Dillon Herald, Thursday, 3 Mar 1932

Joel B. Hayes
"DEATH CLAIMS VENERABLE AND BELOVED CITIZEN"

Joel B. Hayes, at the age of 15, on June 18, 1866 married pretty Ann Hill, 14 year lassie, at Page's Mill, in old Marion County, now Lake View, in Dillon County. On February 16, 1932 at the age of 81 years, Joel B. Hayes died at his homestead near Lake View where he had spent his entire life, including 66 years of marital blessedness, during which time nine children were born to them, six of whom still live, and his bride of nearly three-quarters of a century survives him. Of the surviving children there are three sons who are 64, 42, and 31 years respectively, three daughters who are 51, 42, and 38 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes enjoyed the distinction of having 41 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren of whom all but three are still living.

A large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives paid tribute to this "grand old man" of Marion and Dillon Counties at his funeral and interment at the Hayes burying ground near Lake View. Rev. Mr. Jones, pastor of the Lake View Methodist Church officiated.

It is seldom that a couple live to the ripe old age of nearly a century and as man and wife for almost three-quarters of a century and enjoy such rich blessings as 84 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dillon and Marion Counties are saddened by the passing of this splendid citizen, notwithstanding he was spared to such a long life of usefulness and goodness far beyond man's allotted three score years and ten. His widow lives in Dillon County, loved and respected as was her worthy husband who has passed to his reward.

Submitted by Jo Church Dickerson, 20 Feb 2000.