Hector Hayes

Hector Hayes arrived in what would become North Plains Township on October 12, 1836, just days after Hiram Brown. His journey from New York was arduous — his cattle weakened in the heat, snow blocked the path, and the family endured periods of hunger. They capsized their canoe crossing the Maple River. Hayes purchased 280 acres on Sections 31-32, plus a sugar-bush on Section 22. He was among the first to plant orchards in spring 1838.