The Life and Times of William Pettit Raley and His Family in America: A Glimpse at Life in the 18th and 19th Centuries

By William S. Stob

Although there is no one living today who knew Judge William P. Raley personally, yet the account of his life should appeal to anyone who has an interest in the history and growth of the United States. This book traces Mr. Raley's Quaker ancestry back three generations to the time of his great grandfather's arrival in America in 1723. As such, the story of his family is as much a history of this great country as it is a biographical sketch of this hardy pioneer family.Some of the key events, institutions, and people, which were instrumental in the westward expansion of this nation are described, especially as they impacted or came in contact with the Raley family. Judge Raley was born on an Ohio farm in 1825, when agriculture was still in its infancy in that part of the country. He along with some of his siblings had the opportunity to attend Oberlin College at the time the great evangelist, Charles G. Finney, was associated with the school. Although William studied education, he was persuaded by his uncle, Dr. William Pettit, to seek his fortune in the newly-opened copper region of Keweenaw Peninsula. He was an official of two separate mining companies during the late 1840's and early 50's, and eventually with partners was engaged in the forwarding and commissioning business. He was soon a very successful merchant, and owned the docks and warehouse at Eagle Harbor. He was also the first Judge of Probate in Keweenaw County, when the county was formed in 1861, and over the years held other offices and responsible positions. He was twice married and had eight children by his second wife. His first wife passed away at the age of 21 in 1855, only six weeks after their marriage.In short, this book gives a glimpse of life in the 18th and 19th centuries, as it follows Judge Raley's family in this nation for some two hundred years.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1520311192
• ISBN13: 9781520311197
• Release Date: February 2017
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 289 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"