Charles William Hays

BROWN, HAYS, SHROLL, WHITENACK

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/19/2004 at 21:01:48

Charles William Hays, a prosperous farmer of Douglas township, is a native of this county, born October 7, 1866. His parents, Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Shroll) Hays, were born, respectively, in Indiana on the 29th of June, 1825, and in Harrison county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of June, 1832. The father removed with his parents to Macon county, Illinois, when but a boy and continued to reside there for a number of years after reaching maturity. In 1865 he came to Madison county, Iowa, and bought the farm upon which our subject now lives, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits until his retirement. In that early day it was necessary to haul grain to Des Moines, as there were no nearer markets, and there were many inconveniences incident to living in a district that was as yet largely unsettled. He was a democrat and was quite active in local political affairs, but never desired to hold office. He was interested in the welfare of the schools and churches, although not a church member, and believed enthusiastically in the future of his county. He passed away April 13, 1903. Three of his children survive, as follows: G. R., of Earlham;. E. T., .of Joliet, Montana; and Charles William, of this review.

The last named was given the usual educational advantages of country boys, attending the district schools in his neighborhood. As he was the youngest child, he continued to reside upon the home farm with his parents, assisting his father in its cultivation until the latter's death, when it came into his possession and he is still residing there. It comprises one hundred and seventy-five acres and is excellently improved. He understands its operation thoroughly and his activities as a general farmer and stock-raiser bring to him a good annual income.

In 1894 Mr. Hays married Miss Mary I. Brown, likewise a native of this county and a daughter of Bradley and Mary Ann (Whitenack) Brown, the former of whom was born in Indiana. Mr. Brown emigrated to Iowa before the Civil war and enlisted in Company I, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, for service in the Union army. He died shortly after his return to Winterset from a disease contracted while at the front. He was a farmer by occupation and was highly esteemed in his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Hays have the following children: Florence Ellen, who is attending the high school at Earlham; Robert Riley, born August 12, IQOI ; Ebenezer, born February 22, 1904; and Charles W., Jr., whose birth occurred November 15, 1912.

Mr. Hays is recognized as a progressive and up-to-date agriculturist and his relations with his fellowmen are guided by honorable principles which insure him a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”