Hay, George, Dd

Hay, George, D.D.

a Scotch Roman Catholic prelate, was born of Episcopal parents, in Edinburgh, August 24, 1729. He was destined for the medical profession, but in the midst of his studies he was summoned to join the Highlaind army as surgeon, in 1745. After prince Charles' defeat, he was kept three months in Esdinburgh Castle, and then detained prisoner a year in London. By the act of indemnity he was set free. He was received into the Roman Catholic Church, December 21, 1745, by father John Seton, S.J., of Garleton, who was on a mission to Edinburgh. On September 10, 1754, he entered the Scotch College at Rome, where he completed his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained a priest. He returned to Scotland in 1759, and was sent into Banffshire, where he labored for eight years. In 1769 he was made coadjutuor to bishop Grant, vicar-apostolic of Scotland. In 1771 he appeared as an author, and began that series of doctrinal, moral, and devotional works which is still popular. In 1798 he received a second coadjutor in bishop Cameron, to replace bishop Geddes, deceased. A few years afterwards, feeling his end approach, he retired to the Seminary of Auhorties, and devoted his remaining days to devotion. He died October 15, 1811. See (N.Y.) Cath. Annual, 1880, page 75.