the hays family
silas & elizabeth hays came to table rock in 1877 and lived out their lives here
who remembers him now? long gone are those who knew him face-to-face. yet when he died in 1923, it was emphasized that silas hays, a man who had been on the earth for 100 years, was a man who had been worth knowing. his march 16, 1923 obituary said:
Mr. Hays was a good man, loved and cherished by all who knew him for he processed the qualities which drew men to him. He was kind hearted and gracious to others; absolutely honest and straightforward in his business transactions. A trait of his character was [made] known in the community [by Silas's] daughter, Mrs. Frank Davis, a couple years ago: "I have lived all my life near my father and I have never seen him when he was angry. He is such a good man and I am sure that is why God has let him live so long."
He lived during a wonderful period of time, and saw marvelous changes brought to the conditions of men. He saw our government grow from a little struggling nation into the mightiest nation on earth; he saw that nation torn and bleeding from our civil war, and saw it again united in brotherly love. He saw "the west" develop from a desert of waste ________homes of happy, prosperous millions of people. He has seen the automobile and railroad take the place of the ox team; he saw the telegraph [come into ] practical use; and many others of the great things which have [come to be]and while these changes were going on, Mr. Hays going about faithfully performing the daily duties of a useful life.
this is a little about silas, who lies in the table rock cemetery with his second wife, elizabeth, a helpmate and companion of many years.
Silas, who was born in Illinois, was first married to Sara Jane Cox, in 1845. Silas's children with Sara Jane included:
James Hays (1848-?)
Robert Hays (1857-1951), and
Henry Hays (1859-?).
After Sara Jane died in 1860, Silas then married Elizabeth, in that same year. Here is their marriage license, posted on Ancestrycom by "DogBone100."
James Hays (1848-?)
Robert Hays (1857-1951), and
Henry Hays (1859-?).
After Sara Jane died in 1860, Silas then married Elizabeth, in that same year. Here is their marriage license, posted on Ancestrycom by "DogBone100."
Silas & Elizabeth's children together were:
James Hays (1848 - 1943) (Buried in Athena Cemetery of Umatilla County, Oregon).
William Hays (1850 - ?)
Henry Hays (1859-?),
Nevad Hays (1864-1953)
Robert Hays (1857-1951) (Table Rock Cemetery)
Adam Hays (1861-1940)
Joseph Hays (1866-1853) (Table Rock Cemetery)
Jennie Hays Day (1868-1959)
Creaola Hays Day (1870-1900)(Table Rock Cemetery)
John Thomas Hays (1872-1954)
Albert Hays (1875-1948)
Frank Hays (1877-1931) (St. Anthony's Cemetery, Steinauer)
Maud Hays Heer (1880-1973) (Table Rock Cemetery)
There are a number of people in the Table Rock area who are descended from Silas and Elizabeth, including Gordon and Gregg Clement, descendants of Robert Hays, and Greg and Brad Bowen, descendants of Maud Hays Heer.
Sources for the names and dates of the children include "VernonDeanClark" family tree on Ancestry.com, by kbClark49; "Chip Tree 2" family tree on Ancestry.com, by Lynn Hendrix, Jr., and Findagrave.com.
James Hays (1848 - 1943) (Buried in Athena Cemetery of Umatilla County, Oregon).
William Hays (1850 - ?)
Henry Hays (1859-?),
Nevad Hays (1864-1953)
Robert Hays (1857-1951) (Table Rock Cemetery)
Adam Hays (1861-1940)
Joseph Hays (1866-1853) (Table Rock Cemetery)
Jennie Hays Day (1868-1959)
Creaola Hays Day (1870-1900)(Table Rock Cemetery)
John Thomas Hays (1872-1954)
Albert Hays (1875-1948)
Frank Hays (1877-1931) (St. Anthony's Cemetery, Steinauer)
Maud Hays Heer (1880-1973) (Table Rock Cemetery)
There are a number of people in the Table Rock area who are descended from Silas and Elizabeth, including Gordon and Gregg Clement, descendants of Robert Hays, and Greg and Brad Bowen, descendants of Maud Hays Heer.
