Dennis Hays, one of the
prominent citizens of Clayton County, was born in County
Claire, Ireland, in the year 1826. His parents, John and
Bridget (O'Laughlin) Hays, were likewise natives of that
country, where the former died in 1849. She came to the
United States in 1855, and died in Dubuque County, Ia.,
in 1865. Dennis emigrated to this country in 1851, and
came to Clayton County in 1859. He now owns a finely
cultivated farm in Read Township, and is one of our
representative men. His marriage occurred in 1855 to
Bridget, daughter of Timothy and Mary Liddy. Their union
has been blessed with six children-- John, born Aug. 17,
1856; Michael, Jan. 17, 1859; Mary, March 4, 1861;
Bridget, Nov. 1, 1862; Margaret, July 13, 1864, and
Honora, March 3, 1866. The family are members of the
Roman Catholic church. Mr. Hays votes the Democratic
ticket. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1075 |