I was able to find the 1930 census for Robert and a reference to his first wife in Texas. Roberts page has been updated.
I was able to locate the 1920 census for Robert Luther and his wife Maud. The 1910 and 1930 records remain elusive. Judging by the data Robert seems to have grown up in Texas, possibly with Clay and Thomas.
I received the death certificates for Ezekiel and Clay. Ezekiel died a tragic death when his home accidently caught fire and he burned to death in Nov. 1937. Clay's records provide no significant information other than his date of death, that he was divorced, and that he was a "railroader". Both pages have been updated accordingly
The Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives has been unable to locate an obituary for either William or Rosaline. They were however, able to find the marriage records in Columbia County on 20 Jan 1867. I have requested a copy from the clerks office.
The Archivist with the Arkansas Methodist, Marcia Crossman emailed me this morning with information on William Gray found in the Arkansas Methodist newspaper microfilms (Vol. 9, Page 7). She is mailing me a copy and I will put it on the website when received.
He was a wonderful person. He died at age 50 of a "sudden attack of rheumatism of the heart". He died at a church meeting at DeAnn on the 27th. He asked for his favorite song and prayed and "never spoke again". Funeral was at Holly Grove, AR.
I submitted a request with the Texas department of vital statistics for death certificates for Ezekiel, Clay, and Thomas. They called me to confirm that they easily found Ezekiel and Clay. Thomas was unlocated suggesting that he may have died elsewhere or prior to 1903.
They were able to confirm that Clay died 14 Oct 1914 in Greenville. They also claim that his actual name is Clay Christopher Gray, not Clay Columbus. It is probably a matter that the person interviewed for the death certificate was in error. "Columbus" is cited several places in census records.