Sources for the names and dates of the children include "VernonDeanClark" family tree on Ancestry.com, by kbClark49; "Chip Tree 2" family tree on Ancestry.com, by Lynn Hendrix, Jr., and Findagrave.com.
a nice picture of the hays kids
Photo 1786, Silas's extended family. Posted by "DogBone100" on ancestry.com. Photo 1786. Names as added by another geneaologist, "SherryBertho65" are as follows:
Standing-Back Row-Left to Right: Mary Edith Hays, Adam Taylor Hays, Robert Lynn Hays, James M. Hays, Albert Hays, John Thomas Hays, Josiah Franklin "Frank" Davis, Jenny Hays Davis, Joseph O. Hays, Creola Hays, Nevada Hays Walker, and George Newton Walker.
Front Row-Left to Right: Baby Elizabeth Mary Hays, Martha Jane Stephenson Hays, Floyd Hays, Baby Ralph Clinton Hays, Martha Ann Pierce Hays, Silas John Hays, Frank E. Hays, Elizabeth Jane Propst Hays, Maude Jane Hays, Guy Walker-child, Maggie Walker-child.
Creola died in 1900, so this photo predates 1900. Frank the little boy between Silas & Elizabeth, was born in 1877. This photo appears to be from the late 1880s.
Standing-Back Row-Left to Right: Mary Edith Hays, Adam Taylor Hays, Robert Lynn Hays, James M. Hays, Albert Hays, John Thomas Hays, Josiah Franklin "Frank" Davis, Jenny Hays Davis, Joseph O. Hays, Creola Hays, Nevada Hays Walker, and George Newton Walker.
Front Row-Left to Right: Baby Elizabeth Mary Hays, Martha Jane Stephenson Hays, Floyd Hays, Baby Ralph Clinton Hays, Martha Ann Pierce Hays, Silas John Hays, Frank E. Hays, Elizabeth Jane Propst Hays, Maude Jane Hays, Guy Walker-child, Maggie Walker-child.
Creola died in 1900, so this photo predates 1900. Frank the little boy between Silas & Elizabeth, was born in 1877. This photo appears to be from the late 1880s.
In the copy of this picture that is below, shared by descendant Brad Bowen, one can see a number of the Hays family members identified: Adam, Jim, Bert, Tom, Joseph or Frank Daves or Davis (perhaps an in law, married to Jennie), Frank Hays, Jennie Davis or Daves, Grandpa Hays, Grandma Hays, Joe Hays and Maud Heer. Brad says that his dad Johnny Bowen wrote out the names many years ago. Photo 1749.
Below, "Silas Hays and Mr. Law." Mr. Law is a relative according to Brad Bowen, Photo 1768. [From Sharla: I seem to remember that Law was a citizen who lived long, too; these two may have been two of the oldest citizens at the time of this picture.]
January 30, 1919, Silas Hays' son James visits from Oregon; James is 71, Silas 95.
December 3, 1920 biography of Silas Hays, then the oldest citizen in Table Rock. He was then 97 years old. Table Rock Argus.
This photo is identified as Silas Hays with unidentified child by "LeeDay" on Ancestry.com. It is a detail from the photo above. Clement descendants have identified the man as William Clement rather than Silas Hays. As of February 21, 2016, we're checking this out and will try to update. It's a nice close up, whoever he is.
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October 28, 1921, Alliance Herald, Silas's 98th Birthday
On his 98th birthday, Silas recounted a trip he took with a wagon train to California in 1862. It took five months. He went back to the Midwest, and eventually brought his family to Table Rock. At age 98, he said that he came to Table Rock in 1876. This was posted on Ancestry by "LeeDay."
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silas lives to be 100 years old
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Silas Hays on his 100th birthday. Posted by "DogBone100" on Ancestry.com. Photo 1787.
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March 16, 1923 Nebraska State Journal - Silas dies at 100
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the obituaries of silas & elizabeth
Silas and Elizabeth both had long productive lives. Their obituaries in the Table Rock show that they were well known and much liked.
Here is a transcript of the March 9, 1923 announcement of Silas's death, and, from the March 16, 1923 Argus, his obituary. Thank you to Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen for looking this one up and transcribing it from a fairly illegible state:
Oldest Citizen Passes Away
Silas Hays, who was 99 years of age on the 15th of past October and was the oldest person in Pawnee county and perhaps in southeast Nebraska, died at the home of his son, Joseph Hays in this city on Thursday morning at 3:30 o'clock. He had been in failing health during the winter and passed quietly away. Funeral services will be held at the home at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning. His aged wife died five years ago last January.
Obituary (The ink was very blotted so parts are unreadable, but Luella included what was readable.)
