North Street, Newry, County Down

North Street, Newry, County Down
North Street, Newry, County Down

Friday 23 August 2019

Samuel Bray [abt 1763-] Thurles, County Tipperary.


Samuel Bray was the son of Luke Bray of Galberstown, Holy Cross, County Tipperary and his wife Mary Phillips. He was also the grandson of Samuel Phillips of Foyle and Sarah Max of Gaile, County Tipperary
His father, Luke Bray, died in 1774 when his children were still minors. Samuel, along with his brothers John, Edmond, Luke, and Robert, and his sisters, Eleanor and Mary, is mentioned in his father’s will. He received a bequest of £200.
James Max in his will proved in 1775 omits the name of Samuel when he is listing the children of his cousin Mary Bray [nee Phillips],
To Mrs Mary Bray during viduity and no longer £20 yearly out of the Commons of Cashel, if interest continue so long also £0 immediately to buy mourning.
To John Bray, her eldest son, £50 at age 21. To Ellenor, Mary, Luke, and Robert Bray £10 each at such time as ex’rs think proper.
Was this in error?
His brother Thomas Max in his will dated 1777 includes Samuel.
Mary Bray and her sons, John, Samuel, Edmund, Luke & Robert.
To cousin Mary Bray £50 and to her son John Bray £100 exclusive of devise mentioned. To Simon Bray and Edmond Bray, sons of said Mary Bray 10 guineas each at 21. To Luke Bray and Robert Bray, younger sons of Mary, £20 each, over and above legacies left them by my brother James Max, which sums I direct to be paid as apprentice fees with them, and to Ellinor Bray £20, and to Mary Bray, daughter of said Mary £30.
He then refers to Simon Bray. Is Simon in fact Samuel?
Samuel would still have been a child in 1777. There are no further records of his existence.  Is it possible he did not survive to adulthood?