Mrs. R. Sophina Hayward, Wife of Charles Hayward, Passes Away After a Lingering Illness of Rheumatism. This estimable woman passed away at the family home in Jobs Corners, Wednesday evening, January 26, 1924. She was born in Rutland Township, Tioga County, December 28, 1846, and was therefore seventy-seven years of age. Her maiden name was Sophina Benson and she was the second daughter of Otis and Matilda Benson, a highly respected family, late of Rutland Township. Deceased was married to Charles Hayward fifty-three years ago and they have lived very pleasantly together during those many years. Never strong, she was yet able to make a happy attractive home; to be a devoted wife in which the heart of her husband safely trusted. She was a kind and loving mother and always had a pleasant smile and a kind word for everyone. Her presence brought sunshine and gladness. Her winning personality gained her a host of friends who had her loyal love and their thoughtful attentions were the solace of her declining years. By her death, earth loses on of its peace-makers and Heaven gains a Child of God. Mrs. Hayward had been an invalid over twelve years, being tenderly cared for by her beloved husband and daughter; she endured her sufferings with as little murmuring and trouble as possible; she was uniformly cheerful and appreciative of every service rendered her. She was a woman of excellent character, esteemed in life and mourned in death. She had long been a consistent member of the M. E. Church and was always kind and true in the various gatherings where she could be found when she was physically able. Mrs. Hayward’s survivors are her husband, Charles Hayward, one daughter, Weltha Hayward,(Mrs. J. M. Frost, of Jobs Corners; one sister and two brothers, Mrs. Rosetta Hayward, of Mansfield, Lyman Benson of Rutland, and Otis Benson of Millerton; as well as many other relatives and friends. Her sister, Mrs. Eleanor Cook, preceded her in death on December 5, 1923.

 A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled. 

God in His wisdom has recalled
The boon His love has given,
And although the body slumbers here
The soul is safe in Heaven. 

On Thursday, January 30, in the presence of relatives and friends, a prayer service was held at the late home at 12 o’clock. The funeral services were held at the Roseville M. E. Church at one o’clock, where a large concourse of people gathered to pay their respect to the noble woman. Rev. S. Barrett, of Tioga, officiated, taking for his text, Psalm 49:15.

John F. Benson and Mrs. Nellie Watson sang two beautiful selections. The floral tokens were many and beautiful, showing the esteem in which the deceased was held.

The remains were laid to rest amid flowers and tears in the Roseville Cemetery.

The pall-bearers were: George Frost, Peter Stout, Merritt Cook, Anthony Benson, George Paris and Martin Lawrence. 

On Saturday morning, August 21, 1926, our community was saddened by the death of Charles H. Hayward. Although he had been in failing health for several years, he was taken suddenly worse on Sunday morning, the 15th. While everything that loving hands could do was done, death came the following Saturday morning; his going was as the going down of the sun, so peaceful. Mr. Hayward was born in West Danby, N.Y., September 19, 1844. Thus he attained the age of nearly 82 years. Mr. Hayward was a man of many sterling qualities, one who will be greatly missed, as he was always interested in the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He was a member of Lawrence Corners M. E. Church; but best of all was a Christian man. In his declining years he spent much time in reading his Bible and singing some beautiful hymn. He often told his friends that he was only waiting until God called him home. He leaves to mourn their loss, one daughter, Mrs. J. Frost; two brothers, Sidney of Detroit, Mich, and Orleyette of Mansfield, also one sister, of Detroit. The funeral services were largely attended at the home on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Kehler, of Daggett, officiating; interment in the family plot in Roseville.

I was visiting your website and came across a photo of Charles and ‘Fina’ Hayward.  I am a descendant of his brother, Sidney W Hayward who is listed in his obituary as being of Detroit, MI.  (Sidney is my great-great grandfather.)   In Charles’ biography it states that his parents are not known.  Charles was the oldest child of Harry Henry Hayward and Lucinda Messenger.  Harry was buried in the family plot with Charles and Fina.  Lucinda came to live in Imlay Twp, Lapeer County, MI after the death of her husband and died in Michigan in 1901.  She is buried in Webster Cemetery in the same cemetery her son, Sidney, and daughter Louisa (actually Mary Lovesa (Hayward) Foster. 

I do have quite a bit on this family if you are interested.  I appreciate the fact you posted the photo – it is great to place a face with the name after all this time.  Do you know if the person listed as the photo owner is a family member?  (I know that Charles had a daughter that adopted a little girl and his brother, Orleyette, also had one child, a daughter, that had several children but I have not ‘found’ any of their descendants yet.) 

Nice job on the website! 

Jeff Hayward

hjhayward@comcast.net

Rochester Hills, MI