William Jay (Colonel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Jay
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| 40th President of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York | |
| In office 1908–1909 |
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| Preceded by | Austen George Fox |
| Succeeded by | Charles Augustus Schermerhorn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 12, 1841 Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 28, 1915 (aged 74) White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Spouses |
Lucie Oelrichs
(m. 1878; |
| Relations | William Jay (grandfather) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | John Jay Eleanor Kingsland Field Jay |
| Alma mater | Columbia College Columbia Law School |
William Jay (born February 12, 1841 – died March 28, 1915) was an important American figure who was both a soldier and a lawyer. He was born in Manhattan, New York, to John Jay and Eleanor Kingsland. During the American Civil War, he bravely served in the Union Army as a lieutenant colonel. Later in his life, he became the 40th President of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Jay was born on February 12, 1841. He was the only son of John Jay, who was a lawyer and a diplomat, and Eleanor Kingsland Field Jay. His family had a long history in America. His great-grandfather was John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers and the very first Chief Justice of the United States.
William Jay attended Columbia College and graduated in 1859. This education prepared him for a life of public service and law.
Military Service and Legal Career
When the American Civil War began, William Jay joined the United States Army. He believed strongly in fighting against slavery, just like his father. He served throughout the entire war and earned the rank of brevet Lieutenant Colonel. He was part of General George Meade's team, who commanded the Army of the Potomac. Jay fought in several major battles, including the Battles of Gettysburg, Mine Run, Chancellorsville, and Appomattox.
After the war ended, Jay went back to school. He studied law at Columbia Law School and graduated in 1868. After passing his exams, he became a lawyer. He worked on important legal cases, especially those involving trusts, estates, and railroad companies. He also worked as a lawyer for James Gordon Bennett Jr., who was the publisher of the famous New York Herald newspaper.
Besides his law practice, William Jay was also involved in several businesses. He was the vice president of the New York Herald and the president of the New York Cab Company. He also served on the boards of other companies, like the Commercial Cable Company.
Social and Sporting Interests
William Jay was well-known for his love of horses. He was a skilled horseman and helped start The Coaching Club in 1876, which was the first club of its kind for horse coaching. He was also an early member of the Westminster Polo Club and led the Meadow Brook Hunt Club on Long Island.
He was a member of many important clubs and societies, including the Century Club, the Knickerbocker Club, and the New-York Historical Society. He also served as the 40th President of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York.
Personal Life
In June 1878, William Jay married Lucie Oelrichs. Lucie came from a prominent New York family. They lived in New York City and also at the old family estate called Bedford House in Katonah, New York.
William and Lucie had three daughters:
- Julia Jay (1879–1896), who sadly passed away at age 17.
- Eleanor Jay (1882–1953), who married Arthur Iselin in 1904.
- Dorothy Jay (1887–1889), who died as a baby from diphtheria.
William Jay passed away on March 28, 1915, from heart disease while at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. His funeral was held at Trinity Church, and he was buried in the Jay Family vault in Bedford, New York.