SILAS HAYS
Silas Hays was born October 15, 1823, near the town of Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1845 at the age of 22 he was married to Sarah Jane Cox. Four children were born to this union, James, William, Robert and Henry. The family moved to Taylor county Iowa in 18?? and his wife died the following year. Later he was married to Elizabeth Propst and nine children were born to this union, Adam, Nevada, Joseph, Jennie, Creola, Thomas, Albert, Frank and Maud.
He moved with his family to Pawnee county about 1876, He spent the last years of his life in Table Rock at the home of his son, Joseph, where he died March 8, 1923, at the age of 99 years, 4 months and 21 days.
One daughter, Creola, died in 1900. Besides his 12 children he leaves ? grandchildren and ? great-grandchildren and unnumbered friends to cherish his memory. His was a remarkable life long in years and long to be ? and great and good impressions left on the hearts of all who knew him. Mr. Hays was a good man, loved and cherished by all who knew him for he processed the qualities which drew men to him. He was kind hearted and gracious to others; absolutely honest and straight forward in his business transactions. A trait of his character was known in the community of the daughter, Mrs. Frank Davis, a couple years ago: "I have lived all my life near my father and I have never seen him when he was angry. He is such a good man and I am sure that is why God has let him live so long."
He lived during a wonderful period of time, and saw marvelous changes brought to the conditions of men. He saw our government grow from a little struggling nation into the mightiest nation on earth; he saw that nation torn and bleeding from our civil war, and saw it again united in brotherly love. He saw "the west" develop from a desert of waste ? ? homes of happy, prosperous millions of people. He has seen the automobile and railroad take the place of the ox team; he saw the telegraph ? ? practical use; and many others of the great things which have ? ? living;and while these changes were going on, Mr. Hays going about faithfully performing the daily duties of a useful life.
Funeral services were held in the Christian church at 10:00 o'clock on Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. A. L. Ogden. The church was packed by friends who came to pay their tribute, and the remains were laid to rest in the Table Rock cemetery.
Here is a transcript of the March 9, 1923 announcement of Silas's death, and, from the March 16, 1923 Argus, his obituary. Thank you to Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen for looking this one up and transcribing it from a fairly illegible state:
Oldest Citizen Passes Away
Silas Hays, who was 99 years of age on the 15th of past October and was the oldest person in Pawnee county and perhaps in southeast Nebraska, died at the home of his son, Joseph Hays in this city on Thursday morning at 3:30 o'clock. He had been in failing health during the winter and passed quietly away. Funeral services will be held at the home at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning. His aged wife died five years ago last January.
Obituary (The ink was very blotted so parts are unreadable, but Luella included what was readable.)
SILAS HAYS
Silas Hays was born October 15, 1823, near the town of Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1845 at the age of 22 he was married to Sarah Jane Cox. Four children were born to this union, James, William, Robert and Henry. The family moved to Taylor county Iowa in 18?? and his wife died the following year. Later he was married to Elizabeth Propst and nine children were born to this union, Adam, Nevada, Joseph, Jennie, Creola, Thomas, Albert, Frank and Maud.
He moved with his family to Pawnee county about 1876, He spent the last years of his life in Table Rock at the home of his son, Joseph, where he died March 8, 1923, at the age of 99 years, 4 months and 21 days.
One daughter, Creola, died in 1900. Besides his 12 children he leaves ? grandchildren and ? great-grandchildren and unnumbered friends to cherish his memory. His was a remarkable life long in years and long to be ? and great and good impressions left on the hearts of all who knew him. Mr. Hays was a good man, loved and cherished by all who knew him for he processed the qualities which drew men to him. He was kind hearted and gracious to others; absolutely honest and straight forward in his business transactions. A trait of his character was known in the community of the daughter, Mrs. Frank Davis, a couple years ago: "I have lived all my life near my father and I have never seen him when he was angry. He is such a good man and I am sure that is why God has let him live so long."
He lived during a wonderful period of time, and saw marvelous changes brought to the conditions of men. He saw our government grow from a little struggling nation into the mightiest nation on earth; he saw that nation torn and bleeding from our civil war, and saw it again united in brotherly love. He saw "the west" develop from a desert of waste ? ? homes of happy, prosperous millions of people. He has seen the automobile and railroad take the place of the ox team; he saw the telegraph ? ? practical use; and many others of the great things which have ? ? living;and while these changes were going on, Mr. Hays going about faithfully performing the daily duties of a useful life.
