W. Q. HAYES

The Olathe Mirror, Thursday, Jan. 25, 1917, Pg. 1

Death of W. Q. Hayes.

  A short sketch of the life of W. Q. Hayes, who died on January 19, 1917, on his farm in Monticello.  While his present home was Bonner Springs, Kan., he came over to his farm on the morning of January 6th to go with his son and family to a Grange dinner, but while at his son’s waiting he was stricken with paralysis so hard that he became unconscious and speechless, in which condition he remained until death relieved him.  He was 68 years, 10 months and nine days old.

  Mr. Hayes was born in Des Moines, Iowa, March 10, 1845.  In 1862 he enlisted in the 90th Illinois regiment as a drummer boy.  In the battle of Missionary Ridge he was wounded in his right arm, which ended the drum service, but he took a gun instead of the drum and served the remainder of three years.  He participated in 22 battles and was with General Sherman on him march to the sea.  He was mustered out on the 10th day of August, 1865, with an honorable discharge.  He immediately went west and landed at Sharon, Kansas, drifted over into Wyandotte, Kansas.  He was married to Miss Hattie Kane.  To this union were born nine children, of whom eight are living, four sons and four daughters, all of whom are well respected young people.

  Mr. Hayes and his good wife finally drifted over to Monticello, where they located on one of the best farms in the township.  Here they remained until 1908, when they moved to Bonner Springs and bought a residence.  This caused a big loss to the Monticello church, where the entire family was interest, as they had united with the church, and took a great deal of interest in building up the church and helping maintain it, and the way they did it, helped wonderfully.

  Mr. Hayes filled some of the offices of the church, trustee and steward to the satisfaction of all concerned.  His standing in this community was plainly shown at the funeral.  Many of his friends from far and near where present, as uncomfortable as the weather was.

  Only a few short years ago Mrs. Hattie Hayes bid her loved ones good bye in her lovely home at Bonner Springs.  It was hard to lose mother, now husband and children were left to mourn the loss of a dear wife and a dear mother.

  A few years after the death of Mrs. Hayes, he married Mrs. Shea, a women of a number one character, a number one housekeeper, highly respected by all the friends of Comrade Hayes a woman with age suitable for a man of his age.  They were married on September 10th, 1913.  She now with all the children and grand children, mourn the loss of a good husband, a dear father, and grand father.

  The funeral took place Sunday afternoon.  The service at the church was conducted at 2 p. m. by Dr. Heaton of Bonner Springs.  It was a great service.  Much more might be written but I will close.  This is written by a true friend of the Hayes family.     A COMRADE.