BIO: William W. HAYS, Beaver County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Joe Patterson Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver.html http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver/bios/bbios.htm Index for this bio book. _________________________________________________________________ BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 397-401. _________________________________________________________________ WILLIAM W. HAYS, a prominent blacksmith of Fairview, Pa., was born in Beaver Falls, Pa., November 10, 1849. He learned blacksmithing with his father, with whom he worked sixteen years. He has labored all his life at his chosen trade, - a trade which has been followed until the present day by each succeeding father and son, through many generations of the family. Mr. Hays is a son of Adams and Barbara (Langnecker) Hays, and grandson of Adams and Sissins (Stephens) Hays. The grandfather of William W. was born in Carlisle, Eastern Pennsylvania. He learned blacksmithing under his father. In those early days all kinds of machinery were made by blacksmiths, and were merely fitted by machinists. He also learned to make sickles. He wedded Sissin Stephens, and they reared a large family of children, as follows: Martha; John A.; Eliza; Thomas Calvert; Sissin; Belinda; Adams; Caroline; Sallie Adams; Margaret; and William. William W. Hays' father was one of the younger members of the family. After he had learned blacksmithing from his father, he, in company with two of his brothers, moved to Beaver county. He then started into business in old Brighton, which is now Beaver Falls. He did all kinds of smithing (including tool dressing), on the Ft. Wayne R. R., and later on C. & P. R. R. His first work on the railroad was done when the line was single-tracked. Forty years later, in 1898, he did similar work on the same road when it was double-tracked. His marriage with Barbara Langnecker resulted in the birth of twelve children. Barbara was a native of Germany, and was brought to America when only three years of age. The names of their children are: William W., the subject hereof; Charles L.; George W.; Fanny (Lomax); Frank, deceased; Sissin; Mary (deceased); Samuel B.; Harry P.; James J.; John R.; and Annie, who died at the tender age of nine years. George W. is manager for Butler & Jackson, in Rochester, Pennsylvania. The father of William W. located in Fairview in April, 1859, and built a shop where the latter is now doing business. He carried on blacksmithing there until 1893, when he retired from active life. In 1892, the old shop 398 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES was torn down and was at once replaced by a new one, 24 by 40 feet. The elder Mr. Hays is a consistent member of the Episcopal church, which he joined in 1874. He served as vestryman. In politics, his sympathies are with the Republican party. He has always voted for that party's candidates, and has worked hard for its success, but would never accept office. The mother of the subject hereof died in December, 1892. The father still survives. William W. Hays learned his trade when nails, horse shoes, and almost everything in that line were made by blacksmiths. He acquired all the peculiar features of the art from his father. Mr. Hays has been twice married, and is now a widower. His first union was contracted with Nancy A. Cochran. Nancy was a daughter of John and Jane Cochran, and was born at Egypt (now Midway), Washington county, Pa., where she also received her primary education. This was supplemented by a thorough course at Oakdale and at Cannonsburg, with a finishing curriculum at Mansfield, where she graduated. She then followed the profession of teaching, which occupied her attention for several years. She taught just back of Sewickley, in Allegheny county, and was successful to a marked degree. She bore her husband four children, viz.: Hallie J. (Stoner), who now resides in Youngstown, Ohio; Ross, who died in infancy; Oliver A.; and Edward Otto. Oliver A., attended Todd's school in Industry, took a preparatory course at Fairview, and finished his education with a three years' course at Beaver Falls. He is now learning the blacksmith trade with his father. Edward Otto received the same educational equipment as his brother, and is also learning the trade which has been followed by most of the male members of the Hays family. Years ago William W. Hays went to Washington county, as a blacksmith. He purchased a farm in Industry and did some farming in connection with his trade. This farm contained one hundred and four acres, and was devoted to general farming, for some time. Subsequently, Mr. Hays engaged in the berry business, which he carried on successfully, for six years. He then sold a part of the farm and removed to Beaver Falls, but afterward returned to the property, where the death of his first wife took place. He then sold the remainder of it and purchased a house in Fairview, whither he removed, and went into business with his father. As before mentioned, this partnership lasted for sixteen years, when Mr. Hays conducted the business alone. He is now assisted by his two sons. He does horse shoeing, wagon and carriage work, oil-well repairing, etc. Mr. Hays is also somewhat interested in oil production. He owns a half interest in the Esther Oil Co., in addition to which he has a well on his own place. His neat, attractive residence is situated quite near his shops, and he owns several desirable building-lots in the same vicinity. Mr. Hays married a second time. In this instance, Mary A. Fowler became his wife. She was born on the old farm in Chippewa township, Beaver county, and died as recently BEAVER COUNTY 401 as June, 1899. Mr. Hays is a member of the Episcopal church, of which he is warden. He is a Republican, but is too busy for the cares of office. He is special representative and secretary for the Iron City Building & Loan Association.