James Hay

James Hay (January 9, 1856 – June 12, 1931) served in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly, was a United States representative from Virginia and a judge of the Court of Claims.

Education and career

Born on January 9, 1856, in Millwood, Clarke County, Virginia, Hay attended private schools, then the University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Laws in 1877 from the Washington and Lee University School of Law. He was a member of the Senate of Virginia from 1893 to 1897, representing Culpeper County, Rappahannock County, Madison County and Orange County. He was a member of the Democratic State committee in 1888. He was delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1888.

Federal judicial service

Hay was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson on July 15, 1916, to a seat on the Court of Claims (later the United States Court of Claims) vacated by Judge George W. Atkinson. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 17, 1916, and received his commission the same day. He assumed senior status on November 30, 1927. His service terminated on June 12, 1931, due to his death in Madison. He was interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Madison.

Electoral history

1896; Hay was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 55.81% of the vote, defeating Republican Robert J. Walker, NtD (?) J. Samuel Harrisberger, and Independent John F. Forsyth. 1898; Hay was re-elected with 77.05% of the vote, defeating SilD (?) D.C. O'Flaherty. 1900; Hay was re-elected with 63.35% of the vote, defeating Republican C.M. Gibbens. 1902; Hay was re-elected with 64.68% of the vote, defeating Republican Samuel J. Hoffman. 1904; Hay was re-elected with 64.65% of the vote, defeating Republican Charles M. Kelzel. 1906; Hay was re-elected unopposed. 1908; Hay was re-elected with 62.85% of the vote, defeating Republican L. Pritchard. 1910; Hay was re-elected with 57.96% of the vote, defeating Republican John Paul and Independent Hugh S. Lupton. 1912; Hay was re-elected with 71.54% of the vote, defeating Republican George N. Earman and Independent E.C. Garrison. 1914; Hay was re-elected with 86.96% of the vote, defeating Republican E.C. Garrison.