Death Ends Long Career of M. E. Hays
Dean of Smith Center Business Men On Main Street 53 Years
A career of over fifty-three years in one business with several additional years in another line in Smith Center was closed Wednesday night, October 17, when M. E. Hays passed away at his home on South Washington after an illness of less than three hours. Mr. Hays had been at his blacksmith shop during the day and had eaten his usual hearty meal before he was stricken.
On August 13, 1898 Mr. Hays purchased the blacksmith shop which was still operating at the time of his death. The first location was about eighty feet north of the present shop. He was not a blacksmith when he bought the business but he learned the trade from different men whom he employed and became a master workman. His diligence is attested by the fact that he never missed a day at the shop in the first nineteen years that he owned it and even in his advanced years he put in an appearance almost every day to help his son, Ralph, better known as "Staff," who has worked with him about twenty-eight years.
Mr. Hays saw Smith Center develop as few people have and he had a part in its building, even hauling the stones for the old First National Bank building which is now owned by Elle Mays.
Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. from Simmons-Olliff mortuary with Ira N. Faurot, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.
The following obituary was read at the funeral:
Mitchell E. Hays was born May 25, 1868 at Shellrock, Butler County, Iowa, the sixth child of Mitchell and Harriet E. Hays.
The family moved to Smith County, Kans. in July 1877, settling on the farm one and one-half miles south of Smith Center. He was united in marriage to Emma J. Morrow on the 9th day of July, 1888. She preceded him death March 14, 1938.
Both he and his wife became members of the Baptist church. She later transferred her membership to the Christian church.
After marriage he and his wife moved to a farm one-half mile south and one mile west of the home, where they made their home for a number of years. They moved to Smith Center in the early 90's, where he operated a dray and coal line. On August 13, 1898, he purchased the blacksmith business of Wes May, which he with the help of his son, Gene operated for several years, then the son Ralph went to work with him. They operated the business together until the day of his death.
To this union were born five children: Etta Pearl, deceased; Elmer V. of Lebanon, Kans.; Russell G. of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Ralph L. of the home; and Arden E. of Kent, Ohio.
Mitchell E. Hays departed this life, Oct. 17, 1951, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 23 days. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Belle McElfresh; his four sons, four grandchildren and many friends.
Smith County Pioneer, October 25, 1951, page 1.