The 1900 federal census indicates the marriage was abt 1870: 1900 United States Federal Census, North Carolina, Wilkes, Reddies River John L. Hays, head, b. Jan 1852 NC, sawyer, married 30 yrs Sarah J. Hays, wife, b. Apr 1856 NC, married 30 yrs, had borne 9 children, 8 still living Minnie M. Hays, daughter, b. Mar 1876 NC Charlie C, Hays, son, b. Oct 1881 NC, teamster Thomas W. Hays, son, b. Apr 1884 NC, teamster John J. Hays, son, b. Jan 1886 NC, teamster Joseph F. Hays, son, b. Jan 1888 NC, farm laborer James Hays, son, b. Apr 1892 NC Dasie A. Hays, daughter, b. Apr 1895 NC Wayne Till