Stokely D. Hays, attorney at law, is the son of Richard J. and Sarah A. (Ballou) Hays, and was born in this county April 4, 1852. His father, who is an eminent lawyer of this city, came to this county from Davidson County at an early day. Stokely D. was educated in this county, and early in life began the study of law. He was for a few years deputy clerk of the supreme court, and was for a short time clerk of the supreme court of Tennessee at Jackson. After the expiration of his early official positions he began the practice of law here, and has since been thus engaged, having met with merited success. In June, 1884, he formed a partnership with John A. Pitts, and in June, 1886, Gen. Meeks became a partner of the firm. May 18, 1876, Mr. Hays was united in marriage with Gertrude Stovall, of Fulton County, Ky., and to this union there are two living children: Katie S. and Sarah B. Mr. Hays is a Democrat, a member of the K. of H., and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and for many years he was superintendent of the first Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school at Jackson. He was the chairman of the building committee, which erected the present beautiful church at Jackson, said to be the most artistic in the South.

Goodspeed Biographies