THOMAS HAYES (d. 1917)

DEATH CLAIMS THOMAS HAYES AT TWO RIVERS
One of Oldest Residents of City Dies Suddenly in Chair
Thomas Hayes, one of the oldest residents of Two Rivers, died suddenly
while seated in a chair at his home, death being due to heart failure
and coming without pain. The funeral was held today.
Mr. Hayes was 84 years of age and located at Two Rivers in 1857, residing
there until 1880 when the family removed to Minnesota. In 1902 Mr. Hayes
returned to Two Rivers and had since resided there. Mr. Hayes is survived
by a widow, one son and two daughters.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, April 18, 1917, Page 4
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Mr. and Mrs. John Graney, who were here for the funeral of the late Thomas
Hayes at Two Rivers, have returned to their home at Champaign, Ill.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, April 19, 1917, Page 2.
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Thomas HAYES(d. 1917)-article

OLD TIMERS
While the saw mills were all in operation and the tannery employed hundreds of men, the Irish were comparatively numerous here. Of these early Irish families including the Meloys and the Walsh's whom many here remember well, except the Hayes family. Thos. Hayes was born in County Limerick, Ireland in 1832. At the age of eighteen he “bade dear old Ireland good bye” and emigrated to that “dear land of the free”. He landed in New York in 1850 and settled in Massachusetts. While there he was married. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes moved west to Two Rivers. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary here in 1903. A few years ago, Mrs. Hayes suffered a stroke of paralysis from which she has not recovered. Added this misfortune are the infirmities of age at eighty-three, still she is sensible and cheerful.
Mr. Hayes is in remarkable good health. It is a most extra ordinary fact that he knows of no time in his life when he was confined to his bed with illness. For twenty-two years he was watchman in the old chair factory of the Two Rivers Manufacturing Co. He bought the first chairs, table and bedstead made in this plant. Several times during his service as watchman the factory caught on fire at night and he always managed to extinguish it with pails of water. The plant had neither bell nor whistle to give an alarm in the first few years. In 1880 he resolved to give up his position as watchman and with his family moved west. He was persuaded to this decision because of his son. Thomas lost his life in the shafting and machinery of the chair factory. There being no other prospects of employment here for his other sons than working in the factory, he decided to go where opportunities for employment could be found in other lines. He settled on a large claim of land in Baker county, Minn. It was at first a wild and desolate prairie country but by and by as more settlers came, modern dwellings were erected and in a few years matters were congenial and pleasant. After twenty-two prosperous years on the farm, the Hayes family decided to sell out and return again to the “Little Germany” in Wisconsin and so in 1902 they arrived here to settle down once more amidst the many old friends and neighbors who were overjoyed to receive them.
Since his arrival here in 1902, Mr. Hayes has lived in retirement. Although his years are many they do no show in his appearance nor his manner. He is still active and takes a lively interest in the affairs of life. He resides with his wife and daughters at their residence on 22nd Street.
The Reporter, Sat., Dec. 6, 1913.
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DEATH OF THOMAS HAYES
End Comes Gently to An Old Settler of Two Rivers
MAN OF STERLING WORTH
Was Successful Farmer in West and Came “Back Home” Again
Although he had never known illness in his life up to a year ago, old
age crept upon him at last and death gently called Thomas Hayes Sunday
night at his home on 22nd St. He fell asleep, as it were, while rested
in his arm chair. He had been ailing of late with bronchial troubles but
showed no signs of serious illness.
Thomas Hayes was one of the few remaining old settlers of Two Rivers. He
was much beloved by the many who knew him especially by his old friends
and neighbors who, through many years of friendship, had learned his
sterling qualities of integrity and manly worth. Thomas Hayes was born
in County Limerick, Ireland in 1832. At the age of eighteen he “bade
dear old Ireland goodbye” and emigrated to that “dear land of the free”.
He landed in New York in 1850 and settled in Massachusetts. While there
he was married. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes moved west to Two Rivers.
They celebrated their golden wedding in 1903. A few years ago, Mrs.
Hayes suffered a stroke of paralysis from which she has not recovered.
For 22 years, the deceased was watchman in the old chair factory of the
Two Rivers Manufacturing Co. In 1880 he resolved to give up his position
as watchman and with his family moved west. He settled on a large claim
of land in Baker County, Minn. It was at first a desolate prairie
country but by and by, as more settlers came, modern dwellings were
erected and in a few years matters were congenial and pleasant. After
twenty-two prosperous years on the farm, the Hayes family decided to
sell out and return again to the “little Germany” in Wisconsin and so in
1902 they arrived here to settle down once more amidst the many old
friends and neighbors who were overjoyed to welcome them.
Deceased is survived by his widow, one son, John and two daughters,
Lizzie and Kate. Three sons, Thomas, Timothy and William and one
daughter, Ella are dead. The funeral was held Wednesday morning from St.
Luke's Church.
The Reporter, Fri., Apr. 20, 1917.