Kay (and related) Biographies from "Album of Genealogy & Biography, Cook County, IL", 1897

Joseph A. Kay. (Page 466)

Joseph Archdale Kay was born June 1, 1844, on the old homestead of his parents in Jefferson Township, Cook County, Illinois. He spent his boyhood on the farm of his father, Abel Kay, attending school in the winter, and assisting in the labor of the farm as soon as he was able. In 1859 he drove a milk wagon, and took care of an engine in a grist mill. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the First Missouri Cavalry, Company D, which was consolidated with the Tenth Missouri Cavalry in the winter of 1862. He served three years and one month, and then enlisted in Hancock's Veteran Corps, in Company K. The first service of his company was in Missouri, against Price, at Pea Ridge, and soon after they were in Arkansas, and then they went down the Mississippi to a point below Vicksburg. In northern Mississippi he saw many skirmishes and battles. From Corinth they made a forced march to Florence, passing through Shiloh. During the war he was home for a few months on furlough. He spent one year in the Veteran Corps, and was discharged April 11, 1866. During the last of Mr. Kay's service he did provost duty in Washington.

After the war Mr. Kay returned to Jefferson and engaged in farming. He remained with his mother two years, and then moved to the place he now occupies, and has since been engaged in gardening. His sons cultivate the farm, which contains eighteen and one-half acres.

June 23, 1866, he was married to Maggie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Best) Primrose, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England. They died in Jefferson. Mrs. Kay was born in Elgin, and died October 3, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Kay had nine children, namely: Marshall, who lives with his father; Joseph, deceased; Stephen, deceased; Carrie, now Mrs. Lincoln Smith, who resides in Chicago; David, deceased; De Mar, who resides at home; Annie, who lives in Chicago; Bert, deceased; and Maggie, who resides in Chicago with a sister. Mr. Kay was married November 17, 1886 to Mrs. Katie Stull, of Monmouth, Illinois, and they have two children, namely: Jefferson and Edith.

Mr. Kay is a member of Providence Lodge, No. 711, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Jefferson Park, having been connected with the order thirty-two years. He is also connected with George H. Thomas Post, No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic. He takes an active interest in politics and is a supporter of the Republican party. He is interested in local affairs, and favors all movements for public improvement.

Submitted by Mike Murphy