William Rayen dedicated his life to service to his community. From first arrival in Ohio, through his command of a regiment in the War of 1812 and, after his return, in his leadership in building Youngstown, Ohio's, commercial and public life, he served his community on the bench and in business. He ultimately put his wealth and influence to the founding of a badly needed school "whose doors were to be open to all children of Youngstown, [regardless] of race or creed," a legacy that survives to today.1

He was born on October 21, 1776, in Kent County, Maryland. When he was a young man of twenty-six, he trekked into the wilderness of Ohio to settle. The first town meeting of Youngstown was held in his home on April 5, 1802. Having made improvements on the original cabin erected by ___ Young, founder and first surveyor of the settlement. William's home was, and remained, the most commodious and he generously hosted visitors and newcomers. Such that he was remembered as an "innkeeper" by one of those in attendance at that first town meeting.2

This was just the beginning of his active participation and leadership in the region's political affairs. His political influence coincided with the leading role he played in the several commercial enterprises he launched or in which he partnered with other men of substance. William Rayen was one of the key founders and inaugural board members of the Western Reserve Bank chartered in Warren in 1813. Many a young man of Youngstown earned their first pay in the employ of Judge Rayen, hired to clear the primordal forest for fields and to lay out the town's first roads.3

Rayen was Colonel of the Milita mustered in the field next to his frame house in Youngstown in early September, 1810. Jared Kirtland, there to do his duty, recalled,, "I attended [the] regimental muster in Youngstown. A war with Great Britain was anticipated, and the Indians on the frontiers were committing depredations. A thorough military spirit pervaded the country, and a full turnout of every able bodied man was evident on the occasion. It was a matter of surprise to see an apparent wilderness furnish some six or seven hundred soldiers. The regiment formed with its right near Col. Rayen's residence, and marched to a vacant lot between Main Street and the Mahoning River, near the mouth of Mill Creek, and was there reviewed. Simon Perkins was Brigadier general; John Stark Edwards, Brigadier major and Inspector; William Rayen, Colonel; George Tod, Adjutant, and John Shannon and __ M'Connel were Majors. A heavy fall of rain after midday seriously interrupted the exercises. No one, at that period, was disposed to evade his duties, and, two years afterward, the efficiency and patriotism of that body of men were thoroughly and favorably tested."4

When the War of 1812 began, Youngstown's militia leapt to their country's service, the first regiment of militia raised in the Western Reserve. They were deployed under the command of General Harrison. The men under Colonel Rayen always met their leader with a feeling of affection and esteem.5 Known as "Rayen's Ohio Militia" in its Federally-sworn incarnation by various sources, the Ohio Historical Society records his command as the Third Regiment, Ohio Militia.6

Rayen was a prominent figure in area Party circles. Influential leaders from throughout the state made frequent visits to his home. He remained an active participant in the public life of his community, being elected and reelected to various township offices over the years. A governor of Ohio appointed him an associate judge on the Trumbull County bench. When he retired, he showed few signs of his sixty years of age, and he seemed to be in the prime of life.

He was known as "energetic and sagacious" in his personal affairs, and he prospered in all his undertakings. He continued to expand his personal land possessions throughout his life. His home, a brick house located on the northwest corner of Spring Common, was a local landmark. One writer remembered that "it was pleasant and colorful to see the judge sitting on an old bench before his home, picturesque in his blue coat with gilt buttons, fine ruffled shirt, and with his hands folded over his cane."

Judge Rayen was active in promoting public education. His friends expected some generous act from him, but they didn't learn of the strength of his commitment until his will was read. It was the endowment of a new public school that was the legacy the bulk of his estate was earmarked to achieve. An historian of The Rayen School, which opened its doors in 1866, speculated that the Judge was motivated to found the school "because he lived at a time when the future of the nation was much discussed, and he realized that the future of that nation depended not only upon the bravery, but also upon the education of its citizens. There was no public school system when he was a youth. His education had been limited, a thing which he regretted deeply. It was this that convinced him of the necessity for a liberal education."7 That he insisted that it be open to all in the years immediately following the wrenching Civil War bespeaks a generous and liberal man. One with an inclusive vision of his community.

William Rayen was the same bright, cheerful man known by his friends to the end of his days. He died on April 5, 1854.

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NOTES:

1. Youngstown School District, "Judge William Rayen," www.youngstown.k12.oh.us/rayen/judgerayen.html -- 2002/11/24.
2. http://ohiolineage.com/Mahoning/histcol/page3/index.htm p. 3.
3. http://ohiolineage.com/Mahoning/histcol/page4/index.htm p. 4.
4. http://ohiolineage.com/Mahoning/histcol/page2/index.htm p. 2.
5. Youngstown School District, op. cit.
6. Roster of Ohio Soldiers in War of 1812, www.ohiohistory.org/onlinedoc/war1812/roster/1812/txt/page0069.txt -- 2003/7/23.
7. Youngstown School District, op. cit.