Last Updated on August 6, 2012 by
Hon. Samuel W. Hayes, firm of McClary & Co., general merchandise and coal, is a native of Strafford County, N. H. In 1849, went to California, where he remained about three years. In 1852, came to Burlington, Iowa. Was employed in the construction of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad; continued with this company about eight years. Was commissioned Commissary Sergeant in the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry; remained with the regiment till the spring of 1866. He then came to Fremont; engaged in merchandising. In the fall of 1873, came to Norfolk, where he has since been engaged in merchandising. Was a member of the State Senate from Dodge County in 1872-73; also a member of the Senate from Madison County in 1877. For the past thirty-five years, he has been a member of the Masonic Order. Is now Senior Grand Warden of the state.