Mary Ray

     Mary was born circa 1667 in Block Island, Washington County, Rhode Island. She was the daughter of Simon Ray III and Mary Thomas. Mary married Roger Kenyon before 1685 in Block Island, Washington County, Rhode Island. After their marriage, they traveled to Peele Hall & "she was the first American lady introduced to the King, and kissed his hand". Roger & Mary went to Ireland.³ Roger & Mary had a son Roger born at New Shoreham, West Sussex, England 25 January1684/85. He was brought up by his grandfather Simon Ray, and on 11 Mar 1707/08 he obtained depositions regarding his birth and parentage, apparently in preparation for a trip to England to claim the Kenyon estates to which he was clearly entitled. However, he was not successful, and he was obviously the Roger Kenyon, merchant, who was living in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1718 and who subsequently moved to New Bern, North Carolina. Mary's husband, Roger, died before 1687 in Ireland, leaving her a widow. She & her son returned to Block Island. Mary married 2nd Samuel Sands, son of Captain James Sands and Sarah Walker, circa 1687 in Block Island, Washington County, Rhode Island. About 1696, the family was residing at Sands Point, Cow Neck, Queens County, Long Island, New York. It is assumed Mary died before before 11 December 1713 in Sands Point, Cow Neck, as her husband was remarried on this date.