When Daniel was seven years of age he entered the district grade school of Ohio, but in those days children were able to read before entering school., yet while he was unable to finish his school he ever kept in mind the thought of more education and after he was twenty years of age he went back to school with a determination to win and make the complete sacrifice. Also, taking the required course of study for the ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and did some work in Ohio Wesleyan.
At the age of 18 years he volunteered in the 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery. Mr. Hayward stated that while in the army it did not improve him morally but it did improve him physically. Yet while in the army with his associates and a special chum and close relative, being reproved for some of his wrongs he, like Paul, kept in remembrance those things to the edifying of a larger life and entrance into the kingdom. After two years and better of service he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, August 19, 1865.
After his return home from the war while attending a protracted meeting at Eden church, Ohio, held by the M.E. pastor, he heard the call of the Master for his life and for a volunteer enlistment into a real soldiery which he himself could not deny and took the Lord at His Word, pledging ever to serve Him and be loyal to the Word. To this belief he says, "I believe in its doctrine and still adhere, believing under God that it is the better agency in the word to help a person that is really yearning after God." Mr. Hayward also taught school and did anything that was honorable that he might attain an education for his day; teachers in those days were not so well paid as he received only $35 per month.
In September 1871, while the Cincinnati conference was in session, Brother Hayward was admitted on trial as a junior preacher, was appointed to a circuit of eleven churches which necessitated him preaching three times each Sunday. After serving this charge for two years and passing the course of study he was ordained a deacon and was given a large appointment with more returns as he was taking to him a companion. And on [the] 8th of September, 1873, he was united in marriage to Amanda Jane Richards. After the marriage he was ordained an Elder, serving charges in Ohio, later moving west where he served charges in Iowa and Nebraska. His early years in the ministry were spent on large circuits, difficult to travel in those days. Because of the sacrifices necessary to make the church go, and the family that he had to support, he became broken in health and asked for the supernumerary relation which he received; later getting back into the ranks, but finally coming to the age of retirement. The years following his retirement were filled with abundant labors, preaching often and ministering in many ways, yea even by his life.
Brother Hayward was a good soldier, a true patriot, a splendid citizen, a stalwart Christian gentleman, a faithful minister, a good father and a man of rugged righteousness in personal character and outward life. He loved his church, giving as his means would let him and continuing in the faith to the end.
He leaves to mourn his going four children, namely -- Mrs. Luella Newton, Charles Thomas Hayward and Wiley Herbert Hayward, all of Chicago, and Mrs. Lena Belle Foster of Lowell. Yea, these daughters and sons will more than miss him. Besides these are five grand-children and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. V.V. Hackley at the Methodist church on last Wednesday, August 22. Interment was made in the family lot in Lowell cemetery in charge of Weaver and Son. The American Legion conducted their burial service at the grave.
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