HAYS, James - Putnam

Perhaps there is no one man in Putnam County who enjoys a wider acquaintance nor one who has more friends than the republican candidate for auditor of Putnam, Mr. Hays was born in Montgomery County KY April 23, 1839 and came with his parents to Putnam County in Sept 1850 settling on what is now the George W. Priest farm between this city and Bainbridge where he remained until 1853 when his parents moved to Greencastle. He attended the public school all of his teacher being now dead with the exception of Mr. John Gilmore and probably, one other. In July 1860 he married Miss Ella, daughter of Mrs. SP James of Fillmore. He has been a resident of Greencastle ever since, except for a short time in the army and at Indianapolis.  He was elected to a seat in the common council from the first ward,  Greencastle in 1874, 76, 82., 87 and 1889; was elected chief of the fire dept and served two years. During his long term in city office he held the chairmanship of many of the most important committee and conducted those responsible duties with great credit to himself, his party and the city. He resigned from the council in June 1889 to take the position of postmaster of Greencastle to which place he was appointed by Pres. Harrison. From that time until March 12 1894 he gave the office his personal attention and his administration in the model one in the history of the city.  Under his management the office greatly increased in business, reaching last June, the end of the fiscal year, its highest water mark of business.  Mr. Hays was the junior member of the firm of BF Hays & Co from Nov 1866 until Aug 1891.  He  is a member of Temple Lodge No 47, No F&AM, Greencastle Chapter No 22, RAM; Greencastle commandery NO. 11, KT and Greencastle lodge, No 348, IOOF and Greencastle post No 11, GAR.  In religion she is a member of the Christian Church.  Mr. Hays will get out and when the votes are counted out next fall.  He is no newcome to Putnam Co and would make a model auditor. – kbz