Mitchell E. Hays

Parents

• James Hays
• Mary

Siblings

• William Hays
• Jane Hays
• John Hays
• Israel Hays
• Maria Hays
• Alexander Hays
• Martha Hays
• James Hays

Spouse(s)

• Harriett Bowen

Children

• Mary Kennedy
• Jim Hays
• Ida Sigsbee
• Rachel Burr
• John Hays
• Elmer Hays
• Oscar Hays
• Belle Weltmer McElfresh
• Rudy Hays

Mitchell E. Hays was born in Mercer, PA, on February 21, 1829.

He was listed as a household member living with James Hays on the 1850 Census in Pymatuning Township, Mercer Co, PA.

He married Harriett Electa Bowen in Mercer, PA, on April 24, 1855.

Mitchell was listed as the head of a family on the 1860 Census in Bellevue Township, Jackson Co, OH.

He moved in November, 1877 to 1 mile southeast of town, Smith Centre, Smith Co, KS. (James Hays' obituary says move occurred in 1872. Mitchell's obituary says 1878. Belle's obituary says move occurred when she was 2, which would be in 10/87-10/88 range. Elmer's obituary says July 1877. Ida's obituary says November 23, 1877.) The family came in a covered wagon.

Mitchell was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census in Centre Township, Smith Co, KS. Mitchell was a farmer.

A census listed Mitchell as head of household in Centre Township, Smith Co, KS, in 1885. An S.E. Wence, 16, female, is also listed as a resident. Mitchell was a farmer, with 320 acres under fence. The farm was worth $5,000; the machinery, $100. In fall 1884, they planted 25 acres of winter wheat and 30 of rye. In spring 1885, they planted 35 acres of corn, 8 of oats, 1/2 of Irish potatoes, and 8 of millet. In the year ending March 1, 1885, they made 300 pounds of butter. They had 2 horses, 2 mules/asses, 1 milch cow, 4 other cattle, and 20 swine. They had 20 apple, 7 peach, and 1 cherry trees in bearing; 50 apple, 2 pear, and 12 cherry tree not in bearing. They had 1 dog. They had 1/4 acre of maple trees 1 year and over, and 1 acre of cottonwood trees.

A census listed Mitchell as head of household in Smith Center, Smith Co, KS, in 1895. Mitchell was a farmer. The next family listed is Elmer and Emma.

Mitchell was listed as the head of a family on the 1900 Census in Smith Center, Smith Co, KS. Harriet is described as having borne 9 children, with 7 still living. Mitchel was not given an occupation; Oscar was listed as a farmer. Oscar is said to be married 5 years, but no wife is listed. They owned their home, no mortgage.

Mitchell and Harriet moved from their farm one mile south of town into Smith Center about 1900.

A census listed Mitchell as head of household in Smith Center, Smith Co, KS, in 1905. Also resident -- Charles Movre (sp?), 26, male, from KS.

Mitchell was listed as the head of a family on the 1910 Census in Smith Center, Smith Co, KS. Harriett had borne 9 children, 6 of whom were still living. They owned their home. Mitchell was blind in one eye.

Mitchell died on March 2, 1913 in home, Smith Center, Smith Co, KS, at age 84. His funeral was held in Smith Center, Smith Co, KS, on March 3, 1913. The funeral was conducted at the house at 2 pm, by Rev. W. E. Robb of the Christian Church. His body was interred in Fairview Cemetery. An obituary was published on March 6, 1913 in the Smith County Journal.

Place: Smith County KS

Photo: Family Portrait

Obituary