D. C. Fay, M.D.
D. C. Fay, M.D., who has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Ostrander, since 1867, is the oldest continuous practitioner in Delaware County. He was born in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio. August 10, 1843, and is a son ot Benjamin A. and Hester Ann (Robinson) Fay.
The paternal grandparents of Dr. Fay were David and Electa (Smith) Fay, who came to Ohio from Rutland. Vermont, prior to 1813. David Fay raised stock and quarried stone on his farm in Vermont, but after settling in Union County, Ohio, he followed farming. His son, Benjamin A. Fay. father of the Doctor, was born in Darby Township, in 1813. and died at Marysville, Union County, in 1885. Mainly self-taught, as in his youth educational apportunities in his section were limited, he became a man of more than ordinary importance in the communities in which he lived. While carrying on, a farm of 150 acres, he learned civil engineering without instruction, and so thoroughly that the active practice of this profession occupied a large part of his time for many years. In 1860, after being elected county surveyor of Union County, he moved to Marysville, and continued in that office for six years. Prior to this he had served as justice of the peace in Darby Township, and filled other offices. He was much interested in improving the stock of sheep and horses and devoted time and money to this object. His last years were passed in honorable retirement. He married Hester Ann Robinson, who died in 1888, leaving but one child.
During his early years. Dr. D. C. Fay was instructed entirely by his father, who was by no means a lax disciplinarian, having regular hours for hearing his son's lessons and requiring that they be properly prepared; hence, when opportunity was afforded for academic instruction at Marysville and at Haysville, the son was advanced far beyond others of his age. For a part of the time while attending Marysville Academy, he taught school, and then entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. J. M. Southard, of that place. After attending one course of lectures at the Starling Medical College, he entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1867. In the same year he settled at Ostrander, which village has since been his home, although for many years his practice included much adjacent territory, which he covered on horseback. Dr. Fay may almost be called the father of the medical guild in Delaware County. He was a charter member of the Delaware Medical Society and belongs also to the Ohio State and the American Medical Associations.
Dr. Fay married Mary A. Liggett, who is a daughter of Joab Liggett, a resident of Scioto Township. They have one daughter. Mima, who married Eugene C. Gee. Mr. Gee is chief electrical engineer for the Bell Telephone Company, at Tucson, Arizona. Mrs. Fay is a member of the Baptist Church at Ostrander. Dr. Fay has never taken any very active interest in politics. He has been closely identified, however, with several of the leading fraternal organizations. Since 1868. he has been a member of Palestine Lodge, No. 158, F. & A. M., at Marysville: is past chancellor of Ostrander Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to Edinburg Lodge, No. 467. Odd Fellows. He is the only living charter member of this lodge and was the first to hold the office of noble grand in this body.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908
Dr. D. C. Fay is and has been the leading physician of Ostrander since he located there. He was born in Union County. Ohio, in 1843. He attended the High School and the Academy at Marysville. Ohio. After finishing his studies he read medicine with Dr. J. M. Southard, one of the leading practitioners in that county. In 1864 he attended the Starling Medical College, and in 1867 graduated from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, Ohio. He returned home and located at Ostrander, Ohio, the same year. He married in 1871 Miss Mary A. Liggett. He belongs to the I. O. O. F, the F. & A. M. and K. P. The forty years of professional labors in this community have made him one of the landmarks; for he is known and appreciated by all. He has witnessed many changes in the profession, not only in his vicinity, but in the county as well.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908