George Washington Hays facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hays
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Dearborn Independent, September 25, 1926
|
|
| 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 (aged 63) Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Washington and Lee University |
George Washington Hays (September 23, 1863 – September 15, 1927) was an important American politician. He served as the 24th Governor of Arkansas. He was governor from 1913 to 1917.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Washington Hays was born in Camden, Arkansas. He went to public schools in Camden. As a young man, he worked as a farmer, a store clerk, and a teacher.
Later, Hays decided to study law. He attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. After finishing his studies, he opened his own law office in Camden. He was married to Ida Virginia Yarborough and they had two children together.
Career as a Judge
Before becoming governor, George Hays worked as a judge. From 1900 to 1905, he was a probate and county judge for Ouachita County, Arkansas. This meant he handled legal cases for the county.
Then, from 1906 to 1913, Hays served as a judge for the Thirteenth Circuit Court. This was a higher court that handled more serious cases.
Governor of Arkansas
In 1913, the current Governor of Arkansas, Joseph Taylor Robinson, resigned. He left his position to serve in the United States Senate. Because of this, a special election was held to choose a new governor. George Hays ran in this election and was chosen by the people to be the next governor.
As governor, Hays focused on several important things for Arkansas:
- Improving Roads: His administration worked to make the roads better across the state. This made travel and trade easier for everyone.
- Prohibition Law: A statewide law was passed during his time that made it illegal to make or sell alcoholic drinks. This was known as a prohibition law.
- Child Labor Law: Governor Hays also helped pass a law to protect children. This law aimed to stop very young children from working in dangerous or unhealthy jobs. It was an important step for child safety.
- State Capitol Building: The construction of the new state capitol building was completed during his term. This building is where the state government works.
Hays was very popular. He won reelection in 1914, serving a second term as governor.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as governor ended in 1917, George Hays returned to his private law practice. He worked as a lawyer in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also wrote several articles for national magazines, including one called Scribner's.
George Hays passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 15, 1927. He died from illnesses like influenza and pneumonia. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas.
See also
