OBIT: Sylvster HAY, 1931, Brothersvalley Township, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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SYLVESTER HAY

  Sylvester Hay, one of Somerset County's most widely known and highly respected 
citizens died at the Hay homestead, Brothersvalley Township, at one o'clock 
Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, the cause of his demise being anemia.
  Mr. Hay, a prosperous farmer and cattle raiser, was a descendant from a long 
line of Hays who lived in this same vicinity, the first of whom pitched camp 
near where the present homestead now stands, and from those early days down to 
the present time, the land thus occupied never passed into the hands of anyone 
by any other name.
  It was here that Sylvester Hay was born on Jan. 8, 1855 and throughout the 76 
years of his life he was happy to remain on the old homestead where he lead a 
quiet though industrious life.  He was the son of Philip and Anna Olinger Hay, 
both of whom are deceased and was one of a family of nine children, three of 
whom survive, Ephraim, who made his home with Sylvester, Clara (Mrs. Wilson 
Walker) and Sadie (Mrs. Lewis Berkley), all of Brothersvalley Township.  Four 
brothers, William, Hiram, Peter and Luke and one sister, Malinda (Mrs. Millard 
Walker) have preceded him in death.
  In March, 1882, Mr. Hay married Alice Berkley, who, with one son, Edison M. 
Hay, still survives.  Had he been spared a few more months, those two would have 
passed into their fiftieth year of married life together.  Two grandchildren, 
Josephine and Mary Alice Hay, also survive.
  Mr. Hay, throughout his life, was an example of that fine type of citizenry 
which has sprung from our early pioneer forefathers.  He was content and happy 
with his chosen profession of agricultural pursuits, in which he was most 
successful, and cared for no further honors.  Although urged on numerous 
occasions to take a hand in political affairs, both in his county and his 
township, he sought no office, but was content to leave those honors for others.  
Because of his fine jovial disposition he was beloved by all who knew him.
  Early in life he became a member of the Hays Reformed Church and was active in 
his religious duties at all times.
  Funeral services were held at the home, Saturday afternoon, at 2:30, Rev. F. 
W. Witmer officiating.  Interment was in the Hay Cemetery, W. C. Price in 
charge.  The gathering at these services was one of the largest of a similar 
character ever assembled in this vicinity.

Meyersdale Republican, September 24, 1931