Decker family papers
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The Decker family papers span the period 1815 to 1932 (bulk dates from 1815 to 1895) and consists of correspondence spanning the years 1815 to 1878; two scrapbooks (dated 1870 and 1895); an autograph book compiled by Josie Ray Decker, 1884 to 1893; certificates awarded to Dr. Ray; a cookbook published by the Huntington Methodist Episcopal Church, 1899; Dr. Ray's handwritten medical notebook (containing entries regarding the treatment of various diseases and medical conditions; instructions on the preparation of drugs and remedies and dosage are included); genealogical notes; and two family genealogies (Wood family record, printed, with marginal notes; handwritten Ray family record).
Biographical note
Dr. Joseph Hardy Ray (1806-1875) was born in Baltimore, MD in 1806 to Miles Sherbrook Ray, a sail maker, and Rachel Hardy. Joseph Hardy Ray married Maria L. Wood (1804-1890) in New York in 1826. Maria Wood was the daughter of Joseph Wood (1778-1830), an artist based in New York City, and Margaret Haring (1782-1830).
In New York City, Joseph Hardy Ray studied medicine and was appointed as a physician for the Board of Health during New York City's cholera epidemic of 1832. The Ray family moved to Huntington, Long Island, N.Y. in 1837 where Dr. Ray set up practice. Louie Ray Decker (1846-1921) was born to Joseph and Maria Ray in Huntington, N.Y. in 1846. Louie, named after an aunt, studied piano and went on to become a noted concert pianist in the New York City area. In 1865, the Ray family moved to Brooklyn where Dr. Ray continued to practice medicine. Louie married George M. Decker (1825-1927) in 1869 and they had one daughter, Josie Ray Decker (circa 1870-1964). Josie, a Brooklyn native, was a long-time resident of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. She lived on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights until her death in 1964.
Scope and Contents
The Decker family papers span the period 1815 to 1932 (bulk dates from 1815 to 1895) and measure 1.76 linear feet. The collection consists of correspondence spanning the years 1815 to 1878; two scrapbooks (dated 1870 and 1895); an autograph book compiled by Josie Ray Decker, 1884 to 1893; certificates awarded to Dr. Ray; a cookbook published by the Huntington Methodist Episcopal Church, 1899; Dr. Ray's handwritten medical notebook (containing entries regarding the treatment of various diseases and medical conditions; instructions on the preparation of drugs and remedies and dosage are included); genealogical notes; and two family genealogies (Wood family record, printed, with marginal notes; handwritten Ray family record).
The scrapbooks, compiled in 1870 and 1895 by Louie Ray Decker, are comprised of clippings and handwritten entries on a variety of topics including news and obituaries (predominantly New York related), religious and inspirational verses and poetry, gossip, cartoons, recipes, and instructions on how to make a variety of things (cough syrup, crocheted cape, medicine, among others).
Subjects
Families
Genres
Topics
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Decker family papers, 1977.246, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. F.W. Worrall from the estate of Josie Ray Decker, 1964.
About this Guide
Processing Information note
Minimally processed to the collection level.
