Born in Windsor County, Vermont, December 6, 1821. In 1850 he made his home at Kankakee, Ill., and in June of that year was married to Caroline Putnam at his old home in Vermont. In 1856 they moved to Blackhawk County, and later to Cedar Township, where they resided many years. Mr. Gay made his living farming. He was a prominent citizen both in his township and in the county. After serving in a number of township positions, in 1877 he was elected a member of the general assembly, and was re-elected in 1879. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the college of the blind at Vinton for a number of years. To every position he gave conscientious attention, and was always liberal-minded and public spirited.

Born in Windsor County, Vermont, December 6, 1821. In 1850 he made his home at Kankakee, Ill., and in June of that year was married to Caroline Putnam at his old home in Vermont. In 1856 they moved to Blackhawk County, and later to Cedar Township, where they resided many years. Mr. Gay made his living farming. He was a prominent citizen both in his township and in the county. After serving in a number of township positions, in 1877 he was elected a member of the general assembly, and was re-elected in 1879. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the college of the blind at Vinton for a number of years... To every position he gave conscientious attention, and was always liberal-minded and public spirited.