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Charles Hays
CharlesHays.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 4th district
In office
March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1877
Preceded by Charles W. Pierce
Succeeded by Charles M. Shelley
Member of the Alabama Senate
from the 24th district
In office
1868
Personal details
Born
Charles Hays

(1834-02-02)February 2, 1834
Greene County, Alabama
Died June 24, 1879(1879-06-24) (aged 45)
Greene County, Alabama
Political party Republican

Charles Hays (born February 2, 1834 – died June 24, 1879) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Alabama. This means he was elected to speak for the people of Alabama in the United States government.

Who Was Charles Hays?

Early Life and Education

Charles Hays was born on February 2, 1834. His family lived at a place called "Hays Mount" in Greene County, Alabama. This area was near a town called Boligee. When he was young, Charles Hays studied at home with private teachers. Later, he went to college. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens. He also studied at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Life Before Politics

Before he became a politician, Charles Hays worked in farming. He was a cotton planter, which means he grew cotton on his land. In 1860, he took part in a big political meeting. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore. A delegate is someone chosen to represent a group of people.

Serving During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Charles Hays joined the Confederate States Army. He held the rank of major. After the war ended, he returned to public service.

Starting His Political Career

In 1867, Charles Hays helped write a new constitution for Alabama. A constitution is a set of rules for how a government works. The next year, in 1868, he became a member of the Alabama State Senate. This is part of the state government that makes laws for Alabama.

Serving in Congress

Charles Hays was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served four terms, from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1877. This is where laws are made for the whole country. During his time in Congress, he led an important group. He was the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. This committee focused on issues related to farming and food.

Later Life and Death

Charles Hays passed away on June 24, 1879. He died at his home, "Myrtle Hall," in Greene County, Alabama. He was buried in his family's cemetery at the "Hays Mount" plantation.

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