Horatio Nelson Gray Sr (1800 - abt. 1829)

Born 11 Aug 1800 in Arlington, Bennington, Vermont, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Jane (Smith) Gray — married 30 Jul 1823 (to 5 Aug 1829) in Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Descendants

Died about 5 Aug 1829 at about age 28 in Near Wacissa, Jefferson, Florida, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Gary Gray [send private message]

Biography

[Bracketed text] is used for comments within "quoted text". With a few exceptions, quotes are transcribed as written to include spelling and punctuation.

Birth and Early Life

Reverend Horatio Nelson “Nelson” Gray was born in Arlington, Bennington County, Vermont, on August 11th, 1800, to Dominicus Gray (b.1771) of Arlington, Vermont, and Elizabeth “Betsey” Webb (b. 1773) of Vermont (City and County unknown). Nelson was brought up in the church and had eight brothers and two sisters. ^[1][2]

According to records, Nelson was "feeble" and prone to illness throughout most of his life making manual labor difficult. His parents were not wealthy and could only send Nelson to the local school. However, what Nelson lacked in financial privilege and physical strength, he made up for in intelligence and tenacity. This is illustrated in the following paragraphs from his biography originally printed in the “Philadelphia Reporter” and reprinted in the “Episcopal Watchman”. ^[3]

“Early in his 16th year, he was employed to teach a school in a remote district of a neighboring town, where were several professed unbelievers, who, by conversation and books, soon corrupted his youthful mind. For about two years, he remained a daring deistical philosopher; in which time, he undertook the study of law with a practicing attorney, in his native town. In a debating society, with some other young men, he soon so distinguished himself, as to be honored with the appellation of Cicero; and, in professional studies, he made very remarkable progress." [Being honored with the “Appellation of Cicero” is a recognition that carries significant weight. Being associated with Cicero signifies excellence in oratory, political acumen, and a philosophical mindset. It’s a tribute to intellectual prowess and eloquence that transcends time.] ^[4]

"But the Lord had other employment for him, and, in due time, called him to a preparation for it. In the autumn of 1817, when he had just entered his 18th year, he took charge of a school for the coming season,--a season which he will doubtless remember with joy forever. In a few weeks from this time, an elder brother became decidedly pious; and, being informed that Nelson was seriously disposed; he went to visit him, and found him ready to rejoice in their common Savior. That brother afterwards entered the ministry, and lost his life in the discharge of its sacred duties." [The elder brother of whom he speaks is Rev. Jordan Gray.]

"At the close of his school in April, he commenced his preparation for college; and such was the rapidity of his progress in the classics, that from his first lesson in the Latin grammar, to his admission at Middlebury College, barely six months transpired.” ^[5]

Nelson began attending Middlebury College in about October of 1819 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree on August 21st, 1822. He spoke English and French and was at least familiar with Latin. Nelson, against the advice of his physicians, remained in the northeast to pursue his scientific interests. In his “Philadelphia Recorder” biography, the writer says; ^[6][7]

“In the beginning of his last year at college, his feeble constitution seemed to be giving way, and he was advised to seek a milder climate. But yet such were his scientific attainments, that he was favored with all the collegiate honors in due course." ^[8]

Family

At some point, Nelson met Jane Smith of Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of George and Elizabeth Smith. Nelson married Jane on either July 30th or 31st, 1823 (Aug 5th has also been found) and together, had four children: Nelson, Anna, Lizzie and Laura (possibly twins). Documents indicate that Nelson and Jane had two children when they moved from D.C. to Florida in 1828. His obituary and other sources referencing his death in August of 1829, says he left behind a wife and two children. In source #11, "Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Middlebury College in Middlebury" published in 1917, Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray had four children. If true, the most likely explanation (other than Nelson being credited with another man's children) is that Jane was pregnant with Lizzie and Laura at the time of Nelson's death. For this scenario to work, Lizzie and Laura must have been twins. ^[9][10][11]

Life in the Church

Nelson’s achievements and devotion to his faith and community soon led to his admittance to the Order of Deacons on July 7th, 1824, by Bishop James Kemp at Christ Episcopal Church in Georgetown, D.C. Starting in 1825, the now Reverend Gray served as the third Rector of Christ Church. He held this position until October of 1828 at which time he resigned for health reasons. On October 12th, 1825, he was ordained to the priesthood, again by Bishop Kemp. Rev. Gray was also an editor for “The Theological Repertory and Churchman’s Guide”, an evangelical magazine of the church. ^{[12][13][14][15][16][17]}

