One of a Thousand/Fay, James Monroe
Fay, James Monroe, son of Warren and Jane D. (Bell) Fay, was born in Chester, Hampden county, March 23, 1847.
His early educational training was in the public schools of his native place. His academic studies were pursued in Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham. He studied medicine with Wm. O. Bell, was graduated from Vermont University in the class of 1875, and began the practice of medicine in Colebrook, Conn., 1870. In 1873 he removed to his native town and practiced medicine there until 18S1, when he settled in Northampton, where he still remains in practice. He is one of the attending physicians in the Dickinson Hospital, Northampton.
Dr. Fay was first married in Northampton, May 10, 1872, to Harriette, daughter of James and Hannah (Hackett) Forsyth, who died February 8, 1886. His second marriage occurred in Hatfield, March 23, 1887, with Mary L., daughter of Elisha and Cordelia (Randall) Hubbard. He has two children: Clara E. and Grace L. Fay.
Dr. Fay was elected a member of the board of health of the city of Northampton, 1887, for three years, and now holds the position of chairman of the same. He is also the city physician, to which office he was chosen in 1888 and '89. He was member of the school board in Colebrook, and subsequently superintendent of schools at Chester for six consecutive years.