Joseph Fay (politician)
Joseph Fay (September 11, 1753 – October 26, 1803) was an American politician, militia officer, and businessman who served as Secretary of State of Vermont and was one of its principal founders. Biography Joseph Fay was born in Hardwick, Massachusetts on September 11, 1753, the son of Stephen Fay and Ruth Child. In 1766, the Fays moved to Bennington, Vermont, where Stephen Fay owned and operated the Catamount Tavern and became a leader of the Green Mountain Boys. The Green Mountain Boys were originally organized to resist attempts by the government of New York to exert control over Vermont, including forcing the original white settlers, who had purchased land grants from New Hampshire, to purchase confirming titles from New York. During the American Revolution the residents of Vermont sided with the new United States; Fay served as Secretary of the Vermont Council of Safety from 1777 to 1778 and Council of State from 1778 to 1784. He also served as Secretary of State from 1778 to 1781. Fay served in the 2nd Regiment of Vermont Militia, and eventually commanded the regiment with the rank of colonel. His father, four of his six brothers, and he took part in the Battle