Funeral services were held in the Christian church at 10:00 o'clock on Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. A. L. Ogden. The church was packed by friends who came to pay their tribute, and the remains were laid to rest in the Table Rock cemetery.
Here is a transcript of Elizabeth's obituary in the January 25, 1918 Table Rock Argus
OBITUARY-
Elizabeth Crofts was born in Virginia, January 23, 1837, and departed this life after an illness of two weeks on January 19th, 1918. Had she lived five days longer she would have been 81 years of age.
She moved with her parents to Scott county and later to Taylor county, where she was united in marriage to Silas Hays in the fall of 1860.
To this union nine children were born, five sons and four daughters, one daughter dying when about thirty-one years of age. Besides the nine children born to her, she raised four children of her husband' by a former wife. Three sons and three daughters were present at the funeral.
In 1877 she, her husband and family of young children moved and located on a farm near Table Rock, and several years later they bought the farm upon which they lived until they moved to town nine years ago, and the farm is now owned by Robert Hays.
She accepted Christ as her Savior, some time after her marriage and united with the Baptist church, and lived an exemplary Christian life.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. C. Senbright, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and her remains were buried in the Table Rock cemetery.
She leaves to mourn her departure the husband, twelve children and other relatives, besides a host of friends.
OBITUARY-
Elizabeth Crofts was born in Virginia, January 23, 1837, and departed this life after an illness of two weeks on January 19th, 1918. Had she lived five days longer she would have been 81 years of age.
She moved with her parents to Scott county and later to Taylor county, where she was united in marriage to Silas Hays in the fall of 1860.
To this union nine children were born, five sons and four daughters, one daughter dying when about thirty-one years of age. Besides the nine children born to her, she raised four children of her husband' by a former wife. Three sons and three daughters were present at the funeral.
In 1877 she, her husband and family of young children moved and located on a farm near Table Rock, and several years later they bought the farm upon which they lived until they moved to town nine years ago, and the farm is now owned by Robert Hays.
She accepted Christ as her Savior, some time after her marriage and united with the Baptist church, and lived an exemplary Christian life.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. C. Senbright, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and her remains were buried in the Table Rock cemetery.
She leaves to mourn her departure the husband, twelve children and other relatives, besides a host of friends.
silas & sara jane's son henry hays
Hay making with Henry Hays. Photo 1515.
Silas & Elizabeth's son adam hays
Adam Hays holding Mary Edith, detail from the family photo above
This photo is simply labeled, "Mr. & Mrs. Adam Hays." Photo 881, no date. Their daughter Zilah's marriage license cites her parents as Adam & Jane Hays. Unless this is a stepmother, the Mrs. is Jane Hays.
A close up of the Hays's in a detail from the photo
the marriage of adam hays' daughter zillah in 1910
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In 1910, Zilah married John Miller, son of Peter Muller & Mary McBride. (The Mullers changed their family name to Miller at some point.) Thanks to descendant Sandi Knippelmeyer for sharing this picture and a copy of the marriage license!
A little closer....
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the death of robert hays' son merren in world war i
Merren Hayes (1895-1919) was the son of Robert and Martha Hays, 1857-1951 and 1867-1960. All three are buried in Table Rock, as is Merren's brother Ralph Clinton Hays (1888-1976), his brother J. Daniel Hays (1889-1961), sister Ida Hays Snoke (1891-1972), and sister Goldie Hays Clement (1893-1971). The resting place of the others are elsewhere, i.e., siblings Marion Jays (1895-?) and Beulah Hays (1895-1983)
In the Table Rock Cemetery
April 29, 1921 Argus. The memorial in the park dedicated to three heroes of World War I, including Merren Hays.
silas & elizabeth's son joe (1866-1953)
Joe, who never married, is buried in the Table Rock Cemetery. His obituary in the November 26, 1953 Table Rock Argus:
Joe Hays Dies; Services Held
Well-Known Local Resident Found Dead In His Home Near Depot Friday Evening.
This community was shocked by the death of Joe Hays, 87, who was found dead in his home near the depot Friday night. He had apparently died of natural causes.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Kovanda-Beethe Chapel, with Rev. Ward Merritt of Humboldt officiating. Interment was in the Table Rock cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonham rendered a vocal duet, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Wayne Diehm. Mrs. Laura Day and Mrs. Cleo Deubelbeiss had charge of the floral tributes.
Pallbearers included Jay Dow, Pete Jasa, William Carter, B. F. Muscheites, Edgar Gilbert and Joe Miller.
