Early in his life he was appointed organist of Hexham Abbey. They had the following children
George Reay
Margaret Jane Reay (d 1826, aged 2 years 7 month)
Samuel Reay also became an organist. Eleanor Spraggon died in December 1826.
In 1836 he moved to Ryton-on-Tyne.
By 1851 he was working in Alnwick. He was advertising as an organ builder by 1860 when he had for sale
a new organ of 13 stops, Great Organ, Manual Central Committee to C in Altissimo, Swell Organ Tenor C to C alto.
2 Octaves of German Pedals, &c. Also and Organ with 4 stops, Central Committee to F, 1 ½ Octave of German Pedals, also with Barrel to play 10 tunes.
He appears to have fallen on hard times as in 1864 there was a public concert and the proceeds were given to him as a mark of respect.
Organist at Hexham Abbey 1820 - ca 1828 - ???? Organist in Alnwick ca. 1857
Organist at Street Bartholomew"s Church, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea ca.