Samuel Hayes, the subject of this sketch, was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 21st day of October, 1849. His grandfather, Lewis Hayes, was a native of North Carolina, and an early settler of Shelby County. John Hayes, father of Samuel, was born in North Carolina also, and was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. He departed this life at his home in Shelby County, about the year 1856. His wife, Jane Hardin, was born in Indiana, and is still living near Franklin, being now Mrs. Shipp. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were born four children, viz.: Samuel, Lewis, James and Madison, all living in this state. Our subject was reared in Johnson and Shelby counties. He was educated in the common schools, and early adopted the pursuit of agriculture for a vocation. February 20, 1873, he married Eliza E. Beeson, of Johnson County, whose father was one of the pioneers of Blue River Township. Shortly after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes moved to White County, then later to Shelby County, where they resided for a period of eleven years. In 1886, he moved to his present home. He owned at one time a valuable farm of 101 acres. He is one of the energetic farmers of his township, and a citizen in whom his friends and neighbors repose implicit confidence. A republican in politics, he had never sought official position, and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, he encourages the dissemination of religious truth irrespective of denomination or creed. His wife is also a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and takes an active part in the congregation to which she belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are the parents of the following children, viz.: John W., born February 10, 1874, died March 1, 1879; Lewis O., born December 16, 1875; William S., born September 6, 1877, died July 2, 1880; and Charles C., born April 13, 1879.