Susan Ray Beardsley

Not much is known about the first two ladies of the Havilah Beardsley House; like many women of the 19th century, they were undoubtedly overshadowed by the accomplishments of their husbands and were seldom spoken of in collected histories.

James Rufus, the son of founder Havilah Beardsley and his wife, Rachel, married Susan “Susie” Morris Ray in 1873, making her the new lady of the Havilah Beardsley House. Susan Ray was born in 1852 in Shelbyville, Indiana – one of twelve children born to Martin Morris and Susan Frances (Cross) Ray. Given that James Rufus was born in 1829, he was 23 years his wife’s senior. Shortly after Susan Ray moved into the home, the Havilah Beardsley House received the intensive renovation that would put it up to date with all of the latest architectural and interior design trends, ultimately converting it to the Italianate style it appears as today. It’s quite likely that Susan Ray had a large hand in the remodel.

Susan Ray occupied herself both as a mother and as an artist. With James Rufus, she had four children: Rufus Ray (1875-1927), Florence (1879), John Wallace (1882-1937), and Helen Louise (1889-1980). After the death of her husband, she and Helen both traveled to Europe (1903) and eventually sold the Havilah Beardsley House to move to Chicago (1913). Living in Chicago proved to be fruitful – Susan Ray took classes at the Art Institute, and some of her art is now on display in the Havilah Beardsley House Museum.

Susan Ray died in 1915 at the age of 63.