July 1, 1920 James M. Hays

James Mervin Hays passed away at his home in Natoma on Saturday evening of last week after an illness of about four weeks. The cause of his death were pneumonia, combined with other afflictions of old age. He was a prominent resident of the Mt. Ayr neighborhood, where lived on the same farm for over 40 years. He was an old CIVIL WAR VETERAN, (33rd Iowa Infantry, Co. I) and had been for years a member of the school board in his district.
James Mervin Hays was born on March 18 in Knox County, Ohio. He moved with his parents to Marion County, Iowa when but a small boy, where he grew to manhood. In 1862 he enlisted in the 33rd Iowa Infantry and served 3 years and 2 days. He was married in 1866 to Elma (Emma) Henry. To this union 5 children were born. In 1875 his wife died. Later he married Emma Meeker. They moved to Kansas and became to parents of 15 children, 2 of whom died in infancy. Surviving children are: Will Hays, Stockton, Kansas; Edd Hays, Oakley, Kansas; Walter Hays, Natoma, Kansas; Victor Hays, Natoma, Kansas; Claude Hays, Alton, Kansas; Mrs Henry Hammond, Albia, Iowa; Otto Hays, Alton, Kansas; Mrs Ira Hammond, Winterset, Iowa; Mrs Marion Walker, Alton, Kansas; Mrs Chas Haines, Alton, Kansas; Mrs E.T. Murphy, Manhattan, Kansas; Mrs Glen Romine, Hays, Kansas;
Mrs Wildrix, Stockton, Kansas; Ruby, Goldie, Paul and Clara Hays of Natoma, Kansas and Iva Hays of Parsons, Kansas.
On October 13, 1918, his wife died. Following this he moved to Natoma with his family, where he made his home until his death, which occurred on June 26, 1920. His age at death was 78 years, 3 months and 8 days. Pallbearers were six sons; Paul, Claude, Victor, Edd, Will and Walter.