George Washington Hays (September 23, 1863 – September 15, 1927) was an American politician who served as the 24th Governor of Arkansas from 1913 to 1917.
George Hays | |
---|---|
24th Governor of Arkansas | |
In office August 6, 1913 – January 10, 1917 | |
Preceded by | Junius Marion Futrell (acting) |
Succeeded by | Charles Hillman Brough |
Personal details | |
Born | George Washington Hays September 23, 1863 Camden, Arkansas, U.S. |
Died | September 15, 1927 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. | (aged 63)
Political party | Democratic |
Children | 2 |
Education | Washington and Lee University |
Biography
editHays was born in Camden, Arkansas. He attended public schools in Camden and worked as a farmer, store clerk and teacher Hays studied law at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and opened his own law practice in Camden.[1] He was married to Ida Virginia Yarborough and had 2 children.
Career
editHays was probate and county judge for Ouachita County, Arkansas between 1900 and 1905. Hays served as a judge with the Thirteenth Circuit Court from 1906 to 1913.
When Governor Joseph Taylor Robinson resigned in 1913 to serve in the United States Senate, a special election was held and Hays was elected governor.[2] His administration focused on road improvement and enactment of a statewide prohibition law. The Hays administration also enacted a child labor law and completed construction of the new state capitol building. Hays won reelection in a contested election in 1914.
Hays returned to private law practice in Little Rock after his term as governor, and published several articles in national periodicals, including Scribner's.[3]
Death
editHays died in Little Rock, Arkansas of influenza and pneumonia and is buried in Camden, Arkansas in Greenwood Cemetery.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "George Washington Hays (1863–1927)". The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
- ^ "Arkansas Governor George Washington Hays". National Governors Association. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
- ^ "George Washington Hays (1913-1917)". Ohio State House Museum. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2012.