WI BIO - Dane Co - GAY, Matthew H.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, pp 382-383

Matthew H. GAY has been living in the city of Madison, Dane County, WI, since 
01 Nov 1851, prominently connected with the business interests of the capital 
city. Beginning here as a tailor on the bench, he later, in 1857, went into 
the business of agriculture by purchasing land in Fitchburg, Township [Dane 
County, WI] where he carried on farming until 1865. At that time he went to 
Milwaukee [Milwaukee County], WI, and there established a tailoring business, 
which he conducted for four years, at the end of which time he came back to 
Madison and worked at his trade until 1881, when he purchased his present 
location, 302 State Street, where he has since conducted a very successful 
business. Matthew H. GAY thoroughly understands his occupation and the 
demands of his trade, and carrying only first class goods, he has only first 
class custom. His career has been a prosperous one and he may regard it with 
pardonable pride as he has gained all himself, by his honest methods and by 
his industry.

Matthew H. GAY was born in Stond, Gloucestershire, England, in 1827, of pure 
English stock, a son of John and Ann (HARRISON) GAY, natives of the same 
place, where they lived and died. The father was but a young man, only 36, 
when his useful life ended, having followed the occupation of maltster. The 
mother of our subject came to America in 1852, following her son, and her 
death took place 13 Jul 1854, upon the same sad night that witnessed the 
death of her son, John; both died from cholera. One brother, Enos, is living 
in LaCrosse County, WI, a retired hardware merchant. Matthew H. GAY is the 
youngest but one of nine sons born to his parents. The family has been 
divided: one brother, George, having died in Australia; one, Leonard, died 
in London; two, Esau and Henry, died in Bristol, England; and two others died 
in the old home place in England, when young. [p 383]

When fourteen years of age Matthew H. GAY was apprenticed to learn the trade 
of tailor, serving at it for seven years, then working as a journeyman until 
he had earned enough to bring him to America. Leaving Bristol, England, on 
the sailing vessel, "Java," he reached NY City after a voyage of 49 days, 
which was very rough and almost caused the loss of the vessel and much 
hardship was experienced by the passengers. From NY our subject came on to 
Buffalo, NY, thence around the lakes to Milwaukee, WI, landing at four 
o'clock in the morning of 17 June, with 75 cents in his pocket, which his 
breakfast reduced to 25. To a person of the enterprising kind that our 
subject proved to be, his a not such a desperate state of affairs, for by 
seven o'clock that same morning he had obtained work.

Discouragements seemed to be just lying around waiting for Matthew H. GAY, 
notwithstanding his happy name, for although he worked faithfully until 04 
Jul, earning $17 all that was paid him was $2.25; and the next $10 he earned 
was lost by the defaulting of a bank in which he had placed it for safe 
keeping. After 18 months of work he had managed to save $50, and then walked 
300 miles to find a place which suited him for a home. For a time he located 
at Lake Mills [Jefferson County], WI. The country around there was but 
sparsely settled, entailing many hardships, and later he came into the city 
of Madison [Dane County], WI, where he has been very successful, as he 
brought with him the same characteristics which made him friends and gave him 
work when he came into the country poor and a stranger.

Matthew H. GAY has taken a deep and active interest in all matters pertaining 
to the city and country since locating here. During the rebellion he gave of 
his means for its suppression, and was for some time a Republican, but at 
present is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Congregational Church, 
and has been so for a number of years. Matthew H. GAY was married in Madison 
[Dane County], WI, to Miss Sarah C. STORY, who was born in PA and went to MO 
when quite young with her parents, and there her father, William STORY, died, 
she coming to Madison, WI, in 1849 with her mother from IL, and since 
locating here she has been socially connected with the pleasantest circle in 
this city, being an active member of the Congregational Church and a very 
lovable woman. Matthew H. and Sarah C. (STORY) GAY have had nine children. 
Three of these are deceased, two in infancy, and one, little Ethel, at the 
age of 10 years. Those who have been spared are: Sarah Ann, Lucy Maria, 
Leonard W., Marguerite G., Matthew J., and Robert J. This family is one of 
the most highly esteemed in the city of Madison, WI.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly