Well known in the merchandising business in Carolina, William McVay has conducted a general store in his own name in his native town for thirty years. For a quarter of a century he has served as postmaster, and is a former member of the Richmond Town Council. His father, the late Michael McVay, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and after he came to America engaged in the textile manufacturing business until his death. He served in the Civil War as a member of Company K, 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He married Mary Kennedy, born in Ireland, who is also deceased.
William McVay was born in Carolina, this State, February 27, 1877. After completion of his education in the public schools of that town, he obtained employment in a grocery in Carolina, where he received his training for this line of business, over a period from 1891 to 1901. In the latter year he opened his own establishment in his home town and has conducted this general store since with marked success. His appointment as postmaster was received in 1905, and during the succeeding administrations he has been reappointed at least five times.
In political alignment a Republican, Mr. McVay served as a member of the Richmond (Rhode Island) Town Council for five years. He is affiliated with the Westerly Lodge, No. 678, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Meadowbrook Golf Club. He is extremely fond of touring by automobile. His religious connection is with the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary.
Mr. McVay married, in 1900, Alice M. Metcalf, born in Carolina, and they are the parents of two daughters: Dorothy M., and Mary Carolyn.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.