Of those who have resided in Stephenson County for more than a quarter of a century, none are held in higher esteem than the subject of this sketch, as was evidenced by his choice as Sheriff of the county some years ago. Mr. Hayes came to Stephenson County, from Centre County, Pa., in 1844. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Hutchison) Hayes, who came to Stephenson County in 1844 and settled in what is now Jefferson Township. The father removed to Shannon, in Carroll County, where he resided until his death, which occurred while he was on a visit to friends in Hancock County, Ill., Jan. 11, 1886. The mother is still living. They had seven children, of whom our subject was the second child and eldest son.

From childhood John R. was on the farm of his parents, and lived at home constantly until the war broke out. When the first notes of warning were sounded of the dangers which threatened the Republic, he went forth to battle for the Union, enlisting in Co. A, 11th Ill. Vol. Inf., on the 16th of April, 1861. Being in at the beginning of the struggle, he remained with his comrades until the war was concluded, and returned home with his command in February, 1866, nearly one year after the firing of the last gun. At the battle of Shiloh he was seriously wounded in the foot and was incapacitated for service for nearly nine months, excepting such duties as he might perform in the hospital. He was in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Yazoo City, and was at the capture of Mobile, besides participating in numerous skirmishes which have no place in history. After remaining in hospital on account of wounds for nine months, he was discharged. Having had a taste of soldier life as well as the penalty of battle, he did not choose to remain out of the army, but re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company, where he served until he was transferred to Co. K, 46th Ill. Vet. Reg., with which command he served until February, 1866, when he was discharged. He then returned to Stephenson County, where, with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country, he has been a resident since 1844.

After his return from the army Mr. H. devoted one year to farming at home, and in the fall of 1868 he was made the candidate of the Republican party for Sheriff of Stephenson County, and was triumphantly elected. He served until the fall of 1872, when he was succeeded by Jackson J. Piersol. After retiring from the Sheriff’s office he went to Loran Township to reside, where he has since been engaged in farming. He is the owner of 208 acres of land, 200 of which are tillable and very fertile.

One of the important events of Mr. Hayes’ life occurred on the 20th of February, 1867, which was his marriage to Miss Jane Graham, daughter of Mathew and Martha J. Graham. Six children have been the result of this marriage, of whom John G., Martha J., Mathew G., Samuel H. and Mary E. are living. The father of Mrs. Hayes was killed in Rock Run Township by being thrown from a wagon while his team was frightened and unmanageable. Mrs. Hayes is a native of Centre County, Pa. Mr. Hayes has held several of the various township offices. He is an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R., and is a comrade of John A. Davis Post, of Freeport. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his post, and in all movements for the improvement of the condition of the war veterans he is to be found in the front ranks.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888