Above: Toncrays Mark

Silas Tracy Toncray  Born: 1795  Died: 1847 Silas Tracy Toncray was a preacher, silversmith and inventor who immigrated to Memphis in 1829.  Born in Williamsport, Maryland to Daniel and Huldah (Tracy) Toncray, Silas's earliest known American ancestors migrated to North America from England in 1634.

Growing up in Kentucky Silas apprenticed in the Silversmith trade.  The family spread about the country after the death of Daniel Sr. in 1805.  Subsequently Silas' sister, Maria Toncray Watkins begged him to join her in Little Rock where "there is no religion".  Silas and his wife Orpha moved there in 1824 and established a Baptist church.

In 1829 Silas traveled to Memphis to settle the affairs of his brother, Daniel Jr., recently deceased.  Silas decided to remain, establishing a silversmith shop and a church where he preached mainly to local blacks.  Silas and Orpha had four children whom Silas beat regularly.  He was, by all accounts, a poor speaker, ingenius inventor / craftsman, and impatient with those he considered inferior to himself.  He is included here because he established the first church for black Memphians and seemed to take those people to heart.  The church continued for nine years after his death in 1847.  His wife Orpha followed him to the grave one year later.