HAYS, James McDonnald - Putnam

The death of James McDonnald Hays, age 80 years, Greencastle’s Grand Old Man and one of the most prominent and beloved residents of this community, occurred at near midnight Thursday night at his home on West Liberty Street after a short illness of brights disease.  Mr. Hays was taken ill last Sunday but was able to be down town for a short time on Monday.  For the past several months he had been in ill health – since Monday he had been confined to his bed. At the time of his death Mrs. Tunnie H. Buskirk of Indianapolis and Mrs. BF Hays of Worthington, his two daughters were with him.  One son, Frank Hays of Milwaukee, arrive early Friday morning and Harry Hays, the other son, arrived here this afternoon.  Since the death of his wife several months ago, Mr. Hays had lived alone in his home. Hale, hearty and a man of wonderful vitality, he would not give up his home because of his advanced age, but remained in the house in which he had spent the greater part of his entire life.  Mr. Hays spent the greater part of his life in Greencastle. Coming here with his parents, B.F. Hays and Mary Hanly Hays, from his birth place in Mt. Sterling, Ky at the age of 10 years.  Mr. Hays had continuously been active in the business, political and social affairs of the community. His first business was with his father in the merchant tailoring business.  He afterwards conducted a tailoring business of his own and later entered the show business. Since giving up his shoe business Mr. Hays had devoted his time to real estate and insurance transactions. During his business career he also was prominent in politics. A staunch republican he served as mayor of Greencastle for two terms.  He also served for many years as councilman for the First ward and during the administration of President Harrison he was appointed postmaster of Greencastle.  In the councils of the Republican party Mr. Hays was a leader and was always in the Republican activities of Greencastle and Putnam County.  His acquaintance in Putnam County was great.  Having a wonderful memory he was a walking encyclopedia of information regarding Putnam county people and events.  As a Mason, Mr. Hays was most prominent, being greatly interested in the activities of the order.  He was a Past Commander of the Masonic Lodge and for many years had served as recorder for the organization.  In all Putnam County there are few men who had the wonderful characteristics of Mr. Hays.  Kind gentle, accommodating and pleasant, he always was anxious and willing to assist anyone whom he might aid.  Besides the four children, he leaves three grandchildren, Hays Buskirk of Indianapolis, Harry Hays of Los Angeles and June Hays of Newark, Ohio.  The funeral services will be on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Christian Church in charge of the Rev. Levi Marshall and the Knights Templars. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery.  Pall bearers will be chosen by the Commandery.  Honorary pall bearers will be James T. Denny, John T. Dunbar, Ed McG. Walls, SC Lockeridge, RW Saafer and Jesse Weik.  A historic sketch of the life of Mr. Hays, as written by his grandson, Hays Buskirk, March 27, 1917 is as follows: “James McDonnald Hays was born at Mt. Sterling, Ky on April 29, 1839.  Moved with parents to Indiana in September, 1850. Live for three years in Monroe Township, Putnam County and moved to the county seat in Feb 1853 where he has resided ever since – with the exception of three years when he was in Indianapolis.  He was married Jan 10, 1860 to Miss Ella James of Putnam County. To this union four children were born, Josephine, now Mrs. BF Hays of Worthington; Tunie, now Mrs. PK Buskirk of Bloomington; Harry Hays, now of Newark, Ohio and Frank J. Hays, now of Milwaukee, Ws. J. McD. Hays was made a Mason in Center Lodge No 23 F&AM in Indianapolis March 28, 1865. Chapter degrees in Indianapolis Chapter No 5 in the same year.  He demitted from both and since 1867 has been a member of Temple Lodge No 47 and Greencastle Chapter No. 22.  He was also a member of Greencastle Council R&SM.  He took the commandry degrees in 1867.  While  under dispensation and has served as recorder for many years and also an Eminent Commander.  He belonged to the City Council of Greencastle for nine years. He was postmaster from January 1889 to March 1904.  He was also mayor from Sept 1904 to June 1910, serving two terms. He was in business with his father for many years in the firm of BJ Hays & Co. Later he engaged in the retail shoe business in the firms of Lou’s & Hays and Hays & Hirt. His wife died on Sept 19, 196.  He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1858.  He is an elder in that church and is now clerk of the Official Board.  He was also a member of the Court House construction board which built Putnam County’s present Court House.  Since 1860 he has been a Republican and has been very active in politics. - kbz

Source: Greencastle Herald, 20 Dec 1919 p 4