This collection (49 items) contains letters and telegrams that Eugene G. Hay received during his term as United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota (1890-1894). His correspondents discussed Republican Party politics in Indiana, local and national elections, government appointments, and issues related to Hay's position.
Many of Hay's correspondents were personal friends who offered congratulations and comments about Hay's appointment to the district court and requested his assistance in securing political appointments. Some correspondents, such as James Stewart of the Jefferson County Republican Central Committee, wrote about local and national political issues, especially regarding the Republican Party and President Benjamin Harrison. Most letters from 1892 pertain to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and to Benjamin Harrison's chances of reelection. One correspondent enclosed a newspaper clipping about the convention (February 17, 1892), and others inquired about lodgings in the Minneapolis area. On September 19, 1892, Hay received instructions for upcoming speaking engagements. Hay also received a letter from L. T. Michener, a lawyer from Washington, D.C., who discussed a delegation of Chippewa Indians on their way to Washington (February 15, 1892), and a telegram from a criminal suspect about his case (July 17, 1890). Later letters concern other political topics, such as "free silver" and the 1896 election (August 31, 1896).
Eugene Gano Hay was born in Charlestown, Indiana, on March 26, 1853, the son of Andrew Jennings Hay and Rebecca Garrett. He was admitted to the bar in 1877 and practiced law in Madison, Indiana, from 1877-1880. From 1880-1884, Hay worked as a prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County and Switzerland County, Indiana, and in 1885 he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota from 1890-1894. In 1903, he was appointed to the Board of General Appraisers for New York City, a position he held until his retirement in 1923. Hay was active in the Republican Party, and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1884 and as a member of the Minnesota legislature in 1889. On November 4, 1891, he married Eleanora Mary Farquhar of Indianapolis, Indiana. Eugene Gano Hay died on February 21, 1933.