Hayes, Max S., 1866-1945

Maximilian Sebastian-Hayes (May 25, 1866 -October 11, 1945) was born in a cabin at Havana, Huron County, Ohio. Hayes obtained his limited formal education in the rural schools of Huron County (1871-1881).

While still in his teens, Hayes moved to Cleveland. There he worked on the Cleveland Press (1881-1890). At this time the young Hayes also obtained an apprenticeship with Typographical Union 53. He took an active part in the union and at one time or other held most of the offices both in the local union and in the Central Labor Union. Hayes also served as a delegate from Cleveland to AFL conventions. In 1903 the AFL elected Hayes as a delegate to the British Trade Union Congress in London, England, where his speech gained international attention. Eight years later (1911) Hayes ran for president of the AFL against Samuel Gompers. Although Gompers won, Hayes received one third of the votes.

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