JOHN R. HAYS

Inscription

JOHN R. HAYS
LT., 124TH REG. NY, CIVIL WAR.
RAILROAD STATION AGENT,
FIRE CHIEF, POSTMASTER AND
CLOTHING STORE OWNER.
LIVED HERE CA. 1874-1912.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2022

During the Civil War, John R. Hays served as Second Lieutenant in Company H of the 124^th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry (the “Orange Blossoms”). He enlisted in 1862 and served for three years before being discharged due to an injury. Upon his return to Walden, NY, John became an active community member in his capacity as a business owner and appointed official.

In 1871, John opened J.R. Hays’ Clothing Emporium, selling men’s clothing, hats, valises, trunks, and other “gentlemen’s furnishing goods.” The business was previously owned and operated by A.W. Cook in 1852 and Moses Schoonmaker in 1870. An 1898 advertisement for his store listed the original business address as 123 Main Street in Walden. Concurrently, John also worked as a station agent for the Wallkill Valley Railroad from 1872-1875. He later served as the Chief of the Walden Fire Department from 1881-1887. Finally, John was appointed Postmaster for Walden in 1891.

On April 1, 1874, John R. Hays purchased land on Maple Street from John V. Tears for $550. On October 1, 1874, John also purchased an adjoining property from James Millspaugh for $1,000, which became his primary residence. John R. Hays lived here until his death on November 1, 1912 and left the property to his wife, Sarah. He is buried in the Wallkill Valley Cemetery in Walden, NY.

As of 2022, the marker commemorating John R. Hays stood outside his home at 45 Maple Street, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and remained a private residence.