Mr. Hays, a life-long resident of this community, was highly respected, and a friend to everyone. His passing leaves a saddened note in the hearts of his many friends.
OBITUARY-
Joseph Oscar Hays, a life-long resident of Table Rock and community, passed away Friday November 20, 1953 at the age of 87 years and 8 days.
Joe, son of the late Silas and Elizabeth Hays, was born in Iowa on November 12, 1866.
He was never united in marriage, but devoted his life to taking care of his aged parents until their death in 1923. From that time on, he has lived alone in his own home.
He was one of a family of thirteen children, including four half-brothers. All have preceded him in death with the exception of three, Jenny Davis of Humboldt, Thomas Hays of Carterville, Mo., and Maude Heer of Table Rock, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Joe was a good neighbor and a friend of everyone.
Joe Hays Dies; Services Held
Well-Known Local Resident Found Dead In His Home Near Depot Friday Evening.
This community was shocked by the death of Joe Hays, 87, who was found dead in his home near the depot Friday night. He had apparently died of natural causes.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Kovanda-Beethe Chapel, with Rev. Ward Merritt of Humboldt officiating. Interment was in the Table Rock cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonham rendered a vocal duet, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Wayne Diehm. Mrs. Laura Day and Mrs. Cleo Deubelbeiss had charge of the floral tributes.
Pallbearers included Jay Dow, Pete Jasa, William Carter, B. F. Muscheites, Edgar Gilbert and Joe Miller.
Mr. Hays, a life-long resident of this community, was highly respected, and a friend to everyone. His passing leaves a saddened note in the hearts of his many friends.
OBITUARY-
Joseph Oscar Hays, a life-long resident of Table Rock and community, passed away Friday November 20, 1953 at the age of 87 years and 8 days.
Joe, son of the late Silas and Elizabeth Hays, was born in Iowa on November 12, 1866.
He was never united in marriage, but devoted his life to taking care of his aged parents until their death in 1923. From that time on, he has lived alone in his own home.
He was one of a family of thirteen children, including four half-brothers. All have preceded him in death with the exception of three, Jenny Davis of Humboldt, Thomas Hays of Carterville, Mo., and Maude Heer of Table Rock, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Joe was a good neighbor and a friend of everyone.
silas & elizabeth's daughter creola (1870-1900)
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Creola married a Day. She died at age 30, leaving two young sons, Rex and Jesse. Creelie's sister Jennifer and husband Frank Davis raised the boys. Jesse died at age 13. Rex went on to be married and have sons of his own, including Dean, Bill, and Lee. In February 2016, Lee wrote a little about his grandmother and his family for us:
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Creelie Hays Day
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Frank Davis and his wife Jennie Hays Davis took in Creelie's sons Rex & Jesse after her death.
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silas & elizabeth's son frank (1877-1931)
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We don't know anything about him, other than about his son. When a Facebook post drew a question, "Was Marvin Hays related?" Ray Musil responded:
Marvin Hays parents were Frank Hays and Juliana (Julie) Christena (Wenzl) Hays. They were married in 1904. She was a cousin of my great grandmother Mary (Wenzl) Ullman. Frank Hays was born April 16, 1877 in Blockton, Iowa, so it must have been after that when they came to Table Rock. |
silas & elizabeth's daughter maud hays heer (1880-1973)
Maud, in the group picture at the top of this page
This is a photo of Silas and Elizabeth. A genealogist who posted it on Ancestry.com (DogBone100") believed but was not certain that the young woman is their daughter Maud. Photo 1788. More about Maud, including photos, is included in the Heer family page.
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Above: John & Maud Hays Heer's 1899 wedding picture
Below: Maud and John with their daughter Cecile Heer Bowen
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another hays - bertha hays
Photo 1824, circa 1904, includes a Bertha Hays, don't know how she fits in, if at all. This is a Purcell family photo, and the names and a little story are given: "Uncle Jake Yearling or Yearing, Margaret Engberry, Aunt Jane Yearing, George Purcell, Grandpa Purcell, Sissie Engberry, Grandpa Purcell, Aunt Ida Purcell, Bertha Hays, Grandma McCoy, Aunt Stella, Ruth, Uncle Jack behind basket of apples. The apples were gotten out of the hole where they were buried up in the orchard and the hole stuffed with straw. We’d hae to pull out the straw to get the applies out and were they ever cold. Some would be covered with frost but were ripe and crispy.”
