This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Gay, Ross, Mudd, Green, Barber, Rose, Brown Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/kg.2ADI/1788 Message Board Post: Pike Co. Democrat, Pittsfield, Pike, IL, Feb. 7, 1892, Died in New Iberia Parish, Louisiana, on the 31st, Stephen Gay, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county, having been engaged in business at Atlas for several years prior to the location and survey of Pittsfield in 1833, where on the 25 of Dec., 1832, he was md. to Betsy M. Ross, a daughter of one of the 4 Ross brothers who were the first settlers at Atlas in 1820 or 1821. Within a few years after the location of Pittsfield he moved here, and was in the mercantile and pork-packing business with Col. Wm. Ross until abt 1841, when they joined with Green & Barber, E.D.Rose, E. Brown and opened a large store at Florence, with flouring mill, packing house, etc. and did a large business. Abt 1845 they sold out to Henry T. Mudd & Bros, and Ross & Gay again opened business in Pittsfield. In 1847-8 Mr. Gay built the flouring mill now owned by Williamson & Son, Ross subsequently purchasing a half interest. Mr. Gay co! ntinued in business here until abt 1865 when, after spending a year or more in the south, he purchased a plantation, and removing his family there has since made it his home. He was aged, abt 81 or 82. At last account, Mrs. Gay was very ill, with little hopes of recovery. A large family monument was erected some years since in the west cemetery by Mr. Gay, and he will be brought here for interment some time in the future.