William S. Hayward

William S. Hayward (February 26, 1835 – November 5, 1900) was an American banker, baker, and politician who served as mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1881 until 1884.

Early life Hayward was "born and reared a poor boy" in Foster, Rhode Island. As a young man, he attended public schools

Baker Hayward moved to Providence 1851. He was hired as an employee of bakery Rice & Hayward, which was owned by Mr. Fitz James Rice and Mr. George W. Hayward. He left the firm for a year, then returned as a salesman until 1858; then moved up to the delivery department, supplying out-of-town customers. He was president of the Union Trust Bank of Providence, and a director of the Eagle National and Citizens Savings Banks.

Personal life Hayward married Lucy Maria Rice in 1859. She was the daughter of Fitz James Rice, Hayward's business partner in the bakery and fellow founder of Citizens Savings Bank.

Hayward was described as "a man of fine physique, and of commanding presence, standing over six feet, two inches in height, and weighing two hundred and twenty pounds".

Hayward was a member of What Cheer Lodge of Masons, and a member of the Union Congregational Church on Broad Street.

He died of Bright's disease after an illness of eight days and is buried in Swan Point Cemetery.

Memorials

Sixth Avenue Park, in Providence, was renamed Hayward Park in his honor in 1889. The park was demolished for construction of the interchange for Interstate 95 and Interstate 195.