Gay, William, Shawnee Indian agent in 1856, was one of the victims of pro-slavery animosity. On June 21, 1856, accompanied by his son, he started to Westport, Mo., and when about 2 miles from that place was met by three men. One of them offered him a drink, and in the course of the conversation Mr. Gay was asked whether he was for or against slavery. He replied that he was from Michigan, but this indirect answer did not satisfy his inquisitor, repeated the question. Mr. Gay then replied that he was in favor of making Kansas a free state. He was then shot several times and fatally wounded. The son was also wounded, but managed to make his escape. It was thought by some that robbery was really the motive for Gay's murder, the perpetrators of the deed hoping to find on his person the key to the safe in which the agency money was kept. If they found the key they were afraid to attempt to use it, because of the storm of indignation aroused by the murder.