the Little Blue River Baptist Church.
Wm. Phares, of 'Possum Glory, is on the list of those whose sanitary condition is not quite as well as it might be.
One of the young ladies who works at the orphans' home in Columbus, was here on a short visit to relatives last week.
Mrs. William Brandt, Mrs. Alfred Branson and Mrs. Davy Cotton, spent a pleasant day Friday with Mr. William Branson and family.
There was a Christian Endeavor society organized at the "Grange Hall," three miles north of this place, where it meets every Thursday evening.
George Enis, had a sale of his personal property a few days since and moved to Shelbyville. A Mr. Poe now occupies the Westerfield farm.
There were several visitors to No. 8 Friday in the persons of Mrs. Wesley Halbrook, Mrs. Squire Meiks, Miss Josie Ray and Miss Nellie Halbrook.
Out of the twelve that tried to graduate at No. 7, only three were successful. They were Jacob Macy, Miss Laura Johns and Goden Carney.
Geo. Hahn, our clever saloon-keeper gave a grand opening at the Blue front Saturday eve. Result, many of the boys presented a red front Sunday morning.
The prohibition meetings are still in progress at No. 1 school house, where it meets every Friday evening, rain or shine. These meetings have been going on for over two years with varied success.
The preacher at the Grange Hall in a recent revival declared that he would neither eat nor drink until salvation came to the congregation. After fasting six days he took a great notion to close the meeting and go home. One of the members quietly remarked to another, "he's getting hungry."
Miss Maggie Rapp met with an unfortunate accident on last Saturday evening. Sitting down to supper she took a bit of beef, attempting to swallow it. It shut her wind off for a short time. She at last succeeded in swallowing it but it seemed to lodge in her breast and left her in a precarious condition.
MUCKLE HEAD.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
January 4, 1894
Page 2
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Jan. 1, 1894.
Mrs. Kate Cross is on the sick list.
Mr. Joseph White is able to be about once again.
Mrs. Letta Barlow called at Dr. Carney's Monday.
Mr. Whipple Ray visited at Mr. Bronson's Sunday.
Mr. John McDonald is visiting at Mr. Joseph Yager's.
Mrs. Alice Kincade is bed-fast with a severely sprained ankle.
Miss Maggie Holbrook called on Miss Cora Carney Sunday.
Mrs. Sarah Talbert has a severe attack of rheumatic neuralgia.
Mr. Jasper Wicker's daughter has a severe attack of scarlet rash.
Mr. John Hael and family visited at Mr. Jacob Gaihamer's Sunday.
Thomas Salla and wife were seen poppling around this place Monday.
Holidays are gone and now the children will have no more till school is out.
Where is the cold winter all of the weather prophets have been talking about?
Alfred Gunning sold his store last week, with what intentions is not known.
Mr. James Parker and family visited at his daugters[sic] near Waldron Sunday.
Meeting closed at Mt. Pisgah Tuesday evening. In all there were 32 accessions.
For my part I think Utah had better admitted and Ploygamy[sic] swept from the face of this continent.
A grand concert will be held at the Little Blue River Baptist Church next Saturday night. Admission ten cents.
There was a birthday dinner at Rand Linville's to-day in honor of Rand's birthday. A large crowd was present and a good time is reported.
Christmas and New Years have come and gone. Old Santa is a thing of the past, and yet we are not feeling so flip. The trouble is this ever-lasting grippe.
Georg Carmony, our aged pioneer, whom we reported as being dangerously ill last week, died last night at seven o'clock. His sister came down from Rushville and she is also bedfast.
The Literary Society at No. 5, met in all its glory last Friday night, after a somewhat lengthy literary program and a short recess, the society was called to order for the long talked of debate. Dr. Carney opened, he made a great speech on the money question; his eloquence and masterly argument was powerful and conclusive, and was as a new revelation to many of the large crowd which attended. The judges decided in favor of the negative with a majority of one.
WHISKERS.

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BY ANOTHER CORRESPONDENCE,
Be sure and write it with a "4"
Let us try to act better this year than we did last.
Miss Ame Ray returned Sunday from a visit to home folks near Arlington.
Mr. and Mrs. Hollister Ray, of near Arlington, visited relatives here Sunday.
Mrs. Lizzie Derwester and daughter Alma, visited at Mr. Robert Brown's Sunday.
Mr. Andrew Parson, accompanied by his father, left Sunday for a sojourn in Henry county.
I am pleased to announce that my young friend John H. Halbrook is rapidly recovering from the effect of the runaway accident spoken of in my items last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Stires, (nee Wagoner.) of North Indianapolis, are on a visit to relatives and friends here, and Manilla. Their many friends were glad to see them.
Prof. Miller will conduct a concert at the Baptist Church next Saturday night. The exercises will consist mainly of music and singing, with probably some declamations and rescitations. The price of admission is ten cents.
The show at No. 5 last Friday night was good, and the music was inspiring. Dr. Carney and Mrs. Ora Bowers debated against Prof. C. W. Clendening upon the question, "Resolved, that the national banking system ahs been a detriment to the business interests of the country and a robbery of the people," Messrs. Carney and Bowers taking the affirmative and the Professor the negative side. The judges, five in number, decided in favor the of the speaker on the negative side.
A. DENIZEN.

The Shelby Democrat
January 4, 1894
Page 1
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Dec. 27, 1893.
Look out for the Literary Friday night.
The sick are once more flocking to our town.
To Edward Deiwester and where did you get that hat.
Miss Cora Rice, who has been sick for some time is seen amoung us once again.
Mrs. Hamilton Sleeth is very bad off, she is suffering from an attack of erysipelas.
Mr. J. H. Thomas it[sic] running a tile ditch through the property recently purchased of Sanford Mullen.
Jacob Gaheimer, jr., has taken possession of his new house. The "Ah There" made by Nameus turned out favorably for Jacob.
A social and religious quarrel is brewing at the Little Blue River Baptist church. None of the best families in the neighborhood are mixed up in it.
Dr. Carney moved from the old Jap Carpenter place to the Mullen property recently bought by J. H. Thomas. Chas.Kincaid will move into the Carpenter home.
If all reports be true there is a grand time being had at Mt. Pisgah. There were ten join Saturday night and sixteen were baptized Sunday and four more joined Sunday night. The meeting is being conducted by Rev. Hughes.
At the Little Blue River Baptist Church a grand time was had. Christmas night a large house was built and covered with imitation snow. After a somewhat short literary program Old Santa Claus put in his appearance immediately and went to work distributing the presents. The house was crowded uncomfortably. An admission of ten cents was charged, the purpose is not known. A large Bible was presented to the superintendant, Mr. John Meiks, to the organist was given a handsome book entitle, Ben Hur.
WHISKERS.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Republican
June 11, 1888
Page 2
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Hez. Sleeth is building an addition to his home. [It might be Hem. Sleeth -- hard to read. pmf]
John H. Hester will move to Tipton county next fall.
Matthew Brown will build an addition to his house this summer.
John Moberly will build an addition to his residence this summer.
Thomas Brown has been doing good services on the public highways.
The township trustee will soon make known his levy on the township.
George Zike, sen., who was seriously ill a part of last week is some better.
The graduate of Union township will soon hold their commencement exercises.
Mr. and Mrs. Ham Stiers spent Sunday in Marion and took in the exercises at the church.
Some of the road supervisors have been putting up stock that were running at large on the commons.
Some of the young people attended Children's Day exercises on Sunday evening at Marion and all enjoyed themselves very much.
Gossips have it that Ed Hester and Miss Lizzie Watson will soon be united in the holy bonds of wedlock. The best wishes of their friends go with them.
Some of the young men who have been in the habit of unlawful driving on the highways in Union township were duly fined a few days since and some more may expect a dose soon if there is not a change.
