Smyrna times., 1912-10-02
". H, HAYES PROMINENT
DELAWARE ATTORNEY DEAD
DIED WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN WILL
MlNGTON FROM PARALYSIS
Was Regarded One of the AbIest Law
yers of the Delaware Bar and Had
Been Prominent in His Profession

Walter H. Hayes, attorney
of $50 Jackson street, Wilmington,
who was stricken with paralysis
while engaged on a case at the Court
House recently, died at 9.25 O'Clock
Wednesday night at the Homeopathic
Hospital, where he had been since
beng stricken. From the first his
condition grew worse instead of better,
although everything known to medical
science was done to counteract this
trend. First partially paralyzed,
the patient became absolutely hope
less, the paralysis extending to the en-
tire body, and although he regained
consciousness, he was unable to speak.
The end was peaceful, however. The
funeral took place on Saturday after
noon, with services at the house at 2
O'Clock, and interment in Whining
ton & Brandywine cemetery. The
Bar Association of New Castle county,
with which Mr.. Hayes had long been
connected, held a meeting. at the
Court House Friday afternoon, pass
ing RESOLUTIONS on his death and
arranged to attend the funeral. Mr..
Hayes in addition to being one of the
best known members of the legal pro-
fession in Delaware, was equally we'll
known as citizen, especially in Will
mington, with the affairs of which he
had been associated since early man
hood. He was native of Whining
ton and son of the late William S.
Hayes, a morocco manufacturer, who
was also at one time clerk of City
Council. Deceased was born August
End. 1858, and, therefore, was 54
years of age. He studied law with
Victor DUPONT and was admitted to
practice September 18th, 1881, and
shortly thereafter he opened an office
for himself. He was a deep student
of Delaware law in particular and was
regarded as an authority on the laws
Of Delaware and their judicial inter-
probation, and he was many times con-
suited not only by his fellow members
of the bar, but also by members of
the bench. He gained prominence
early in life as an able criminal law
yer, but in the past few years he had
devoted his time chiefly to civil legal
practice. He was one of the legisla-
tive attorneys a few years ago; was
nE~hber of the Delaware New Jersey
Boundary Commission, and was one of
the two surviving members of the
Code Commission appointed by the
Legislature, which expects to present
its report to the Legislature at it's
next session, the work being nearly
finished. Herbert H. Ward is now
the only surviving member, the late
Chief Justice Lore being the third
member of the commission. Although
taking an active part in politics, being
a staunch Republican, Mr.. Hayes
never aspired to become candidate
for office, though he was frequently
mentioned. He was a good orator and
a convincing talker and took speaking
part in some campaigns. Recently he
had lived quietly. Four years ago he
was stricken with kidney trouble and
was ill for some time, but finally re-
covered, though he was not as strong
as ne had been prior to becoming i'll.
Mr.. Hayes was unmarried and lived
with his sister, Miss Sidney Hayes.
Edward Hayes, of Chester county,
Pa, brother also survives. A
younger brother, Herbert Hayes, died
some years ago.