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Ray Township Population: 2000(3740) 1990(3230) Change(510)
Ray Township is located in north-central Macomb County, about 6 miles northwest of Lake St. Clair and about 25 miles north of Detroit. This fast-growing area has retained its country-like charm, with a mixture of subdivisions and farms. The highlight of this county is the old Wolcott Mill located on the Clinton River - which is part of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Park Authority. This is a historical must see, and worth the drive, easily accessed off of Wolcott Road, a little north of 29 Mile Rd.
This area was first settled by Reuben R. Smith in 1824, along with Joseph Chubb, Nathaniel Thompson and Josiah Lee, who came later that same year. The township was organized in 1827, given the name "Rhea," by Noah Webster after the Latin name of a river in Europe. It was later changed to Ray. A post office opened in 1846 under the name Ray Center and remained open until 1906.
Davis was another community located in the southwestern part of the township where a post office opened in 1876. It was named after Rev. Jonathan E. Davis, another early pioneer settler in the township. It remained opened until 1910. |