Samuel HAYS

Girard Gazette, Thursday, 18 May 1944, page 1 column 2:

LAST RITES FOR SAM HAYS HELD SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Sam Hays, who died at his home in the Union Chapel neighborhood, west of Girard, Wednesday, May 10, were held in the Union Chapel church at 3:00 p. m. Saturday, conducted by Rev. D. C. Byus, assisted by Rev. E. A. McFarland. Interment was in the cemetery at Union Chapel.

Rev. and Mrs. McFarland sang "Does Jesus Care," and "The Home Over There." Rev. McFarland also read the following poem:

TO "DAD"

How we'll mis [sic] his loving presence, miss his fond caress; sort o' spent his life a-sowin' seed of happiness.

Doin' little things for others, helpin' where he could, never makin' much pretension, always doin' good.

Home, for him, was all for livin filled his heart with pride, and his doors were ever open, latch-strings outside.

Folks who came were always welcome; loved to have them 'round wanted much of joy and laughter; seemed to love the sound.

Had his care and had his troubles, same as all of us. Figured them a part of livin; never made much fuss.

Made the best of all God gave him, as through life he went, ever toiling, giving, taking, kind and provident.

Vain the tribute we would pay him, word cannot express what it meant to have him with us, and our thankfulness.

Sweet the memory he has left us, though our hearts are sad; great the blessing that was given, just to call him--Dad.

Pallbearers were Eli, Marsh, Elmore, Lloyd, Dennis and Clifford Hays, all nephews and cousins of the deceased. Flowers were carried by Miss Bernice Ohmart, Mrs. Mary Molen, Mrs. Bernice Price, Mrs. Vesta Foster, Miss Ruth Price, Mrs. Fern Young, Mrs. Flossie Stewart, Mrs. Roberta Ontis, Mrs. Helen Hays, Mrs. Mary Jane Hays, Mrs. Marjorie Zimmerli, Mrs. Mae Hays, Mrs. Adelia Hays, Mrs. Imogene England, Mrs. Marie Phelps, Mrs. Geraldine Grigg and Mrs. Imogene Thorpe.

Samuel Hays, son of J. W. and Lucinda Hays, was born in North Otter township February 18, 1868. He married Nannie F. McMahan October 24, 1894, and went to housekeeping on the farm where he died. Survivors are the wife, a son, Dr Ivan M. Hays, Girard; a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Foster; a grandson, Alan Gene Foster, who was his constant companion; a sister, Mrs. E. A. Coe, Girard; two brothers, Robert O. and Cephas of the Union Chapel community, and a host of other relatives and friends in and near the community in which he lived for almost half a century.

He united with the Christian church in 1914, and lived a consistent life, his mottos being, "Live and Let Live," and "Do as You Would Like to Be Done By." He will be sadly missed in the home and the community.


Macoupin County Enquirer, Thursday, 18 May 1944, page 2 c 3:

Samuel Hays, a lifelong resident of the Girard commuity, died at his home northwest of Girard at 1:45 p. m. last Wednesday. He was stricken while in a field planting potatoes. He had been in poor health for two years.

Surviving are his wife, Nannie; one daughter, Mrs. Ralph Foster; one son, Dr. I. M. Hays; one grandson, Allen Gene Foster; one sister, Mrs. Mollie Coe; two brothers, Cethus [sic] and Robert Hays, all of Girard.

Funeral services were held at 3 p. m. Saturday at Union Chapel church four miles west of Girard, with Rev. D. C. Byus officiating. Burial was in Union Chapel cemetery.