In the November, 1825 edition of the Theological Repertory, an article referencing the meeting minutes of “The Society for the Education of pious young Men for the Ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church”, Rev. Horatio N. Gray is listed among the Society’s managers. He is listed again as manager and life member in their meeting the following year. Francis Scott Key is also on the list of managers. The church location for both Gray and Key was shown as Georgetown. Also in this edition, Rev. Gray was voted a “Life Member” of the “Female Auxiliary Society of Georgetown” ^[18][19][20]

In the winter of 1827-28, a note was sent from Colonel McKenney, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, at the city of Washington, “the Reverend Mr. Gray, Rector of Christ Church, in Georgetown”, conveying that a Native American woman wished to be accepted to the Church. Gray immediately called to meet with an Ojibway woman named Tshusick. At Tshusick’s request, she and Rev. Gray had a lengthy conversation in the French language leaving Gray in “astonishment at the extent of her knowledge, and the clearness of her views, in relation to the whole Christian scheme.” Rev. Gray deemed her worthy of acceptance to the Episcopal faith and conducted the baptism ceremony a few days later as witness by a large gathering. ^[21]

Despite all of his successes and accolades, Rev. Gray’s health remained poor. In a letter to Bishop Kemp dated November 25th, 1825, Gray wrote; “My health sometimes is quite feeble and I have called on Mr. [Frances Scott] Key ^[22] to assist me by performing the service”. ^[23] In 1828, Rev. Gray was again advised by his physicians to relocate to a more southern locale where the climate was more agreeable to his health. He offered his services, reluctantly I expect, to the Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society and was accepted and assigned to Tallahassee, Florida. Rev. Gray resigned his positions at Christ Church and left D.C. by ship with his wife Jane, his son Nelson (b.1825), daughter Anna, (b.1827) and Jane’s sister in early November of that year. They arrived in St. Augustine, Florida in December. There, he preached two Sabbaths and performed a marriage before setting out on a nearly three hundred mile, two or three day ride in an open wagon to Tallahassee. While the trip must have been arduous and aggravating to Gray’s health, “he appeared for a time to gain strength, and was generally able to perform the duties of his station till last June.” ^[24]

Rev. Gray quickly learned that the Episcopalians were not welcomed whole heartedly. All rooms [in the Court House] were taken by other denominations and the Episcopalians were shut out until a legislative order was issued allowing them a space to do the work of the Church. Rev. Gray immediately set about delivering the Word of God to the non-believers of Northern Florida and worked tirelessly to promote the Episcopalian faith and to permanently establish an Episcopal church in the Tallahassee. In an entry in the book, “God Willing”, the author states, referring to Gray;

"He strove mightily to get a church built, but failed. He deserved a monument, but was laid to rest in an unmarked wilderness grave. He yearned to see St. John’s Episcopal Church incorporated, but died three months before the act of incorporation was passed by Florida’s Legislative Council." ^[25]

In fact, he was so determined to build the church that he approached the Florida Legislative Council and offered to buy a lot himself. In the “Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church”, Gray states;

“Much as I am embarrassed, living now entirely on my own funds, I have offered to buy a lot in Tallahassee, if the Episcopalians will build a church. They promise to do so, and I hope in the course of the year to see two Episcopal churches erected in Florida.” ^[26]

No records have been found referencing whether or not the council accepted the offer but there is evidence that land was purchased by Gray for the project. There are Florida Land Assessment records showing Horatio N. Gray purchased two or three pieces of land in February of 1829 in Tallahassee. It is unknown whether he used his own money or if he was helped by the council or locals. It is also unknown if a church was built on either of these lots. ^{[27][28][29][30]}

Author Carl Stauffer says in “God Willing”, that Gray complained of the high cost of living in the Tallahassee area and relocated to Jefferson County, Florida, where it was more affordable. This was likely in early 1829. He was able to purchase a horse through the generosity of the citizens of Jefferson County, allowing him more mobility to visit the people and towns in the surrounding area. 30^[31]

Rev. Gray shared his time holding church in Tallahassee, presumably in the Court House on Monroe Street, and in Wacissa in Jefferson County. It is in Wacissa that he becomes acquainted with the historic figure, General (then “Colonel”) James Gadsden, and his brother Octavius. Gray conducted church at Col. Gadsden’s residence because; ^[32][33]

