Hays, William Hercules Born August 26, 1820, in Washington County, KY Died March 7, 1880, in Louisville, KY Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Kentucky Received a recess appointment from Rutherford B. Hayes on September 6, 1879, to a seat vacated by Bland Ballard; nominated to the same position by Rutherford B. Hayes on December 1, 1879. Confirmed by the Senate on December 10, 1879, and received commission on December 10, 1879. Service terminated on March 7, 1880, due to death. Education: Read law, 1845 Professional Career: Private practice, Springfield, Kentucky, 1845-1851, 1859-1860, 1867-1879 Judge, Washington County [Kentucky] Court, 1851-1859 State representative, Kentucky, 1861 U.S. Army colonel, 1861-1866 Inspector general, State of Kentucky, 1865-1866 Oil and gas entrepreneur, Springfield, Kentucky, 1866-1867