Person

Ewiel Lafayette Hayes

black and white picture of bald black man with which mustache and wearing bow tie and suit — Ewiel Lafayette Hayes
Joyceann Gray

Ewiel L. Hayes first heard about the homesteading opportunities from John G. Pegg, Weight and Measures Inspector of Omaha, Nebraska.

Portrait of bald black man with dark mustache and wearing a suit jacket with vest and a tie.
John G. Pegg
Photo Credit: J. Gray

Mr. Pegg was an avid supporter and promoter of the homesteading Act of 1862 and the Kincaid Act of 1904, an opportunity he offered to the Black communities around the country. He even sponsored his brother Charlie Pegg’s claim. Ewiel L. Hayes first applied for land on March 4, 1910, application number 05261 for a tract of 280 acres, which was later enlarged by amendment so as to cover 360 acres altogether.

By 15 July 1910 Ewiel Hayes settled on the land with the help of his son William Roy Hayes and wife Mary Stanly Hayes.

The land improvements consisted of a Sod house 24 X 30 Barn: 18 X 18 Well and pump and tank and hen house. 1 mile of 3 wire fence for 500 young forest trees, 40 acres of fenced pasture, and 40 acres of cultivated Broken Land with planted corn, at a value of $815.

Ewiel L. Hayes could read and write and secured a leasing agreement with Neighbor Bert Anderson for the use of a fair share of the 40 acres that he fenced in. One of his witnesses for his final proof was his son William Roy Hayes. Ewiel L. Hayes received his patent on 10 June 1914 Number 412356.At the time of the application in 1910 Ewiel and Mary Hayes rented a home in Omaha at 2420 Patrick Ave and just blocks from the Pegg residence at 4308 Patrick Ave.

In 1940 Mr. Pegg’s son Gaitha Pegg would marry Mr. Hayes’ granddaughter Sweet Wilma Hayes in Valentine, Ne.

Patent Details - BLM GLO Records

~ Contributed by Joyceann Gray, SSG USA RET, homestead descendant

Headshot of black woman with shoulder length grey hair and glasses
Joyceann Gray

More about the contributor: Joyceann is the granddaughter of John G. Pegg and great granddaughter of Ewiel L. Hayes. Once retired from the Army, she has devoted much time to family historical researching and writing. She is the author of; ‘Yes We Remember’ which is devoted to the historical accountings of her ancestors, and ‘DeWitty and Now We Speak’ which is a historical fiction about the women of DeWitty, Nebraska. Joyceann is a Contributing Writer of many Notable African Americans, and Ambassadors on BlackPast.org. She holds memberships in local genealogical societies and the Charles Town, WV Researchers. Joyceann was an integral part of the Descendants of DeWitty who not only helped raised money but facilitate the erecting of the Historical marker in honor of the Homesteaders of DeWitty along Hwy 83, near Brownlee, Nebraska, April 2015. ReferencesLand entry papers and copy of patent for Ewiel Lafayette Hayes1910 Census