There is some prospect of organizing a stock company near Possum Glory to drill for natural gas and there is no doubt but what it could be secured in paving quantities as the surface indications are immense.
The Germans are now on the eve of having their church wholly repaired with belfry and bell. It is now one of the best arranged country churches in the county. Dr. Winter, of Shelbyville, is the pastor of the church and has been connected with it for many years.
On Saturday evening, June 16, Miss Lizzie De Witt, the noted young elocutionist of Shelbyville, will give an entertainment in the M. E. church at Manilla. A delightfulprogramme of music and elocutionary readings will be rendered. Miss De Witt will be assisted by some of the best musical talent, including Miss Mildred Bookwalter, the organist of the Shelbyville M. E. church, and Miss Bessie Jones, the leading soprano of the same church. The entertainment will undoubtedly be a very fine one and will be largely attended from the section around Manilla. Admission only fifteen and twenty cents.
JUNO.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Republican
Monday, April 16, 1888
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Sam Hill will move back to Shelbyville next fall.
Mrs. Angie Talbert will move to Shelbyville next fall.
Mrs. Ham Stiers will possibly teach a select school this summer in district No. 5.
Levi Brown and Mrs. Alonzo Rhodes, who have been sick for some time, are now convalescing.
The J.,M.&I. railroad company have been building a good deal of wire fence east of Ray's Crossing.
Moore & Cherry are running their saw-mill to its fullest capacity and are doing some excellent work in the mill.
The heading factory at Manilla is now doing a rushing business and still has on hands thousands of feet of timber to cut yet.
Mrs. Riley B. Wilson returned home on Friday night from Indianapolis where she has been under medical treatment. She returned home, however, with no improvement in her health.
Arthur Bowers writes from Valparaiso, Ind., where he is attending school, that he is well pleased with the institution. The enrollmet of the school numbers more than twenty-two hundred. Much public improvement in the city will be done the coming summer on the streets and sidewalks. The city is lighted with electric light.
JUNO.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Shelbyville, Ind.
Thursday, January 5, 1888
VOLUME XXII. Page 1
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NEWS NUGGETS
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PICKED UP IN VARIOUS FIELDS
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Local Gossip and Pleasant Views
From all Over "Old Shelby."
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Result of One Week's Happenings Gathered for the Republican by Its Busy Correspondents.
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Morton Morris contemplates railroading in the spring.
John Briley contemplates building a new house in the spring.
Some of the farmers have been putting up ice the past week.
Charley Benefiel, of Addison township, spent the holidays in Union township visiting friends and relatives.
Some persons have suggested to Rev. Pavy to hold another series of meetings at the Blue River Baptist church and he will possibly do so.
Miss Laura Wilson entertained a number of young people at her residence one evening last week. All the young people who were present enjoyed themselves very much.
Walter S. Walker has cards out advertising his blacksmith shop and his trade. It is reported that he will soon issue cards for his wedding day. Shake, Walter.
Thomas A. Cotton will soon move in his new house which is probably the largest residence in the county. The house is furnished with hot and cold water pipes, bath room and attachments for the same, and all the modern stair and room improvements.
Mrs. John Oldfield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred M. Gunning, died on Thursday night. Remains were interred on Saturday in the Bennett Cemetery. At the time of her death she was twenty-five years, nince months and twenty days old. Of the family relations she leaves a father, mother, one sister, husband and one child to mourn her loss.
The girls in Union Township propose to cure some of the young men of their bashfulness during leap year and no doubt they will make some of the timid lads say yes or no as they intend to do all the "courtin'" and "huggin'" during the year and no doubt a good many of our young men will be very badly "mashed" before the next twelve months rolls around.
UN JUNO.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday, July 18, 1887
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RAY'S CROSSING.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, July 18, 1887.
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John Moberly's house will be commenced next Monday.
Mrs. Thomas N. Nickers, who has been sick, is now able to be up and about.
Mr. Griffey, of Shelbyville, will do the roofing on Thos. A. Cotton's new house.
