Eli Ray was born June 27, 1848 in Franklin Co., Illinois and married Emiline (Emma) Priscilla Wood on March 5, 1871. Emiline was born in Ohio on February 22, 1855.

Eli was a minister according to his son, Benjamin Franklin Ray, who noted this fact when he completed his family data for Baker University, and he also farmed.

Four children were born before Emiline died on February 22,1855 near Gainesville, Texas.