IDA VIRGINIA YARBOROUGH HAYS
Wife of George Washington Hays, 24th Governor (1913-1917)

Born: August 24, 1873
Died: May 20, 1959
Children: two
Original Home: Buena Vista, Arkansas

Ida Virginia Yarborough grew up and graduated from school in Buena Vista. She often worked in her father's mercantile business and assisted him in the post office. She put aside her plans to attend college to marry George Washington Hays and move to Camden, Arkansas. Their family grew to include two sons and they lived in Camden until George Hays became Governor of Arkansas.

In addition to her home and family, Ida Hays spent time improving the social welfare of the community. One of her particular areas of interest were the inmates in the state prison system. She endeared herself to many inmates by visiting them and working to improve their conditions. When World War I broke out she became active with war aid activities.