My Genealogy Hound

JAMES HAYES.
James Hayes, one of the leaders among the florists of Topeka, a pioneer in the business and the proprietor of several first-class greenhouses, was born February 2, 1847, in the North of Ireland. John Hayes, his father, was a gardener by profession, and he and his wife passed their lives in Ireland.

Our subject is one of a family of eight children, four of whom reached maturity and two still survive, viz. James, our subject; and John, who is gardener for O. D. Munn, proprietor of the Scientific American, and the owner of a very large estate. One sister, Mary, left a daughter, Rebecca and a son, formerly in the greenhouse business, who is now in the employ of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company.

James Hayes attended school until about 15 years of age, since which time he has been more or less connected with his present line. He grew up under his father’s tuition as a gardener and then was apprenticed for seven years, afterward spending three years as private gardener for a nobleman on the latter’s large estate in Ireland. After leaving his own country, he spent two years in England and then came to America, making the passage on the vessel “Palmyra.” It was a strange coincidence that the lady whom he afterward married also crossed the ocean on that vessel, although they did not become acquainted until at a later date, at Boston, Massachusetts. The year following Mr. Hayes’ marriage in Boston, he moved with his wife to Hoosick Falls, New York, where he worked as a private gardener until 1884, and then removed to Greenwich, Connecticut, and from there in 1886 to Baltimore, Maryland.

The spring of 1887 was a particularly depressing and backward one in Baltimore and the city in its March slush and mud presented anything but an attractive appearance to one who delighted in beautiful landscapes. On the 10th of the month, when he reached the “Sunflower” State, and in the rapid train was rolled swiftly into the city of Topeka, his wearied eyes were greeted by bright, warm sunshine and a balmy air was blowing over the blooming peach trees. His heart warmed to Topeka and an interest was aroused which has never left him and which resulted in the establishing here of his extensive business. It was founded with a capital of $3,000. A purchase of two acres was first made, to which he has added until he owns seven acres of very valuable land. He started in with two houses but now owns several more, located about a quarter of a mile from Washburn College. Where his beautiful home and his greenhouses now stand was a stretch of virgin prairie. At that time one could drive from his place in a direct line to the Capitol Building, while now the intervention of streets and avenues make it much longer. All these changes have come under his own eye and many of the improvements in this section have been the result of his public spirit and business enterprise.

Mr. Hayes has two greenhouses 75 by 18 feet in dimensions, which are utilized exclusively for carnations, and also another, 120 by 12, for carnations, but at the present writing (April, 1905) it is filled with bedding plants and lace ferns. This house was constructed for roses, but Mr. Hayes has since added another house, 120 by 21, exclusively for roses, during their season, at a cost of $1,500, its equipment being modern and complete. There are 12 runs of four-inch pipe, which cost 18 cents a foot; air pressure is used to keep the plants clean, the air tank being three feet under the surface, and he operates his own system of water-works. Another greenhouse 75 by 12 feet in dimensions he uses for smilax and lace ferns and has also established a reputation for growing American Beauty roses. He makes a specialty of roses and carnations, but has also a collection of all other greenhouse flowers and is ready on all important occasions to supply quantities to meet every demand. The beautiful floral decorations used on the occasion of the inauguration of Governor Hoch and which aroused such universal tributes of admiration, were supplied by Mr. Hayes. He also supplies the flowers for funeral decorating, a notable example being the obsequies of Senator Plumb, whose body lay in state at the capitol. The business is conducted both wholesale and retail, the latter department at No. 107 Eighth avenue being managed by the son of our subject, who is also a practical florist.

Mr. Hayes was married, as noted above, to Mary Stevenson, who was born in Ireland, and they have three children: Mary, Walter and James. Mary is the wife of Benton Holloway and resides very near her maidenhood home. Walter manages the retail business; James, Jr., also assists, both sons being interested in only less degree than the father. Mr. Hayes no longer does any of the hard work, but still oversees and advises, enjoying the beautiful results of his care and patience as much as he did in boyhood. The business has expanded to great proportions and is one of the most commendable industries of Topeka.

Mr. Hayes has been prominent in Masonry for many years, is a Knight Templar and has received the 32nd degree. Mrs. Hayes is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Triple Tie Benefit Association. Mr. Hayes belongs also to the Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Knights and Ladies of Security. Both he and his wife belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church.

When Mr. and Mrs. Hayes first settled in Topeka, they accommodated themselves in a four-room house. This gave way to a comfortable modern home but the latter was destroyed by fire in 1896. A small amount of insurance was realized and Mr. Hayes immediately rebuilt, erecting one of the finest homes in Topeka, which is not only notable on account of its attractiveness, but also for its solid comfort. Few homes west of College avenue can compare with it. Personally, Mr. Hayes is of genial presence and hearty manner, has a wide circle of warm friends and admirers and is entitled to all the good things which life can yet bring him.