Alford B. Hayes
In the death of Alford B. Hayes, which occurred in 1899, the
state of Iowa lost one of her most worthy and successful pioneer
citizens, and agricultural interests in Allamakee county were
deprived of a progressive and leading representative. For over
forty years he had lived upon his farm two miles beyond New
Albin, bringing it to a high state of cultivation and, by reason
of his practical methods and the honorable and upright standards
to which he steadily adhered, winning a place among the promoters
and upbuilders of the section where he made his home.
Mr. Hayes was born in Ohio, in 1826, and is a son of William
Hayes, who was for many years a well known blacksmith in
Youngstown, that state, where he and his wife passed away. Their
son acquired his education in the public schools of Ohio and
there remained until 1854, in which year he came to Iowa,
settling in Lansing in pioneer times. He secured a position as
clerk in a store in that community, but after holding it for
three years resigned and came to Iowa township, turing his
attention to general farming, an occupation to which he devoted
the remainder of his life. He purchased two hundred and forty
acres of land two miles beyond New Albin and for forty years
steadily carried forwrd the work of improving and developing it,
adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned five
hundred and seventeen acres, constituting one of the finest farms
in this vicinity. In addition to the cultivation of the fields he
engaged extensively in the raising, feeding and shipping of
stock, and this department of his activities increased in volume
and importance year by year, forming one of the principal sources
of his income. At all times industrious, enterprising and
progressive, Mr. Hayes prospered steadily in his business
affairs, success coming as a result of his practical methods and
his excellent management, and he long held a place of honor and
prominence among the leading citizens of Iowa township.
In 1858 Mr. Hayes was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle
Manderscheid, who was born in Germany and who came to the United
States with her parents, Christian and Magdalene (Hurt)
Manderscheid, when she was nine years of age. The settled in
Dubuque county, Iowa, later moving to Allamakee county, where the
father operated a farm until his death, which occurred at the age
of eighty-two. The mother, who died four years later, was also
eighty-two years of age at the time of her demise. In their
family were: Eva, the wife of Andrew Lepper, of Allamakee county;
Conrad, deceased; John Adam, of Dubuque; Isabelle, the wife of
the subject of this review; Magdalene, who has passed away;
George, also deceased; and Jacob, who lives in California.
Mr. and Mrs. Hayes became the parents of six children: William
J., who was born in 1859, is now a resident of Elkton, South
Dakota; John W. is a car inspector on the Pacific coast; George
M. is operating his father's homestead; Alford B. met death by
drowning in 1888; Jacob attended Nora Springs Seminary in Iowa
and later was graduated in law from Kent College, Chicago. He is
now practicing in Kansas; Verona is a graduate of Nora Springs
Seminary and later studied stenography in a Wisconsin business
college at La Crosse; she is the widow of Louis Tabatt, who died
in 1909, leaving three children: Alford L., who was born in 1906;
Marian I., born in 1908 and Louis E., born in 1909.
Mr. Hayes was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to
which his wife and children also belong. Politically he was
affiliated with the republican party and he took an active and
intelligent interest in the affairs of the community, although he
never sought public office. He died upon his farm in Iowa
township in 1899, being at that time one of the substantial
agriculturists and large landowners in the county. His memory is
cherished by all who were fortunate enough to come within the
close circle of his friendship, and his name is high on the list
of the honored dead of this community, to the development and
progress of which he made such substantial and lasting
contributions.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall