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Looking for information on James Hayes and his wife, Betsy ?
Who are there parents? Where were they married? How many children did they have? Where are they buried? Cannot find them in census records.
This is what I know.
This couple had at least one daughter, Mary Hayes b 1802 Ohio d. 20 Oct 1883 , Bureau, Illinois. Mary Hayes married Abraham Jones b. 1801 Ohio d. 28 Jul 1858 , Bureau, Illinois.
James Hayes family lived in Xenia, Greene, Ohio in 1810.
James Hayes family leaves Ohio and arrives Illinois 1831.
Other families that leave Ohio and arrive Illinois are Abraham Jones family, Justus Jones family, Barton Jones family, and Ira Jones family.
Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Burt, John Spencer
Chicago: Pioneer Pub. Co., 1907, 510 pgs.
Page 56
The next season,1831, Justus, Ira, Barton and Abram Jones, Thomas Judd, Mr. Hansberger, Mr Simpson and Abram Darnell settled in the same neighborhood.
History of Bureau County, Churches
The M.E. church, the first class found within the present bounds of the Rock River Conference was at Galena in 1829. The second at Plainview, the same year. The third, at Chicago 1831. In 1832, the Rev. Zadoc Hall was sent to explore the county, and formed a new circuit west of the Illinois River, and north of Peoria. among other appointments, he established one at Mr. Abraham Jones', two miles north of the present City of Princeton, making the fourth preaching point in the Conference. The following persons composed the class formed at this time; James and Betsy Hayes, Abraham and Mary Jones, Barton and Susanna Jones, Robert Clark and Mrs. ____ Clark, Joseph Smith and Mrs. Smith, and Eliza Epperson. Of these, only one is living, viz: Mrs, Mary Jones.
Ohio Census, 1790-1890
about James Hayes
Name:James Hayes State:OH County:Greene County Township:Xenia Township Year:1810 Record Type:Tax List Page:032 Database:OH 1810 Washington Co. Census Index
Source Information:
Jackson, Ronald V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp.. Ohio Census, 1790-1890 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 1999. Original data: Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.
Land owned by James Hayes in Bureau County, Illinois.
Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database by Legal Description
Aliquot Parts or Lot: S2SE Section Number: 08 Township: 16N Range: 09E Meridian: 4 County of Purchase: BUREAU
Acres: 80.00 Price per Acre: 1.25 Total Price: 100.00 Type of Sale: FD Date of Purchase: 06/22/1835 Volume: 708 Page: 121
Aliquot Parts or Lot: W2SW Section Number: 08 Township: 16N Range: 09E Meridian: 4 County of Purchase: BUREAU
Acres: 80.00 Price per Acre: 1.25 Total Price: 100.00 Type of Sale: FD Date of Purchase: 06/22/1835 Volume: 708 Page: 121
There are not many confirmed stories of Indian attacks on white settlers. This was actually a rare occurrence but here is a well documented true story that happens to cross the path of one of our ancestors, James Hayes.
Both, the Potawatomi chief called Half Day and Mike Girty, before his death, confessed and told of the disappearance and murder of James Sample and wife.
The Black Hawk war was April 5 - August 8, 1832.
“Reminiscences of Bureau County, in two Parts, with Illustrations.” N. Matson. Princeton, Illinois: Republican Book and Job Office, 1872.
Page 93-104
Chapter XI, Rev. James Sample and Wife
Soon after the marriage of the Rev. James Sample to Lucy May, as narrated in a previous chapter, and before the honeymoon was over, he concluded to go further west to seek his fortune, on the banks of the Father of Waters. At that time, there was no wagon road between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers; the Indian trail, over which people passed, was only accessible for foot and horseback travelers. Everything being prepared for their journey, Sample and his young wife left for the west, each mounted on a horse, while on the third one was packed all of their household goods. Sample settled near Rock Island, and built a cabin on the site of the old Indian village. Everything went off smoothly during the winter, but in the spring the war cry was raised, and people were alarmed at the situation of things. Rumors were in circulation that the Sacs and Foxes were about to cross the river, and take possession of their old village. People were not long kept in suspense, for on a bright morning in the latter part of April, it was discovered that the river was full of Indian canoes, and the water was darkened by their ponies swimming the stream. The return of the Indians created a great panic among the settlers, all of whom left their cabins, and took refuge in Fort Armstrong, which was situated on the Island. The Indians did not molest any one, nor take possession of their old village, as was expected, but continued their way up Rock river, with their squaws and papooses in canoes, while the warriors, mounted on ponies, followed along the banks.
Sample and wife had been in the fort a few weeks, when they concluded to leave it, and return to their friends east of the Illinois river. Having heard of no Indian depredations, it was thought perfectly safe to make the journey. Accordingly they disposed of all their effects, except two horses, and on them they left Rock Island.
It was a bright, clear day, on the 18th of May, when Sample and his wife left Rock Island for Hennepin, a distance of about seventy miles. Being mounted on fine, spirited horses, which were full of mettle, and as they cantered proudly across the prairie, the tourists expected to reach Bureau settlement before dark. The road traveled by them was the Sac and Fox trail, which extended from Lake Michigan to Rock Island, and was at that time a great thoroughfare from east to west, being traveled both by whites and Indians. For ages this trail had been the great highway for Indians from east to west. Over it Black Hawk, with his warriors passed to join the British forces in Canada, at the time of the late war with England; and for twenty years afterward they make annual trips over it, to receive annuities from the British government in Canada. This trail passed through Bureau county, almost in an east and west direction--crossing Coal creek immediately north of Sheffield, Main Bureau east of Dr. Woodruff’s, passing near Malden and Arlington, in the direction of Chicago. In some places on high prairie, the trail was worn down from one to two feet below the surface, and its course can still be traced through many of the farms of this county, although thirty-five years have now passed away since it ceased to be used. There was no settlement along this trail between the Mississippi river and Bureau, which made it necessary to perform the journey in one day.
It was about sundown when the travelers arrived at the residence of Henry Thomas, where they intended to stay over night, but unfortunately they found the house deserted, and the doors and windows barricaded with heavy puncheons. Again they mounted their horses to pursue their journey, with the intention, no doubt, of spending the night at Smith’s cabin, which was east of Bureau creek. Soon after leaving Thomas’, night came on, and with it a terrible rain storm, and in the darkness they lost the trail, and were unable to find it again, but they continued eastward until they came to Main Bureau, which they found so high as to make it hazardous to cross in the dark. They had now rode about sixty miles, were tired and hungry, their clothes wet, and the rain still continued to pour down in torrents. But here they were compelled to spend the night, without one dry spot to lay their heads. Tying their houses to a tree, and taking their saddles for pillows, they laid down to rest until morning. After a long, dreary night, morning came, and with it a bright sun and clear sky, but the creek was still high, not being fordable. This obstacle must be overcome, so they selected a place where the banks were favorable, swam their horses across, and continued their journey.
On the top of the bluff, by the side of the trail, stood, at that time, a double log cabin, which belonged to Eli and Elijah Smith. Here the travelers intended to rest, dry their clothes, and have something to eat. But they found the cabins deserted, the families having fled from their homes the day before. On leaving the trail here, and going south one mile, brought them to Epperson’s cabin, which they also found deserted. The premises were searched for something to eat, as well as feed for their starving horses, but without success. It was with heavy hearts that our travelers again mounted their horses to continue their journey, being fatigued, hungry, and their clothes still wet from the drenching rain, as well as from swimming the creek. But on reaching the prairie, the beauty of landscape scenery which was there presented, dispelled their gloomy feelings. The prairie was now covered with early spring grass, intermixed with flowers of various hues, the forest trees were in full leaf, and the air was made fragrant with the blossoms of wild fruit. Birds were singing among the branches of the trees; around them were sporting meadow larks, with their musical notes, while on the distant prairie was heard the crowing of prairie chickens. This enchanting scenery of the surroundings, had a good effect on the travelers, and their despondent spirits were now revived. Over sixty miles of their journey had already been made, and a few hours more would terminate it. Their jaded horses were slowly plodding their way across the prairie, and over the very spot where the city of Princeton now stands. The travelers, unconscious of danger, were talking of the perils of the past night, and the happy termination of their journey, when they would be embraced by kind friends. When all of a sudden they heard a noise behind them, and looking back, they saw some twenty Indians pursuing them at full speed.
Their Flight and Capture
While Sample and wife were at Epperson’s cabin, an Indian, who was on the lookout, saw them, and immediately gave notice to his comrades, who started in pursuit. The Indians approached quietly without being discovered, until almost within gun shot of the travelers, when they raised the war whoop, and put their ponies on a gallop. Sample was riding the horse which he had of John Hall, and his wife was mounted on one equally spry, but owing to the jaded condition of these animals, the Indians came within a few yards of them before they were brought to a gallop. Many shots were fired at the fugitives, one of which slightly wounded Sample, and his wife was also wounded by a tomahawk thrown by one of the Indians. The horses, on getting their mettle up, went off at great speed, leaving the Indian ponies far behind; but the Indians continued the chase, urging their ponies forward under the whip, and yelling at the top of their voice. The fugitives had so far outstripped their pursuers that they regarded their escape as almost certain; but an accident occurred which blasted their fond hopes, and caused them to fall into the hands of the savages. As they approached the timber, Mrs. Sample’s horse, while crossing a small branch, stuck fast in the mud, floundered and fell, throwing the rider over its head. Mr. Sample, at the time, being so far ahead of the Indians, he could have made good his escape, but unwilling to leave his wife to her fate, returned, and thereby sacrificed his own life. While Sample was assisting his wife to remount her horse, the Indians, with deafening yells, came up with them. Knowing that escape was now out of the question, Sample only thought of selling his own life as dear as possible, and drawing forth a pistol, shot one of the Indians dead on the spot. The Indians bound their victims with strong cords, put them on their horses, and carried them back to camp.
