Hay was born in the neighborhood known as Scotch Hill. By age eleven, he worked in a glass house and learned the trade of cabinetry. The
Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh was created during Mayor Hay's term. Also, navigation on the
Monongahela River was opened as far south as
Brownsville during his administration. Hay's life of public service continued after his term as mayor. He commanded the Jackson Blues during the
Mexican War. During the
Civil War, he was captain of Company E. Pennsylvania Regiment. He was at the
Battle of Yorktown. He and his son were the proprietors of a fine furniture business. Hay died in 1882 and is buried in the
Allegheny Cemetery. ==See also==