Barton S. Hays  (1826-1914)

Barton S. Hays, who was known for his portraits, landscapes and still lifes, was born in Greenville, Ohio in 1826.  Hays moved to Northern Indiana in the early 1850's where he painted portraits of the early citizens of Wingate, Covington, and Attica, