Hayes, Nathan J., 1887-1966

Nathan J. Hayes was born August 13, 1887 in Viroqua, Wisconsin. In 1909, he moved to Montana. Hayes began work as a chopping foreman south of Anaconda on the first timber sale made by the U.S. Forest Service. Hayes married Mary C. Rasmussen of Missoula on March 13, 1916; they had one son. Hayes served as a corporal in the U.S. Forestry Division of the army during World War I.

In 1926, Hayes became an employee of the U.S. Forest Service. He eventually assumed the position of Greenough district state forester in Montana. Hayes worked in the Blackfoot Valley through his career, headquartered near Sperry Grade. He worked under three state foresters during his 32 years of service. Hayes retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 1957, at the age of 70. Hayes died March 12, 1966.