Hays, John W. (John Willis), 1908-

Hays was born in Rusk County, Texas. He grew up in Dallas where he worked as a newsboy, circulation salesman, pressman, and press operator for the four Dallas newspapers with most of his career being with the Dallas Times-Herald. He joined the Dallas Newspaper Printing Pressmen's Union Local No. 21 in 1928 and served as secretary, vice-president, and president. He was active in Dallas and Texas politics and the labor movement on the local, state, and national levels. He ran unsuccessfully for president of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union of North America. He often used the nickname Preacher.

From the description of Papers, 1928-1975, bulk 1936-1968. (University of Texas at Arlington). WorldCat record id: 20975820

John W. Hays was born in Rusk County, Texas, in 1908. He grew up in Dallas where he worked as a newsboy, circulation salesman, pressman, and press operator for the four Dallas newspapers with most of his career being with the Dallas Times-Herald . He joined the Dallas Newspaper Printing Pressmen’s Union Local No. 21 in 1928 and served as secretary, vice-president, and president. He was active in Dallas and Texas politics and the labor movement on the local, state, and national levels. He ran unsuccessfully for president of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants’ Union of North America. He often used the nickname Preacher.

From the guide to the Preacher Hays Papers AR9., 1928-1975, 1936-1968, (Special Collections, The University of Texas at Arlington Library)