On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council over their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to avenge their dead comrade, they should be burned at the stake. Sample was well acquainted with Girty, having met him a number of times on Bureau, while on his ministerial excursions, and offered him all he possessed as a ransom for the life of himself and wife. But all to no purpose, nothing but revenge could satisfy this blood-thirsty savage.
The Execution
A few rods south of what is now known as the Knox graveyard, stood, thirty years ago, an old burr oak tree, isolated from other forest trees, and around which was a beautiful grass plot. Some of the early settlers had noticed this tree, and probably still recollect it, as it was burned at the root, as though a camp fire had been built against it. To this tree the victims were taken, and to it they were bound with large deer skin thongs. Divested of all their clothing, bound hand and foot, they stood waiting their doom. A fire of dry limbs was kindled around them, while the Indians stripped themselves of their clothing, with their faces painted red, in preparation for a dance. Everything being now ready for the execution, Girty took his long knife and scalped the prisoners, saving the scalps as trophy of war. Taking the scalp of Mrs. Sample, and tying the long hair around his neck, leaving the bloody scalp to hang on his breast. In this way, Girty, assisted by the other Indians, danced around their victims, jumping up and down, and yelling like demons, Mr. and Mrs. Sample, being bound to the tree, surrounded by burning fagots, their scalps taken off, with the blood running down over their faces, and covering their naked bodies with gore. Soon the flames began to take effect on the victims, and in their agony they besought the Indians to shoot or tomahawk them, and thereby terminate their sufferings. But their appeals were in vain; with fiendish laugh the Indians flourished their tomahawks over their heads, dancing and yelling in mockery of their sufferings. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and innocence ought to have moved the hardest heart, appealed to Girty, for the sake of humanity, to save her from this terrible death. But her appeals were without effect; nothing could change the purpose, or soften the heart of this devil incarnate. When life was extinct, more fagots were put on the fire until the remains were consumed. Nothing was known of these murders at the time, and for more than thirty years the sudden disappearance of Sample and wife remained a mystery to their friends.
The next year after this tragedy occurred, James Hayes made a claim here, and built a cabin by the side of the spring, where the residence of Mr. Knox now stands. Around the tree where Sample and wife were burned, Mr. Hayes had noticed many human bones, and in a ravine, close by, a human skull was found. But little was thought of this affair at the time, as these bones were supposed to be those of Indians, it being well known that they were in the habit of burying their dead so near the top of the ground that wolves frequently dug up and devoured the corpse.
Nearly forty years have now passed away since these murders were committed, and this place, with its surroundings, has underwent a great change. Here where timber once grew, is now cultivated land. Instead of being surrounded by a wild, uninhibited region, it now shows everywhere the marks of civilization. To the east, and in plain view, lies the city of Princeton, with its beautiful landscape scenery, its shade trees and parks, while its tall spires are seen to glitter in the sunbeams. The old burr oak tree, where the victims suffered, and around which the Indians danced, has long since fell by the woodman’s axe, but its stump still remains as a relic of the past. And as you look on this stump, and the scene around it, you will be reminded of the awful tragedy which took place on this spot.**
**This tragical story came principally through Indian sources, and was unknown to the early settlers of this county. The manner of capturing and executing the victims was narrated to the writer, a few years ago, by two Pottawattamie chiefs, named Half Day and Girty. During the time of the Black Hawk war, a rumor was current among the people, that a man and his wife was lost while traveling from the Mississippi to the Illinois river. Four years after the war, Shanbena told the writer that the Indians had burned a man and woman, whose names were unknown to him. Also, Squire Holly, a well known pioneer, and whose face was familiar to many of the Bureau settlers. Many years ago, a young man named Britt Sample, lived north of Dover, and for some time made his home with James G. Forristall. Sample said his uncle and aunt disappeared at the commencement of the Black Hawk war, and were thought to have been killed by the Indians.
The writer has spent much time in the investigation of this tragical affair, corresponding with those who would be likely to have some knowledge of the matter, also visiting the place where the friends of the victims are said to have lived, and find the accounts conflicting. One account says the parents of Mrs. Sample, whose names were May, lived in a hovel, partly dug out of the bluff, on the site of an ancient Indian village, nearly opposite the mouth of Lake Du Pue. They had lived in the country but a short time, and at the commencement of the war they boarded a steamboat at Fort Wilburn, and went to Missouri, where they had formerly lived.
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