Background
George Hay was born on December 15, 1765, in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States, the son of Anthony Hay and Elizabeth Davenport. His father, traditionally reputed to be a son of one of the earls of Errol, established himself in Williamsburg as a cabinet maker sometime between the years 1740 and 1750 but soon changed to an industry for which the colonial appreciation was more pronounced, purchasing the Raleigh Tavern in 1767 and becoming the keeper of an ordinary of more than local reputation. Elizabeth Davenport, second wife of Anthony Hay, was the daughter of Joseph Davenport, first town clerk of Williamsburg.