On 28 December 1821, Winter Bray, Charles Bray, and P. J. Derieux agreed to a division of the dower slaves of Milly Croxton, widow of John Croxton Jr., deceased. Ordered recorded 21 March 1831. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, page 207.]

On 16 January 1832, Charles Bray, Winter Bray, and James Croxton Jr were bound in the penalty of $15,000 for Charles Bray’s administration of the estate of Thomas Pilcher. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 378–379.]

The estate of Thomas Pilcher, deceased, in account with Charles Bray, administrator, for 1832 was ordered recorded on 20 January 1834. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 224–227.]

On 31 July 1834, Charles Bray made purchases at the sale of the estate of Major Arthur L. Barnes. [Essex County, Virignia, Will Book 24, pages 12–20.]

On 29 September 1834, Charles Bray made purchases at the sale of the estate of Philip Clarke, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 21–22.]

On 9 November 1835, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Capt. William Fisher, deceased, was made by Was: H Purkins, Chas Bray, and John P White. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 158–160.]

On 10 November 1835, Charles Bray purchased property at the sale of the estate of Gabriel Boughan, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 1–2.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Bray, Charles, 52, male, farmer, $25,000 real estate, born in Virginia
Bray, Susan, 45, female, born in Virginia
Bray, John, 28, male, no occupation, born in Virginia
Bray, Charles, 21, male, no occupation, born in Virginia
Bray, Mildred, 18, female, born in Virginia
Bray, Mary, 15, female, born in Virginia
Bray, Harvie, 12, male, born in Virginia, attended school