June 9, 1894:

Obituary

Wm. Hays was born in Kentucky, in 1830, came to Pike county, Mo., with his parents while a boy. His father entered the farm now owned by B.W. Hayden, in Hartford township. He lived on the farm until he grew to manhood, then learned the blacksmith trade and moved to Ashley. From here he moved to New Hartford, built a mill and was in the mill business for a number of years, having sold out to Judge A.J. Davis, he bought and moved to the farm where he died June 9, 1894, of heart trouble, from which he suffered about fourteen months. Mr. H. was twice married; first, Feb. 14th, 1853, to Miss Susan Rinerson, of Pike county, who died in about 11 months. Of this marriage one child, McKinley Hays was born, who now lives of a farm near the homestead. Mr. Hays married again to Miss Fannie E. Hawkins, of Pike county, in 1855, who seill [sic] survives. Of this marriage six boys and one girl were born. Four of the boys are still living and married, are staunch farmers and live near the home place. Thomas M. and Robert Lee join farms with their father; Samuel B. lives with his mother and John B. lives near Hartford. Mr. Hayes never made any profession of religion but he possessed those qualities which are commendable. No needy man ever left his door without the necessaries of which he was so bountifully supplied. Our sympathy goes out to his widow, children and grand children who tried so hard to soothe his pains until the end came. May the Lord bless these afflictions to the good of all. He has three living sisters--Mrs. B. W. Hayden, Mrs. M. A. Crews and Annie Campbell; also two brothers, Sam. B. and Absalom. His remains were laid to rest at the Hays burying place Monday.

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell