1847

James Thornwell Hay was born on 23 Apr 1847 in Columbia, Richland, South Carolina, USA a child of Samuel Hutson Hay Sr and Mary Susan Peck Hay.

1850

Thornwell Hay was counted in the census on 18 Jul 1850 in Barnwell, Barnwell, South Carolina, USA, as a 2-year-old, male, white. Also in the home were; Susan Hay, Sam Hay, Mary Hay, Fred Hay, Frances Hay.

1876

When he was 28, he married Louise Josephine Oakman about 1876 in South Carolina, USA.

1900

Thornvielle J Hay was counted in the census on 13 Jun 1900 in De Kalb, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA, as a 53-year-old, male, white, married, head of household. Also in the home were; his wife, Josephine O Hay; and their children; Oakman W Hay Sr., Thornwell J Hay, Josephine O Hay, and Adeline O Hay.

1907

He died on 16 Jan 1907 in Camden, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA. He was buried in Camden, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA at Quaker Cemetery.

SENATOR J. T. HAY DIES SUDDENLY

Attacked With Heart Trouble at His Office.

UNCONSCIOUS WHEN FOUND

Was Chairman of the Dispensary Investigating Committee – Sketch of His Career.

By Long Distance ‘Phone.

Camden, Jan. 16.-Senator James T. Hay died here tonight at 10:45 o’clock, after a very brief illness. He had been suffering for the past few months with heart trouble, and was found this afternoon in his office at 4 o’clock in an unconscious condition and was immediately carried to his home, where he received the attention that medical aid could render him. He was “in harness” at the time of his death, being found in his office, where he had gone immediately after dinner to work. His death came as a great surprise to many people and is a decided shock to Camden. He was one of the most prominent citizens of Kershaw, and has served her in many capacities, both as a legislator and as a citizen.

The funeral will probably take place tomorrow afternoon.

The death of Senator Hay will doubtless prove a great shock to many people in this State. It will be remembered that he was chairman of the dispensary Investigating committee.

Sketch of Senator Hay’s Life.

James Thornwell Hay was born in Columbia, S. C., April 28, 1847, a son of Samuel H. and Mary S. Hay. His father was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Camden from 1851 to 1879. His education was acquired at home, and in the public school at Camden. In 1864 he joined the Confederate service, volunteering In the Fifth battalion, South Carolina reserves, and served until the close of the war. In 1866 he began the study of law in the office of Gen. Jno. B. Kershaw, afterwards judge, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1868. From 1873 to 1878 he was associated with W. D. Trantham as editor and proprietor of the Camden Journal. In that paper and on the stump he advocated what was known as the straight-out movement of 1876. From 1880 to 1882 he served in the house from Kershaw county, and in 1895 he was elected as a representative in the constitutional convention. He was elected a member of the State senate, 1896, and served on the most Important committees of that body, among which was the judiciary. He was chairman of the committee on penitentiary and was named on the committee which investigated the affairs of the State penitentiary upon the retirement of W. A. Neal as superintendent. He was chairman of the committee which investigated the State dispensary which recently brought to light some of the exposures so well known, and in that capacity proved his worth at times when good judgment was needed. He was possibly the oldest member of the State senate, and his opinion and his judgment was at all times respected and asked for. He was put down as a conservative dispensary advocate, being in favor of the State dispensary system, but willing to prosecute and investigate any and all apparent wrongs.

He was at all times a Christian gentleman, and was at the time of his death an elder of the Presbyterian church. Born of godly parents, he was a godly man, and his walk in life was that of a man who has been reared to the teachings of the Almighty, who knows and obeys the rules of right and righteousness, who has lived a life of piety and religion, together with one of devotion to State and citizenship. A thoroughly conscientious man, a God-fearing man, a patriotic man-one worthy to be called a son of South Carolina.

He was married to Miss Josephine Oakland of Augusta, Ga., and is survived by her with four children, two sons and two daughters.

1927

1942

1943