Hello, Hayes researchers - just some updates about William/Bill Hayes, mystery man. Rumor has it he may have been born or raised in Fannin County --

Upon looking at William's 1930 census more carefully, it states his first marriage was at 21, which would make it 1886. Samantha's first marriage was at 22, which would have been 1892, with Bill, presumably. So, it follows he was married before??

I've got a copy of his death certificate from Polk County, which had his dates of birth, 28 Jan 1865, and death, 19 July 1939, but no parents' names. The last residence is listed as Farner, TN. His son Sylvester was the informant. No cause of death listed - died at 1:00 p.m. The certificate not signed by a MD until 8/17/1939 - Dr. H. P. Hyde.

His place of birth is listed differently on many documents - on the death certificate it's Polk County, TN.

Here's the census info:

1900 8th Civil District, Ducktown, Polk County, TN (he lists his place of birth as Georgia, same for his parents)
Samantha's had 5 children; 4 living.

1910 Hothouse Township, Cherokee County, NC (he lists place of birth as Georgia for himself, North Carolina for his parents). Samantha's had 10 children; 8 living.

1920 Polk County, TN (he lists his place of birth as Georgia for himself and parents)

1930 Polk County, TN (he lists his place of birth as NC; parents' as United States)

There are delayed birth certificates for Effie A. - 11 Dec, 1909; Lillie L., 10 Feb 1895; and Wilburn M., 20 Aug 1902; all in Cherokee County, NC.


Questions: which two died? I haven't found anything further on Earnest as an adult, but is there another child I've missed?

Does anyone know anything about a prior marriage? Does anyone have a copy of their marriage certificate, if there was one?

Does anyone have a copy of any bible entries regarding the family?

That's it for now - many thanks.

Donna