George Hayward was born in Ottawa, LaSalle county, Illinois, April 19, 1843, and by close application and industry has accumulated a competency which will enable him to pass the remainder of his life in comfort and affluence. He is a son of Charles and Julia Ann (Mason) Hayward, who came to this county from the east early in this century. The family tree of the Haywards was deep-rooted in Scotland, whence one Caleb Hayward emigrated to America, settling at Braintree, Massachusetts, and moving later to Lebanon, Connecticut, where he passed the remainder of his life. The paternal grandfather, John Henry Hayward, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, and on February 3, 1790, was married to Eunice Hutchison. They reared a family of seven sons and four daughters, and September 11, 1826, the grandfather entered his long sleep. One of the sons was Charles Hayward, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, April 8, 1808, and there grew to manhood. October 8, 1838, he was joined in marriage with Miss Julia Ann Mason, who was born in Cortland county, New York, July 22, 1819. Her parents were Oliver and Sarah (Thayer) Mason, both natives of Vermont, who came to Illinois in 1837 and settled in Kane county. Oliver Mason fought in the war of 1812. After their marriage Charles Hay ward and wife moved to Ottawa, Illinois, where he built the Fox River House, which he kept for a few years, being also interested in merchandising. He sold his interests and moved to his farm in 1847. There his death occurred, on the 20th of July, 1849. He carried on farming operations during this entire period. Three children survived him: Estelle J.; George, our subject; and Emma, who married David Grove, a retired farmer residing in Ottawa. After the death of her husband Mrs. Hayward was again married, being united to Captain Henry J. Reed, a soldier in the Mexican war and a captain of Company I during the civil war. They took up their residence in Ottawa, where they resided during the remainder of their lives. One son was born to them, Charles H., who died in 1876 at the age of twentytwo years. Mrs. Reed died April 3, 1890, and Mr. Reed passed away May 25, 1894.
George Hayward spent his boyhood upon his father's farm and attended the district school in the town of Ottawa. He remained with his parents until the death of his father, when the management of the farm fell to him. He continued to farm, adding gradually to his land, until his present possessions amount to seven hundred acres in Dayton township, in addition to which he owns some valuable city property. In 1870 he retired to Ottawa .and has since busied himself in looking after his various business interests and supervising the management of his farm.
He was married June 17, 1875, to Miss Nettie Stickland. a daughter of Rial Stickland of this city. They have three children, Edith E., Mabel S., a student in the high school, and Charles De Alton. Mr. Hayward is a Republican and has served as township director. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, and is a man of strong personality and warm attachments.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 331-332.
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