Early Life and Career
Harry Thompson Hays was born in Wilson County, Tennessee. His family lived in a home known as "The Hermitage," which was given to President Andrew Jackson by the Hays. Following the deaths of his parents, he was reared by an uncle in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. He attended St. Mary’s College in Baltimore, Maryland, and studied law. Hays soon established a prominent law practice in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Hays saw his first military service during the Mexican-American War, serving in the 5th Louisiana Cavalry. Returning to Louisiana, Hays became active in politics as a Whig and served as a Presidential Elector supporting Winfield Scott in 1852. His brother was the famous Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays. Author Shelby Foote described him as a "Tennessee born, Mississippi raised, lawyer from New Orleans."
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