William Hay
From Shetland History Online
William Hay of Hayfield (b. 8 October 1787, Lerwick, d. 28 May 1858, Lerwick) was a trader, farmer and Lerwick Town Councillor. He was married three times and fathered 16 children across the first two. His 12th and 15th children, George and Arthur were both. Lerwick Town Councillors.
Quote from Bayanne: "He built the Docks at Freefield, did much for the prosecution of the fisheries, improvement of agriculture and construction of roads throughout the county."
He was married to Margaret Ogilvy, daughter of Charles and brother of Charles, both councillors.
His short obituary in the Orcadian described him as "the most enterprising man in these islands and oldest merchant".
Political Career
- Lerwick Town Council Election April 1818
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1820
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1823
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1826
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1829
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1832
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1835
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1838
- Lerwick Town Council Election September 1841
