William D. Kay
May 29, 1900; Oregonian, p 4
Monroe, Or., May 28
 
   W. D. Kay, a prominent citizen of Benton County, died at his home one mile west of Monroe Saturday. The cause of death was cancer of the stomach. Mr. Kay was born in Louisville, Ky., March 27, 1835, and came to California in 1858. In 1850 he started for Oregon on the fated ship Northerner, and was one of the few survivors of the memorable wreck of that vessel at Cape Mendocino. During the excitement attending the foundering of this ship Mr. Kay jumped into the surf, was immediately caught around the feet by a man much larger than himself and swam to shore with his burden, where both, exhausted and almost lifeless, were soon restored. May 13, 1866, he was united in marriage to Mrs. John M. Davis, and to this couple six children were born, two of whom are dead. Those living are H. Ed Kay, W. Hugh Kay, Mrs. Sidney Evans and Mrs. Mel. G. Evans, all of whom reside near Monroe. The wife survives him. Mr. Kay was a member of the Christian church and of the Grange.