This is my working hypothesis - the way I see it as of this moment!! 

    Jacob Hayes was the second son of  William and Mary (Wright) Hayes. He was born in what is now Gates County on Bennetts Creek ca 1740. His first wife name unknown died in childbirth with their first born William named for his grandfather and known as William Hayes Jr.
    Jacob Hayes was an active patriot gathering and hauling supplies for the colonial army. This is verified by certificates issued to him and his son for provisions delivered. One of these a certificate for 9.16.0 was issued by William Skinner in the Edenton district and was paid to Jacob Hayes. (Revn. Army Accounts Vol X folio #3 p 32.) (Hayes: Hayes in Va & NC)

Child of Jacob Hayes and 1st wife (unknown):
1. William Hayes Jr ca 1765 - ca 1830 
       married 1789 Chloe Minshew
Children of Jacob Hayes and 2nd wife Mary (perhaps Fields):
1. Jacob Hayes 
       married 1802 Joice Tailor
2. Elisha Hayes
3. Edith (Edy) Hayes 1762/76 -
       married Miller  [perhaps she married the Vann, I find records for an Edith Vann, widow]
       married John Vann dec. bef Feb Ct 1815   Gates Co, NC
4. Elizabeth Hayes
       married Vann  [perhaps she married the Miller]
5. Mary Hayes 
       married Fryer
6. daughter d y

Seems Epaproditus Jones also had a daughter Mary in 1768 Will married to a Fryer. He also makes mention that Isaac Fryer is living on some of his property.

Gates County Wills: 9 Nov 1807, proved Feb Ct. 1808
In the name of God Amen. I Jacob Hays of Gates County being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of my Body and knowing it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form followeth.
First: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Hays one feather bed and furniture, 1 pot, 1 chest, 3 stocks of Bees some pewter and every article whatsoever that she was possessed with before I married her unto she and her heirs forever.
Also I give and bequeath unto my wife Mary Hays 1 bed and furniture, two heifers, six head of sheep and all my hogs and crop of corn, peas etc. also all my Household furniture, farming utensils of every kind whatsoever unto her during her natural life or widowhood and after her death to be equally divided among my children. I give and bequeath unto my son William Hays my house on condition that if the said William Hays doth find a house sufficient for my wife Mary Hays to live in during her widowhood.
I also nominate and appoint Mills R Field Executor to this my last will and Testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of November 1807.
Jacob (his x mark) Hays (seal)
Signed, sealed in the presence of us
Parker Williams (Jurat), William Walton
February Court 1808: exhibited by Mills R Field, executor; proved by Parker Williams

Grandchildren of Jacob Hayes:

Children of William Hayse, Jr. and Chloe Minshew:
1. Julia Hayse  1790/97 -
      married ca 1812 Charles Francis Ellenor   tailor
2.  Christian Hayse 1793/99 -
      married 27 June 1814 John Hare  died Nov 1829 -
3. Timothy Hayse  1800 - ca 1847 Gates Co, NC
       married 21 Dec 1821 Elizabeth Hayse 1800 - Sept 1849
           Cephus Gillot, bm  Gates Co
4. Richard Hayse ca 1803 - 1837 Gates Co, NC
      married 1 Dec 1829 Levina Williams ca 1803
           Charles Williams, bm  Gates Co
         she married 2nd ca 1850 John W. Beaman ca 1817 
5. Thomas Wright Hayse  8 Oct 1809 - 17 Aug 1876 Ahoskie, NC
        Methodist preacher
      married 13 Dec 1831 Nancy Jernigan  died 1870
        she was 1st married to David Newsome died 1827
    he married 2nd ca 1872 Nancy Livermore