Albert Rhodes had three acres of wheat that made 100 bushels, machine measure.
Mr. Pusey, of Gwynneville, will [be] finishing threshing in Union township this week.
Jennie Halbrook, who has been sick with fever for some time, is not better at this writing.
Prof. Miller, of Mt. Pisgah, conducted the singing Sunday evening at the Blue River Baptist Church.
Wes Halbrook, who had his hand seriously hurt some time since by a self-binder, is getting along as well as could be expected.
Mr. Hamilton Stiers is working up a good trade in his blacksmith shop. Mr. and Mrs. Stiers are valuable additions to society in the community and to the church.
Rev. Cruse, former pastor of the Little Blue River Baptist Church, has given up the work of the ministry, so I am informed, and gone into business near his home in Hendricks county.
Gossips have it that Mr. Lewis Mohr and Miss Maggie Meiks, of Marion township, will be united in the holy bonds of matrimony, this fall. Their many friends wish them unalloyed bliss in their wedded life.
MORE ANON. Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Special Correspondence of the Democrat:
Ray's Crossing
June 8, 1885
------
William C. Phares has secured a pension of $8 per month and $1446.06 back pay.
An enjoyable party was given at the residence of George Towns, Wednesday night.
J. H. Brown, of this place, and his mother, of Harrison, Ohio, are visiting relatives in Illinois.
William Coats has disposed of his farm consisting of fifteen acres to William C. Phares for the sum of $1400.
Contributed by Linda Ellis

The Daily Evening Democrat
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W. S. RAY --- Editor and Proprietor
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Tuesday, January 20, 1885
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RAY'S CROSSING RUMBLES.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Jan. 19, 1885
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---Protracted meeting is in progress at the Christian Church.
---John Rice, or Owen county, was visiting relatives here last week..
---Services will be conducted at the Baptist Church Sunday by Rev. Cruse.
---Henry E. Rice leaves to-day for Smithfield, Mos. Success to yon, Henry.
---"Uncle Sam," as a quill driver, is a success, as evinced by the way he catches on to the news.
---Jasper Cherry leaves to-day for Winfield, Kansas, where he will make his home in the Future.
---A. T Phares has about completed his new blacksmith shop, which will be a commodious structure when completed.
---Granville Westerfield has returned from Daville, where he has been [the article continues but my copy ends here].
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Evening Democrat
Tuesday, January 6, 1885
Page 1
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RAY'S CROSSING RUMBLES.
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Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
RAY'S CROSSING, Jan 5, 1885.
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---Elbert Hurst, of Homer, was visiting friends here yesterday.
---Jesse Rhoads and wife were visiting relatives here last week.
---Services will be conducted at the Baptist Church next Sunday.
---Mr. James Ash, of Hanover township, was visiting here last week.
---Rev. Baker conducted the services at the Christian Church Sunday.
---John Benifiel has been on the sick list the past week, but is better now.
---Thomas Cherry is improving his property by the erection of a new barn.
---John H. Brown and wife are at present sojourning with relatives in Ohio.
---William Gunning lost a valuable heifer last week by being run over by the train.
---James Muse, of Rush county was calling among his numerous friends here last week.
---Larz Branson was highly elated at the appearance of a fine girl baby at his house last week.
---Amos Phares is improving his property by the erection of a commodious blacksmith shop.
---The school at district No. 4 is progressing nicely under the management of James T. Carter.
---There is an immense cyclone liable to strike that fellow who sent that anonymous letter last week.
---Josie Brown, youngest daughter of James M. Brown, formerly of this place, died at his residence in Smithfield, Missouri, last week.
---Amos Carmony, who was hurt recently by an ax slipping from his grasp and striking him on this knee is in a critical condition.
---The holidays are over and he small boy is again consigned to the care of the school teachers, who are reaping a harvest in the way of top toy-pistols &c.
---The residents along the road were astounded on the night of January 1st by an unusual noise which they supposed was a cyclone, but upon closer examination the fact was revealed that it was a 'bus load from Possum Glory who were attending a protracted meeting at Good Will.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Thursday, December 27, 1883.
Volume XVIII. Number 44
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Ray's Racket.
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RAY'S CROSSING, Dec. 26, '83.
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Corn gathering the order of the day.
What has become of Rep. Macy's stingy man and the tom tit?
Praise to our commissoners[sic] for cutting buills when needed. Their knives are sharp and trim neatly.
Peter V. Benifiel is going into the grocery busines[sic]. Success to Peter, he is a good fellow. This makes six stores in Union township.
John Gaines says two men in this vicinity has done so much blowing about their crop of corn that the the[sic] wind has blown the corn all away, for further particulars inquire of John.
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FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.

Lon Wilson has disposed of his mammoth herd of sheep.
Hiram A. Cotton has been confined to his sick room, but is convalescing.
The township, teacher's institute was not well attended last Saturday on account of bad weather.
William Coats a resident of Addison township moved into the property recently vacated by James M. Brown last Monday week.
Wes. Phares a former resident of this county, but of late years a resident of Howard county, is visiting relatives her[sic] and reports things all right out there.
Rev. A. C. Wilmore is conducting a series of meetings at the Blue river Chapel Church assisted by Rev. Alonzo Myer, and a minister from Hartsville.
Surprise dinners has been the order of the day the past few days, they being given to Amos Phares, Wes Brown, Andrew Hensley, Mrs. Lewis Zike and Leora Phares.
Riley Zike is the possessor of a young lady who came to stay at his house as a permanent boarder. Riley is proud of the young heir and values her at $39,000 cash value.
TOM TIT.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Evening Democrat
Tuesday, April 18, 1882
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RAY’S CROSSING RUMBLES
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Ray’s Crossing, April 17, 1882
Stirk Fisher had his eye on our girls last Sunday.
Mount Pisgah church will have a new foundation and a roof, and will also have a belfry and bell.
Dan Payne will build a large barn this summer for Kline Hawkins, who lives one quarter of a mile east of Rays Crossing.
R. B. Wilson will build a barn this summer for cattle, it is to be 87 feet long, 36 feet wide: Henry Woodard of Shelbyville has the contract.
Mrs. B. H. Stuart, of Kokomo, this State, will shortly be at the Little Blue River Baptist church to receive donations for professorship at Franklin College. A $20,000 donation is required in the State.
Miss Belle Linville is teaching a subscription school at No. 5 this spring.
Our Sunday-school is progressing finely under the supervision of James Derrickson.
Esquire Phares has placed a barbed wire fence around his strawberry patch.
Jap E. Cherry reports that the roads are beautiful, especially one in the extreme north part of the township.
Our citizens are quite jubilant over the prospects for a pike, which is to be built through here this summer.
The owner of the tile mill at this place lost several thousand tile which were ready for burning, by the late freeze.
Jacob Cross of Knightstown, formerly of this place, spent Sunday here. He made the trip on one of those two-wheeled buggies commonly called bicycles.
Peter Lemons died last Sunday about one o’clock. He had been suffering for several days with lung disease, but was not considered dangerously ill until a short time before his death.
Charles Morton, of Rushville, was here Monday on business of purchasing heavy draft horses, for hauling his mammoth carcass over the roads. He bought one of the Adams Express agent at Buzzard Roost.
J. B. Schrichte, of the Rushville, Indiana marble works, furnished and placed in position a very neat curbing for the lot of William Crawford, at the St. Vincent cemetery, four miles south west of this place last week.
On Friday last, while Mrs. II. Purdham, an aged lady of this place, was crossing the foot bridge over blue river near the residence of Allen Dewitt, she slipped off the side of the bridge and fell a distance of seven or eight feet, dislocating her wrist and bruising her otherwise. This is a dangerous place as there is no hand rails up and some person is liable to get killed by falling at any time.
