In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1826, Ross County
From History of Fayette County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all oth (1881)
CHARLES D. HAYS.
Charles D. Hays was born in Ross County, this state, in 1826. When about four years of age, he went with his father's family to Pike County, and settled on a farm near the town of Piketon, where he spent seventeen years of his youth assisting on the farm. In 1847, he came to this county, and for nearly three years lived in Union Township. In 1849, he purchased a farm three miles north of Bloomingburg, and in 1850 moved upon it, where he still resides. He has made many improvements; among them the erection of a commodious residence.
lie united in mai-riage, in 1848, with Miss Catherine daughter of John and Mary A. Parker, of Paint Township, Rev, William Dickey officiating. Six children blessed this union; three sons and three daughters: John, George, Grant, Mary A., Emma and Margaret; all living at home except John and George, who are married. George resides in Fayette, and John in Clinton County.
Charles' grandfather was a native of Ireland. (See biography of Morgan Hays.)
James, Charles' father, was born in Kentucky. When ten years old he came to this state with his parents, and to the farm now owned by C. D. Hays. When about twenty years of age he went to Ross County, and made his home with his brothers-in-law, Charles and John Davis.
[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]
C. D. Hays and wife own nearly nine hundred acres of land, part of which is in Clinton County. The farm upon which they live contain two hundred and thirty-eight acres, well improved and beautiful to the eye.
Mr. Hays is a strong Republican, and staunch temperance man. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
As printed in History of Fayette County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all oth (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.