George Washington Hays
George Washington Hays (September 23, 1863 – September 15, 1927) was the 24th Governor of the U.S. state of Arkansas.
Biography
Hays 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]
Career
Hays 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
Hays died in Little Rock, Arkansas of influenza and pneumonia and is buried in Camden, Arkansas in Greenwood Cemetery.[4]
See also
References
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| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by
Junius Marion Futrell
Acting Governor |
Governor of Arkansas 1913–1917 |
Succeeded by Charles Hillman Brough |
| Territorial (1819–1836) |
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| State (from 1836) |
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