Grayson County TXGenWeb

Samuel H. Haywood was an African-American barber in Denison during the late 1890s and early 1900s. The 1900 Grayson County census shows that Sam was born June 1858 in Texas.

According to the 1896-1897 Denison City Directory (which would have been compiled and published in late 1895), he was a single man, and barbered for C. Hamilton, He roomed at 814 W. Morton St.

He married Eula L. Roberts on June 3, 1896 in Grayson County. The 1900 census lists him has head of the household that included his wife, Eula, age 30, born April 1870 in Arkansas; son, Samuel, age 3, born September 1896 in Texas; and daughter, Fannie, age 1, born November 1898 in Texas. The census records that Eula had given birth to four children, two of whom were living.
By 1901 Sam was partners in the barber business with a Mr. Love. He and his family resided at 825 W. Walker.

Less than a year later, Sam died January 5, 1902 at his home in Denison.

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, January 5, 1902
pg. 4

Sam Heywood, who conducts the barber shop nearly opposite the Gazetteer office dropped dead last night at his home on West Walker street. He was apparently in the best of health when the fatal blow came. He left his home in the afternoon carrying a turkey home for New Year's dinner. When he reached home, he removed his coat and walked to the back yard and almost immediately fell dead.
The deceased was one of the best colored men that has ever resided in Denison, highly esteemed, irrespective of color. He leaves a wife and 2 children.