HIS UNTIMELY DEATH, HIS BODY FOUND ON THE WILD PRAIRIE, COLD AND FROZEN TO THE EARTH

Many of our readers in both counties will recollect Patrick Hayes, who located in Blair among the first. He occupied the position of manager and salesman of Warner & Wheeler’s Blair lumber yard, and for a long time made many friends. He was possessed of some means, and by his business tact and genial ways was a general favorite. After remaining in the lumber business for a few years he changed his occupation, and ere long was his own best customer. Prior to this, he married a young lady of fine accomplishments and rare personal beauty, but she died within two years of their marriage, leaving at her death a young babe, since adopted by Mrs. William Fox. Despondent at his loss and too weak to withstand the temptation over his own bar, he fell and became a confirmed sot. He several times attempted to reform, and his friends tried to aid him, but it was the same old story, whisky was master and “Hayes” the unwilling slave. The natural sequel was death, and it came upon him at the midnight hour on a wild and secluded spot on the trackless prairie, and may it be hoped that Hayes, on the other shore, will tread a less rugged pathway than fell to his lot while here.

Below we give an extract form the Omaha Republican, which gives the fullest details we have been able to learn:

A man from Sarpy County came up yesterday to this city, and stopped at Fred Herzke’s “German Home” on Tenth street opposite No. 2 engine house. He gave information to Mr. Herzke, concerning the fearful death of Pat Hayes, whose body was found on Sunday last, near the line Douglas and Sarpy Counties. On Monday, the 13th, Hayes was sent by his employer, M. J. Shields, from Forest City, in Papillion, to collect $17 from D. S Parmalee. Hayes stopped in Forest City to collect $3 due him from a man named Hively. The latter gave Hayes $5 and told him to bring the change back from Elkhorn.

Hayes went on to Elkhorn, collected the money due Mr. Shields from Mr. Parmalee, got his $5 bill changed and spent $2.85 of the same. When he left Elkhorn, was the last seen of him alive.

On Sunday, the 26th, inst. Mat Krook’s observed a pain of yearling colts acting very strangely on his farm, in Sarpy County, near to the Douglas County line. He proceeded to investigate, and found the dead body of Hayes, firmly frozen in the ground. Gus McKinney took an axe and cut the body out. In one pocket in his garments was found the $17 paid to him by Mr. Parmalee; in another pocket was the $2 change for Mr. Hively; and in a trousers’ pocket was fifteen cents in change. The body was buried Tuesday by the authorities of Sarpy County.

Hayes was formerly a man in good circumstances, and at one time was worth at least $5000. His wife died, and he had a six month spree. Subsequently, he was employed as a guard in the Nebraska penitentiary. He leaves a child, about three years old, who is now in Blair.