From the standpoint of years of continuous practice as a physician Dr. Cyrus Kay is one of the oldest members of his profession in Herkimer, Herkimer county, New York, and also enjoys one of the largest practices in the town and county where he has passed nearly all of his life. The Doctor has always been a student and has kept himself fully informed upon every advancement made in the science of medicine, and has been in close touch with the profession through his membership in the Herkimer County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and by his extensive travels throughout the United States. Cyrus Kay was born on January 10, 1857, near Frankfort, Herkimer county, New York, the son of Cyrus and Sarah S. Entwistle Kay, and was one in a family of six children born to his parents. His father and mother came to America from England with their parents when eight and six years old, respectively, the father's family settling at Frankfort, New York, and the mother's family settling at Bronxville, New York. Cyrus Kay, the father of the Doctor, was born in the village of Tottington, Lancastershire county, England, on November 14, 1819, and was a very successful farmer. His parents were William and Ann Kay, both born in Tottington, Lancastershire county, England. The Doctor's maternal grandparents were William and Mary Entwistle.
Cyrus Kay obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Herkimer county, New York, and studied for his professional career in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University, New York city, from which he graduated with his degree of M. D. in 1880. After serving an interneship of one year in Bellevue Hospital, New York, Dr. Kay located at Herkimer and began a general practice, and has been a resident of the town ever since. He has always manifested an interest in civic affairs and has served as a village trustee and as a member of the police and fire commission. He was health officer of the village and town for twenty-five years. The Doctor is a republican in politics, and a member of the Reformed church of Herkimer in his religious convictions. He owns considerable realty in Herkimer and is a director of the Herkimer National Bank.
Fraternally Dr. Kay is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic order, in which he is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Herkimer Lodge, No. 423, F. & A. M., Iroquois Chapter and Little Falls Commandery. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Dr. Kay is a member of the Down and Out Club of Herkimer and the Fort Schuyler Club of Utica, New York.
On July 31, 1876, Dr. Kay was married to Miss Clara Elizabeth Hilts, daughter of Philip and Katharine Fagen Hilts of Herkimer, New York. William E. Kay, brother of Dr. Kay, married Miss Della Mead, and they are the parents of five children; a sister, Minnie Kay, is the widow of Thomas W. Gardner and lives at Lynn, Massachusetts, with her four children. She was born in Herkimer. Dr. Kay's principal diversion is playing golf.