My Genealogy Hound

JAMES HAYS, now the owner of the old Hays homestead, where he is engaged in general farming and fruit growing, is one of the public-spirited and progressive men of the county, who has made his own way to fortune by honorable dealings, and who today has the well merited esteem of all who know him. He was born on his present farm in Southampton township June 25, 1839, a descendant of good Scotch and Irish ancestry.

Patrick Hays, his grandfather, was born in the north of Ireland, and in 1796 he emigrated to the United States, settling in what was then Dauphin county, Pa. Remaining there a few years, he acquired some property and then purchased the farm in Cumberland county, which is known to all as the “old Hays homestead.” This tract originally contained 640 acres, but from time to time parts of it have been sold, until there are now but 190 acres. Patrick Hays erected a substantial stone house and barn, and made that place his home for the remainder of his days. He was energetic and economical, and at his death left a comfortable fortune for his heirs. He married Mary Galbraith, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

James W. Hays, son of Patrick, was born on the Hays homestead, in 1801, and on reaching manhood engaged in farming, to which he had been thoroughly trained by his industrious father. He married Margaret McGinnes, who was born near Shippensburg in 1802, daughter of George and Catherine (Reynolds) McGinnes, the former a native of Ireland. James W. Hays died in 1881, and his wife in 1884. Among their children were James, Margaret, Edward S., Ellen M., Annie E. and Elizabeth.

James Hays was reared a farmer’s son, and acquired his education at the old Cherry Grove school house. He remained at home until his twenty-second year, and then engaged in farming in Southampton township, meeting with success from the first. He was thrifty and energetic, and when his father died he was able to buy out the interests of the other heirs in the old home, whither he moved, and where he now resides. He has given a great deal of attention to fruit culture, and has l000 peach trees and a fine apple orchard. The farm has been carried on on a thoroughly up-to-date plan, and the wisdom of the owner is shown in the excellent results obtained. While his personal affairs have consumed a large part of his attention, Mr. Hays has nevertheless proved himself a good citizen by the interest he takes in public affairs, keeping well posted on questions of the day, and active in doing his share of the local work. For a number of years he was an efficient member of the school board, and for two terms he served most acceptably as assessor. He is a strong advocate of education, and believes it to be the duty of all good citizens to do everything to advance the facilities in the schools.

In October, 1863, Mr. Hays married Julia Main, daughter of Marshall and Mary Belle Main. Thirteen children have blessed this union: Sarah M., Annie C., Louisa, Gertrude, Helen B., Elizabeth, Flora, Alice, George W. (a mine boss in Virginia), Frank M. (a farmer), James N., Junia and John E. (a farmer). Mr. Hays and his family are all members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for more than twenty years. The family are prominent in the social life of the community, and are very popular.