BIOS: Peter S. HAY, Brothers Valley and Elk Lick, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of 
Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, Biographical Review 
Publishing Company: 1899, pp 51-52.

  Peter S. Hay, who carries on a thriving general mercantile business at Elk 
Lick, Pa., was born in Brother's Valley, Somerset County, August 8, 1832, son of 
Peter and Elizabeth (Walker) Hay.  Mr. Hay's grandfather, Simon Hay, who was 
born in Germany in 1742, emigrated to America in 1763, and settling in Brother's 
Valley, erected a stone residence and gristmill, which are still standing.  He 
died in 1841, aged ninety-nine years.  His children were: Jacob; Michael; 
George; Peter; Valentine; Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Weller; Catharine, who 
became Mrs. Miller; and Susan, who became Mrs. Baker.
  Peter Hay, the father above named, was a lifelong resident of Brother's 
Valley, and his active years are spent upon a farm.  Mrs. Elizabeth Walker Hay, 
his wife, who was born in Brother's Valley, became the mother of ten children, 
namely: David; Michael; Philip; Peter S., the subject of this sketch; Valentine; 
Susan, who married Samuel Walker; Mary, who married Moses Young; Elizabeth, who 
married John Rink; Catherine, who married Frederick Weller; and Caroline, who 
married Samuel Sayler.
  Peter S. Hay acquired a common-school education in his native town.  When 
eighteen years old he left the homestead to become a store clerk for Samuel 
Walker at Lavansville, where he remained about two years; and in 1853 he engaged 
in business at Salisbury in company with his brother Michael, under the firm 
name of Hay & Brother.  In 1866 Josiah M. Hay, son of Michael, entered the firm, 
which, under the name of Hay & Co., continued until 1867, when the business was 
sold.  In 1871 Peter S. Hay bought the establishment, which he has since carried 
on with good financial results.  He has also dealt quite largely in real estate, 
both in this county and in the West.
  In 1854 Mr. Hay was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Michael 
Diveley, of Salisbury.  She died October 28, 1886, leaving four children, 
namely: Harvey, who is now in business with his father; Russell, who I employed 
in the store; Jennie, wife of Dr. A. M. Lichty, of Salisbury; and George C. Hay, 
who is attending Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa.
  In politics Mr. Hay is a Democrat.  He is a member of the Reformed church, and 
has been an Elder for many years.  He occupies a desirably located residence, 
which was erected by him some thirty years ago.