Contributed by D. Darlene Palmer

The Daily Evening Democrat
Tuesday, January 31, 1882
Page 1 column 4
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RAY'S CROSSING RUMBLES.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
-- Mrs. Jane Linville is not better.
-- John Hawkins will have a large barn built this summer.
-- Henry Smith, of Knetucky, is visiting friends near this place.
-- James Tillison, the temperance orator, was at the Crossing Saturday.
-- Miss Ollie Odell, the accomplished daughter of William Odell, of Homer, is spending a few days here.
-- James Muse, Esq., the keen-eyed gentleman who deal sout justice to the law-breakers at Manilla, was at the Crossing last week talking law.
-- Granville Westerfield, a son of Jacob Westerfield of Union township, was taken suddenly ill last Saturday with the fever and is not expected to recover.
-- I would advise E. A. Parker not to go to Milroy again to hunt an assistant. I can advise him of half a dozen near home who will render him assistance in all his cases.
-- David Linville, of this township, died on the morning of the 27th inst. aged sixty-three. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at the church on Saturday the 28th inst.
-- The name of J. E. Cherry will probably be among the candidates for Road Superintendent of this township. Jap is a young man with much ability, and would make a good man at the wheel. There are also several other good candidates for the same office.
-- Joe McBride, the venerable (?) agent of the Democrat, was in this civinity last week calling at the houses of his many friends, scaring the babies and begging spareribs and working for the interest of the good old Shelby Democrat. Joe is a jovial fellow and I would like for him to call more frequently when on his flying trips.
BARNEY.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, May 22, 1879
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RAY'S CROSSING
(Special Correspondence of The Democrat.)
Ray's Crossing, May 21, 1879.
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--- The farm belinging to the Rice heirs will be sold on Saturday.
--- Albert Rhodes has twenty acres of corn up and ready for the plow.
--- Mrs. James Walker is spending the week with her father, John H. Brown.
--- the personal property of P. Barnes, deceased, will be sold on the 31st intst.
--- Most of the farmers will finsih planting corn this week, but they are all growling about the dry weather.
--- Mrs. Adam Rhodes is suffering with a felon on her right hand. She has been unable to rest for ten days.
--- Hollister Ray, who cut his foot so badly some time ago, is able to be out again but has not fully recovered.
--- Vert Rice says it has been time to plant corn ever since last Sunday a week, as the "sign" is in the heart.
--- The fair Phoebe is again the subject of public gossip. She and Moses have parted, and it is now thought she has been made a victim.
--- Some of our people enjoyed the lecture and entertainment given by Critchfield at Manilla, last week. The temperance cause is doing much to improve the tastes of our people for literary entertainments, and to accomplish this work is a great mission.
--- Melvin Dearinger came near being crushed by a roller on Friday last. He had just finished rolling a field and was driving out having the lines wrapped around his hands, when they caught on a nail projecting, and drew him instantly between the roller and frame. He spoke to the horses and they stopped, or he would certainly have been killed.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
March 5, 1879
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News and Gossip Picked Up on the Fly,
By Our Vigilant Reporters.
-----0-----
ALL ALONG THE WAY
----0----
Ray's Crossing.
(Special Correspondence of The Democrat.)

RAY'S CROSSING, MARCH 5, 1879.
---Grant Brown is sick with remittent fever.
---School will close in District No. 1 next Thursday. There will be an exhibition that night.
---Frank Talbert has about $50,000 worth of walnut logs to saw this summer. Frank is one of the busy men of the county.
---R. C. Brown moved on the farm belonging to J. S. Carpenter on Friday last. Geo. Rice moved into the house vacated by Mr. Brown.
---Mr. John Halbrook has a fine sugar camp, and the most comfortable arrangements for the manufacture of maple sugar in the township.
---T. A. Cotton has engaged sixteen head of fat cattle to Cyrus Mull, of Manilla, at $4.00 per 100 pounds. They are to be delivered in June. [The article continues .... - PMF]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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