The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1906-01-11

conscious almost to the last breath. Al
though his body was weakened by months
of suffering, his mind was active, and his
soul went QUITO meet its God unafraid
and with confidence that all was well.
The funeral took place at the residence
yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and it
was largely attended, many being here
from distance to pay their tribute of
respect to one whom they had known
and honored in life. Many colored peo-
pie were also present, for he was chari-
table and friendly to all. The floral
tributes were many and beautiful, some
of the very handsomest we have ever
seen. The interment was at South End
Cemetery, and the services, both at the
residence and grave, were conducted by
Rev. G. P. Watson.
The pail bearers were: Honorary:
q. j. Brabham, s. w. Johnson, T. j.
Counts, j. D. Copeland, ]. A. Byrd, j.
g. b. Guess, 8. D. M. Guess, j. P. Murphy,
Thos. Black, J. D. Fielder, Jos. Dickinson.
Active: Jones A. Williams, C. r.
Brabham, Jno. b. Cope, G. Frank Bam-
berg, 81. c. Folk, G. B. Free, a. Moye
Dickinson, E. G. Bruce. IS
Maj. Hays is survived BY his wife, (who'
was a Miss Cooner) and a number Of
children, grand children, and other rela-
tives. His children are: R. NJ. and All
G.. Hays, Of Greenwood N. r. Hays, Of
Apalachacola, Fla; E. r. Hays, Of this
place; Mrs. ]. a. Spann, Mrs. IL. L.
Counts, and Miss Addys Hays, all Of
Bamberg. .yE
/ Maj. Hays was born about two miles
above town, ON the old homestead where
he lived until about fifteen years ago,
when he retired from active business and
moved to town. Since that time he has
devoted his attention to his various in.
yestments and to unselfsh work for the
good of the town and community. He
was active and prominent in all the pub
lie affairs Of the town, and the Bamberg
Banking Company owes its organisation
years ago to him, and many other of the
towns enterprises had his hearty sup
port and encouragement. Ma. Hays was
not man to talk much of what he was
going to do. he always went ahead with
an enterprise and spent little time in
talk. he was largely interested in the
cotton mill and was president for years.
He was vice president and q member Of
the board of directors Of the Bamberg
Banking Company. Maj. Hays was
mayor of the town for the years 1900 and
1901, and during his administration much
good and permanent work was done on
the streets, and through bis influence
$4,000 was appropriated BY the city coun-
Gil to improve the roads leading into
town. He was an earnest advocate Of
good roads, and did good work along
this line.
Maj. Hays was q modest and retiring
man, and while he could have held any
public Office In the gift Of the people Of
this county, still he never served In any
position except mayor of the town, and
this was forced on him. But he was al.
ways ready to work for the public good,
preferring to do his duty quietly and to
show results.
While still young man Maj. Hays
went to Kansas and served under Col.
Stringfellow during the slavery troubles
in that state. Soon after he returned
home, the war between the States broke
out and he at once enlisted and served
throughout the struggle with ability.
Returning home, he did valiant service
in this section in Strengthening out af.
fairs and ridding our State of the rule of
the carpet baggers and negroes. Up to
the time of his death he was one who
was faithful to the principles of the
"Lost Cause" and attended all the re-
unions of Confederate veterans whenever
possible. No Confederate soldier ever
appealed to him for help in vain. No
matter if the man was somewhat un-'
worthy, if he had made a good soldier,
this recommendation was sufficient for
Maj. Hays to aid him with his money and
in any other way he could.
The writer esteems it an honor and q
privilege to have known such man and
to have been intimate with him to some