William Hercules Hays facts for kids

William Hercules Hays (born August 26, 1820 – died March 7, 1880) was an important judge in the United States. He served as a District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Kentucky.

William Hays: Early Life and Career

William Hercules Hays was born in Washington County, Kentucky. Instead of going to law school, he learned law by studying with an experienced lawyer. This was called "reading law." He finished his studies in 1845.

After learning law, Hays started his own law practice in Springfield, Kentucky. He worked as a lawyer from 1845 to 1851. Later, he became a county judge in Washington County, serving from 1851 to 1859. He then returned to his private law practice.

Public Service and Military Role

In 1861, William Hays became a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. This meant he helped make laws for the state of Kentucky.

Soon after, he joined the United States Army and served as a colonel from 1861 to 1866. He became the leader of the 10th Kentucky Infantry. During the Battle of Chickamauga, a major battle in the American Civil War, Hays took command of a larger group of soldiers. He eventually became a general officer, which is a very high rank in the military.

After the Civil War ended, he continued to serve Kentucky. From 1865 to 1866, he was the State Inspector General. This role involved checking how well state government departments were working. He also worked as an oil and gas businessman for a short time before returning to his law practice until 1879.

Becoming a Federal Judge

In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes chose William Hays to be a federal judge. This happened through a "recess appointment." This means the President appointed him while Congress was not meeting. He filled a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Kentucky.

Later that year, President Hayes officially nominated him for the position. The United States Senate then approved his appointment. William Hays officially became a judge on December 10, 1879. Sadly, his time as a judge was short. He passed away on March 7, 1880, in Louisville, Kentucky.