On a bronze plaque attached is an inscription noting the brick house, the dates of his birth and death, and his service in forming the provisional government. Born 1796 in Gloucester, England. He built the first brick house west of the Rocky Mountains on his farm one fourth mile west of this spot. Gay was several times married, always to natives, 'who were worth three white wives'. He acquired considerable wealth from his cattle herds, but his boundless hospitality to all comers left him poor at his death.
Numerous descendants remain today.
A replica of his housed, built from some of the original bricks which were burned on the farm, stands on the Newell House grounds at Champoeg. The photoon the right was submitted by Sharon Martin. It is a photograph of John E. Gay. The left photo was submitted by Sharon Martin. Elias and Sarah.