Biography of James M Hays

James Muckle Hays was born in Milwaukee on October 15,1872, the son of Robert and Jane (Coulter) Hays. His father was a civil war veteran and one of only three letter carriers in Milwaukee at that time.

James M. Hays was educated in the public schools in Milwaukee. He was first employed by the old Wisconsin National Bank as a messenger, in time advancing to the position of cashier.

Upon the consolidation or merger of the old Wisconsin National and the First Wisconsin National Bank Group, he was made a vice president of the new organization.

Hays petitioned Lafayette Lodge No. 265 F. & A. M. for the degrees in Masonry on September 2,1901, received the Entered Apprentice degree on October 24, 1901, passed to the degree of Felloweraft on November 18, 1901 and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on December 30, 1901. He was elected to serve as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1909.

Appendant Bodies

• Hays was a member of appendant bodies in both the York Rite (Chapter and Commandery) as well as the Scottish Rite.
• Chapter: James M Hays was a Companion of Calumet Chapter R.A.M. in Milwaukee in 1903 and served as High Priest in 1911.
• Commandery: In 1904 Hays became a Knight Templar in Ivanhoe Commandery and in 1916 served as Eminent Commander.
• Scottish Rite: In 1905 Hays joined the Valley of Milwaukee where he received the 32nd degree.  He served the Chapter of Rose Croix in the Scottish Rite as Most Wise Master in 1920.

Legacy

Hays served his Masonic fraternity faithfully, and it has often been said of “Jim” that he never was too busy to give consideration to his brethren and associates of his every day walk of life.

Hobbies

As a lover of the great outdoors, Hays made frequent trips to Wisconsin’s north woods for hunting and fishing.

Brother Hays passed away on June 30, 1922.