John Hayes, born circa 1826, was a lawyer in Hendricks Township, Chautauqua County, Kansas, where he was active in both political and religious organizations. These papers, dating from 1868-1894, include his literary, moral and religious writings as well as legal notes, political ledgers and information. The legal notes pertain to specific cases he argued at the Chautauqua County Court, Kansas Judicial District #13, and to relevant Kansas statutes.