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Born in Tennessee, Thomas H. McCray moved to Arkansas as an adult and operated a mill near Little Rock. In 1856, McCray moved to Tellico, Texas where he worked in manufacturing. In June 1861, McCray enlisted in the 5th Arkansas Infantry. He was soon promoted to lieutenant and adjutant for the regiment. McCray was appointed mustering officer for Brig. Gen. William Hardee and raised a battalion in northeastern Arkansas. In January 1862, McCray was elected major in command of the battalion. In May 1862, the battalion was reorganized as the 31st Arkansas Infantry with McCray as its colo-nel. By 1863, the regiment was down to only 125 men and consolidated into another regiment. In 1864, McCray returned to northern Arkansas to recruit and was able to organize a brigade of cavalry composed of three regiments. This brigade became part of Shelby’s Division. After the war, McCray went into exile in Mexico. Around 1870, McCray returned home to farm near Witts-burg, Arkansas. McCray worked for the McCormick Reaper Company in Arkansas and then in Chicago.
Allardice, “Thomas H. McCray.” In More Gener-als in Gray, 158–160.