The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Middle Township, page 712
William Ray was born in Randolph County, N.C., Feb. 14, 1822, a son of Presley and Dica Ray. He was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a common-school education. After reaching manhood he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and was here married, in January, 1847, to Annie Osborn, daughter of Mathew and Jane Osborn, early settlers of Hendricks County. After his marriage he settled in Middle Township, on the farm where he has since lived, which contains 125 3/4 acres of well cultivated land. He has been energetic and enterprising, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Ray have been born twelve children, seven of whom are living--Charles F., Dica J., Presley E., Elijah, Mathew C., Allison E. and William T. In politics Mr. Ray is a Republican.