OBIT: John HAYS, 1878, formerly of Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by MS Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Died. John Hays, of Albia, Monroe co., Iowa, died on Thursday, 26th Sept. 1878, aged 72 years. Mr. Hays was driving out to the farm of his son Samuel having attached to his carriage a three year old colt, which became frightened at a steam threshing machine on the road. The carriage was upset and Mr. Hays dragged some distance. When found he was insensible and died three days after. Mr. Hays was born in Stone Creek, Huntingdon co., Pa., and lived there as a farmer until 1838 when he came to Hollidaysburg and went into the tanning business, which he prosecuted with vigor and success. He was the first to establish a steam tannery in this part of the state. In 1869 Mr. Hays removed to Albia, where he resided at the time of his death, and where he leaves a widow, two daughters and his son Samuel, Dr. D.S. Hays, of this town, our distinguished surgeon and physician, is also a son of the deceased. All have the warm sympathies of this community in their bereavement. Our friend Mr. Hays was a warm hearted, intelligent man, a member of the Presbyterian church, a devoted husband and father. His gentle and cordial manners will long be kindly remembered by many friends in Blair co. We regret to learn that Dr. D.S. Hays was deprived of the privilege of attending his father's death bed and interment. We trust that he and all the loved ones of the deceased may be comforted by the knowledge that the grave is not the last of their beloved and cherished husband, father and friend; that the mouldering dust is but the germinal elements, from which shall spring to life, at the word of Him who has said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Democratic Standard, Hollidaysburg, Pa., Wednesday, October 9, 1878