Yuma County, Colorado
Photographs

While on a furlough to his home, on December 30, 1863, Major Hays married Miss Lucy E. Kirk, an estimable and accomplished lady, the union being blessed with five children, of whom one son and three daughters survive.  The faithful wife and devoted mother was called to the spirit world in April, 1903. After returning from the army Major Hays and his wife went to northwestern Missouri, to which place his father and other relatives had moved.  There the major engaged in farming pursuits which he continued until 1871, when he engaged in the grocery business at Maryville, the firm name being Evans & Hays and, later, Hays, Craynor & Co.  After a few years Major Hays sold his interest in the business to Mr. Craynor, and was elected marshal of the city.  Subsequently he returned to the farm and engaged in the cattle business for five years meeting with gratifying success.  

In 1885 he came to Yuma county and located at Wray, then composed of the depot, a sod hotel, the section house and a small store building in course of erection.  Major Hays and his son took up a pre-emption and timber claim, each, amounting to 640 acres, within one-half mile of Wray, which the gentleman still owns.  Major Hays erected a livery stable and engaged in the business and, also, locating land for settlers.  Subsequently he engaged in the hotel business, first in the old Wray House, north of the railway tracks.  In February, 1888, he completed the erection of the Commercial Hotel and moved into that, which he conducted for four years.  In the mean time, he was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy, and he discharged the duties so admirably that he was elected for another term to succeed himself.  At the beginning of President Harrison's administration Major Hays was appointed postmaster of Wray, and he discharged the duties with marked ability and to the entire satisfaction of the public for more than four years, when he was relieved by an appointee of President Cleveland's second administration. In 1892 Major Hays sold his hotel and livery stable, after which he moved on a section of land situated on Black Wolf Creek, thirteen miles south of Wray, which he and his wife homesteaded.  In addition to the 625 acres of deeded homestead land the major has 320 acres of leased land adjoining, all being enclosed by a good wire fence.  This ranch which is known as the "Hays Park Ranch," extends down Black Wolf creek for three miles, with a fine belt of large trees on each bank of the stream the entire length.  Buffalo and grama grass furnish grazing for the stock during the entire year.  This ranch includes the valley, water and timber of Black Wolf creek, which obtains its supply from living springs.  This is a very desirable ranch and offers a fine opportunity to secure one of the best natural cattle ranches in the county.
 Owing to his advancing years Major Hays would sell this ranch for a reasonable figure as he is desirous of freeing himself from so many business cares. Major Hays engaged in the cattle business on this ranch in 1893 and met with fine success.  In 1899, however, he decided to lead a less strenuous life and after leasing the ranch he and his family moved to Denver, where they now live.  The gentleman is a charter member of the Wray Masonic lodge and,
also, of the Wray Grand Army Post, having held several offices in each when he lived here. While Major Hays is modest and unassuming, his brilliant and well stored intellect, which is unimpaired by age, renders him one of the most genial and companionable of gentlemen.  He keeps well posted on the current affairs of life, and he displays more activity than the average man does at sixty.  While his career presents wonderful energy in the various
pursuits of life, the laudable ambition of the gallant gentleman has ever been governed by sterling integrity.  Enjoying the confidence and esteem of this community, in which he was such a useful and honored factor, Major Hays retired to Denver, where he can spend the evening of earth's pilgrimage in that ease and comfort which his life of activity and rectitude so richly merit.