Obituary for Josiah Emery Hayes

The Miami Republican, Paola, Miami Co., Kansas, Friday, March 25, 1881, page 3:

"Olathe Gazette.
HAYES – Died, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Monday, March 7th, 1881, of pneumonia, Col. Josiah B. Hayes, of Olathe, Kansas.

Col. Hayes was an old and highly respected citizen of Johnson-co., and in his lifetime did much for its prosperity. He was a native of New Hampshire and was born in July, 1817. In 1834 he emigrated to Putnam-co., Illinois, afterwards (in 1851) removing to Bureau-co., in the same State, where he was extensively engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits. In 1857 he came to Kansas and commenced merchandizing in Olathe, and also improved one of the best farms in the county a short distance northwest of town. On the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he responded to the call of his country and raised a company of which he was Captain and was mustered into the 4th Kansas Volunteer Infantry, July 17th, 1861. In 1862 he assisted in recruiting and organizing the 12th Kansas Infantry, of which he was made Lieut. Colonel. His regiment was in Gen. Stelee's division on the unfortunate Red River campaign in Arkansas, and while commanding his regiment at Jenkin's Ferry, on April 30th, 1864, he was wounded in the thigh by a minnie ball which shattered the thigh bone so badly that amputation was necessary. He fell into the enemy's hands and was confined in the rebel prison at Tyler, Texas, until March 11th, 1865, when he was exchanged. His prison life and suffering was made lighter by the constant care and society of his estimable wife, who survives, and was with him at the Springs at the time of his death.

Col. Hayes was an earnest man in all his undertakings, but in politics he was at all times and under all circumstances a Republican. He was often honored by positions by the party in recognition of his services, having served one term – 66-67, as county treasurer and subsequently two as State Treasurer. In 1869 he commenced banking at this place, and in 1871 started the First National Bank of Olathe, of which he was president.

He leaves a wife, daughter and three sons and son-in-law, of his own family. Mrs. Hayes, Geo. B. Lord, his son-in-law, and Mrs. Emma Lord, his daughter were with him in life's closing hours."