Hiram Hatfield was born in the state of Tennessee, December 15, 1826, coming to Iowa in early life with his parents. He departed this life March 8, 1919, at the home of his daughter, Sarah Abigail McNelly, being at the time of his death, 92 years, 2 months and 24 days old. He was united in marriage to Nancy Lavina Cox, the daughter of Alexander Cox and Sarah West Cox, on August 11, 1853. To this union was born ten children. He is survived by eight children, Andrew Jackson Hatfield, Alford Bertell Hatfield and George Washington Hatfield and Mrs. Maryetta Mitchell of Ainsley, Nebraska, Isaac Martin Hatfield of Kinsley, Kansas, Hiram Leonard Hatfield of Burwell, Nebraska, Charles Austin Hatfield of Des Moines, Iowa and Mrs. Sarah Abigail McNelly of Leon, Iowa. He was preceded in death by 2 children: Hannah Jane Hatfield and Herby Madison Hatfield. He is survived by 35 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was converted and united with the Bethel Baptist Church in 1853. The funeral was held from the Bethel Church, services being conducted by Rev. Elba Dale, on March 11, 1919. Interment at the Bethel Cemetery beside his wife who preceded sometime before.

THE REPORTER is pleased at receiving the following interesting letter from Hiram H. Hatfield, of Eden Township, who enjoys the distinction of having resided longer in Decatur County than any person now living in the county, having come here in 1840, making him a resident of the county for 65 years.

Hiram's letter was written: August 10, 1905
Well, I am 78 years old, and came to Decatur County in 1840, and have resided here ever since except one year which I spent in California 1850-1851. Have lived on the same farm in Eden Township for 53 years. With my parents, Reuben and Mary Hatfield, I came from Tennessee when I was a small boy and first lived in Missouri from 1830 to 1840, when we came to
Decatur County. I was married to Nancy L. Cox in 1853, who was born in Indiana and came to Garden Grove, Iowa in 1852, she being a sister to Absolom West Cox and Stephen Leonard Cox. When we were married we came to our present farm August 12, 1853 and we have lived here ever since, my wife now being 70 years of age. I entered my farm from the government and no one ever owned it except me. I have never moved off it since I entered it as a homestead. I can stand in one yard and see the farm where my parents lived when we were married and then stand in the other yard and see her mother's farm. My health has been so poor that I have been unable to do any work for 15 years and my eye sight has failed so that for eleven years I have been unable to tell one member of my family from another. We have had ten children, seven living and 3 dead and my youngest son lives at home and takes care of us.
(signed) Hiram H. Hatfield

Note: In 1849 Mr. Hatfield went the overland route to California, driving an ox-team and being four months on the road. He engaged in mining, in which he was quite successful. He returned in 1851.