William Fairfax Gray Explained

William Fairfax Gray (November 3, 1787  - 1841) was a lawyer and land agent in the United States and in the Republic of Texas.

Early life

Gray was born on November 3, 1787, in Fairfax County, Virginia, to William and Catherine (Dick) Gray.[1]

Career

Gray joined the Virginia militia and was assigned to the Sixteenth Regiment as a Captain. He served this unit in the War of 1812. In 1821, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.[1]

Gray scouted land in Mississippi and Texas for Thomas Green and Albert T. Brumley, land agents based in Washington, D.C. When he arrived in Texas in 1835, Texas territory controlled by Mexico. He was present at Washington-on-the-Brazos during the Convention of 1836 and maintained a detailed journal of the proceedings.

Family life

Gray was married to Millie Richards Stone Gray.[1]

Death and legacy

Gray died in Houston on April 16, 1841. He was buried at the Old City Cemetery in Houston. His remains were moved twice to other cemeteries in Houston: first to he Episcopal Cemetery, and finally to Glenwood Cemetery after 1872.[1]

His journal was published posthumously in 1909 and titled, From Virginia to Texas, 1835.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Handbook of Texas Online. Andrew Forest. Muir. William Fairfax Gray. May 23, 2022. Texas State Historical Association.