“He found prospects more encouraging in Wacissa, were about twenty families attended church at the home of Colonel James Gadsden, than he did Tallahassee, where not more than twelve could be counted on.” ^[34]

Legacy and Death

Even with the change of climate, Rev. Gray’s time in Florida would be short. After contracting an illness, he was taken to the home of Octavius Gadsden. Gray suffered a fever from which he died on August 5th, 1829, and was buried in the Gadsden Family plot. ^[35]

Unfortunately, that was not the end of his story. The Seminole Indian uprising of 1835 threatened the grave of Rev. Gray. To protect the headstone, it was removed and hidden in the cellar of Octavius Gadsden’s home. Probably due to the 7 year duration of the uprising, the stone was not returned to the gravesite before Rev. Gray’s burial location was forgotten and lost to time. ^[36]

While Rev. Gray’s body was lost, his spirit lives in the numerous publications chronicling his short life. His efforts would help lead to the incorporation of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee and the building of the church in 1837. ^[37] He is credited as being the first Episcopal minister in Tallahassee. ^[38] Author Carl Stauffer references the writing, “Historical Sketch of the Church in Florida”, by James Jaquelin Daniel. In it, Daniel refers to Rev. Gray as a “Faithful servant” and “the first clergyman of the American Church in Florida to die in the service of the Church upon its soil.” He “left the impress of his Godly life upon the people among whom he so faithfully served,” and his works “do live after him.” ^[39]

The fact that the Episcopal Church in Florida is strong today is due in no small part to the efforts of this young and feeble reverend from Vermont. Given a full lifetime, few of us can hope to achieve a fraction of what Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray accomplished in a mere 29 years of life. While he may not have received a monument, in my opinion, his life was monumental. As one of his descendants, I will do my part to ensure he is remembered and honored.

Rather than writing an inadequate closing paragraph, I will borrow the closing paragraph from his "Philadelphia Recorder" biography:

"Though short his course, we may trust that it has been useful to the world, and that he will reap eternal joys in company with many who have been benefitted by his pious labours. May those who have lived under his pastoral care, remember and improve his instructions. May his surviving brethren in the ministry, be moved to more diligence by a consideration of their own mortality. And my fervent prayers be offered up through the whole church, that the Lord would qualify and send forth an abundant supply of labourers into his harvest." ^[40]

Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonians 1:3

Sources

1. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Vermont Vital Records, 1760-1954, Births and Christenings, Film #004663745, Birth Index Card #897 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939J-T8SY-JN?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AXFV4-3F7&action=view
2. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Vermont Vital Records, 1760-1954, Births and Christenings, Film #Assorted, Birth Index Card #Assorted Search Results - Dominicus gray • FamilySearch
3. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf
4. ↑ Bing Search, “What does it mean to be honored with the appellation of Cicero? Copilot with GPT-4 (bing.com)
5. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf
6. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf
7. ↑ Tshusick, Ojibway Woman | Access Genealogy http://accessgenealogy.com/native/tshusick-ojibway-woman.htm Access Genealogy, Indian Tribal Records
8. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf
9. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Maryland Marriages, 1666-1970 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4NR-6JH
10. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Marriage-Maryland, Church Records, 1668-1995, Saint Peters Protestant Episcopal, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland. Horatio Nelson Gay, "Maryland, Church Records, 1668-1995" • FamilySearch Name misspelled. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGKR-FFRK
11. ↑ Ancestry.com, Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, 1800-1918, compiled by Edgary J. Wiley, Middlebury, VT., Published by the College, 1917, Pg 63. The entry lists the names of his children’s. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/115613:2207?tid=&pid=&queryId=7baa2a41-9052-4da1-9591-1a9840af7e95&_phsrc=ydx224&_phstart=successSource
12. ↑ Bp. Kemp's journal entry indicating the ordination to the diaconate of Gray at St. Peter's Church. Obtained from Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland. Original is stored at the Diocese of Maryland.
13. ↑ Bp. Kemp's journal entry for the priesthood ordination of Gray at “our Church in George Town”. Obtained from Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland. Original is stored at the Diocese of Maryland.
14. ↑ The Rev. Ethan Allen's entry from his book "Maryland Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church", 1860, entry #191. Obtained from Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland.
15. ↑ Email from Mr. Duane Roth, Parish Administrator, Christ Church, Georgetown, D.C., dated February 29th, 2024.
16. ↑ Email from Mr. Glenn Metzdorf, Georgetown and Christ Church Historian, dated March 2nd, 2024.
17. ↑ Email from Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland, to Sherry Suedkamp, also a descendent of Rev. Gray, dated April 6, 2009.
18. ↑ Archive.org, The Washington Theological Repertory and Churchman’s Guide, 1825-11, Vol 7 Iss 4, page 177. https://archive.org/details/sim_theological-repertory-and-churchmans-guide_1825-11_7_4/page/176/mode/2up
19. ↑ Archive.org, The Washington Theological Repertory and Churchman’s Guide, 1826-05, Vol 7, Iss 10, pg451. https://archive.org/details/sim_theological-repertory-and-churchmans-guide_1826-05_7_10/page/450/mode/2up?q=horatio+n.+gray
20. ↑ Archive.org, The Washington Theological Repertory and Churchman’s Guide, 1826-11, Vol 8 Iss 4, pg192. https://archive.org/details/sim_theological-repertory-and-churchmans-guide_1826-11_8_4/page/192/mode/2up
21. ↑ Tshusick, Ojibway Woman | Access Genealogy http://accessgenealogy.com/native/tshusick-ojibway-woman.htm Access Genealogy, Indian Tribal Records
22. ↑ It has been verified through Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland, that Gray was referring to Francis Scott Key of National Anthem fame. During the time Gray was rector, Francis Scott Key was a prominent layman and lay reader at Christ Church. This is verified in at least two issues of the Theological Repertory. See sources 18 and 20.
23. ↑ Letter to Bishop Kemp from Rev. Gray dated November 26th, 1825. Copy provided by Ms. Mary Klein, Archivist, Diocese of Maryland.
24. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 22, Para 4
25. ↑ Archive.org, Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church 1938-03: Vol 7 Iss 1, pg24 https://archive.org/details/sim_anglican-and-episcopal-history_1938-03_7_1/page/24/mode/2up?q=horatio+n.+gray
26. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Florida Land Assessment, Leon County, February 18th, 1829 (purchased February 18th, 1829). https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DQL-K2J4
27. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Florida Land Assessment, Leon County, purchased February 18th, 1829. Horation Gray, "United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c. 1955" • FamilySearch. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DWS-XSKG
28. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Florida Land Assessment, Leon County, purchased February 18th, 1829. Horation Gray, "United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c. 1955" • FamilySearch. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DQL-K2J4
29. ↑ FamilySearch.org, Florida Land Assessment, Leon County, purchased February 18th, 1829. Horatio N Gray, "United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c. 1955" • FamilySearch. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DHW-JFY6
30. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 23, Para 6
31. ↑ 30 History of "Saint John's Episcopal Church". Florida Memory. https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/249383
32. ↑ Encyclopedia Britannica - James Gadsden | Negotiator, Treaty of 1853, Mexico | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Gadsden
33. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 23, Para 4
34. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 24, Para 2
35. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 24, Para 4
36. ↑ Book, “God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church” by Carl Stauffer, Pg 22 Para 4
37. ↑ DigiNole, FSU Digital Repository, Notes on the History of St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Florida, Pg. 46, referencing the burial of his daughter Anna Gray. “Buried on Wed, April 15, 1846. Anna Gray, daughter of Rev. H.N. Gray, the first Episcopal Minister to Tallahassee, aged 18 years. Epis. B. Ground” Notes on the History of St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Florida | DigiNole (fsu.edu) Permalink: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_MSS_2016006_B14_F28
38. ↑ Writing by James Jaquelin Daniel “Historic Sketch of the Episcopal Church in Florida” referenced in the book “God Willing”: DigiNole, FSU Digital Repository, Notes on the History of St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Florida, Pg. 47, “1888 – Semi Centennial of the Diocese of Florida. Order of Services-Wednesday, Jan 18, 6:00 P.M., Short Service and Addresses by Col J.J. Daniel, on The History of the Church in Florida” Notes on the History of St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Florida | DigiNole (fsu.edu) Permalink: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_MSS_2016006_B14_F28
39. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf
40. ↑ The Episcopal Watchman (originally published in the Philadelphia Recorder), 1829-11-07, Vol. 3, No. 34, Pg. 268. Biography of Rev. Horatio Nelson Gray. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/27/items/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34/sim_episcopal-watchman_1829-11-07_3_34.pdf