James B. Ray

James Brown Ray ( born February 19, 1794 Jefferson County, Kentucky; † August 4, 1848 in Cincinnati, Ohio ) was an American politician and 1825-1831 the 4th Governor of the State of Indiana.

Early years and political rise

After primary school, Ray studied law in Cincinnati. After passing the exams and qualifying as a lawyer, he moved to Brookville, Indiana, where he practiced law. Since 1821 Ray was politically active in his new home. In that year he was elected to the House of Representatives from Indiana. Between 1822 and 1825 he was a member of the State Senate, he was its president 1824-1825. In this capacity, he moved after the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Ratliff Boon on to its position as an assistant to the governor; Boon had his post resigned in January 1824 to compete for a seat in Congress. When, on 12 February 1825 incumbent Governor William Hendricks also resigned to take a seat in the U.S. Senate, James Ray rose to the new governor of Indiana.

Governor of Indiana

Ray first had to finish the term of office of his predecessor. Then it was confirmed twice in the elections, so he could officiate as governor until December 7, 1831. During this time he sat one especially for the development and expansion of infrastructure in Indiana. This included the expansion of the road and canal system. He also began the foundation of the railway age in Indiana basket. The first plans of a railway still limited to the area around the capital city of Indianapolis. The governor also included with the Indians still in its territory from trade agreements. At that time also began the industrial advancement of Indiana. Governor Ray stood up for the poor and socially weak and was built orphanages, among other things. Nevertheless, he had to deal in his state especially towards the end of his term with a strong opposition.

About his party affiliation, there are different information in the sources. While the National Governors Association designated him as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, he is referred to in other sources as an Independent.

Further CV

After the expiration of his term of office, he founded a newspaper and retired from politics after he had applied unsuccessfully in 1836 for a seat in Congress. He died in August 1848 in Cincinnati and was also buried there. James Ray was married twice and had seven children.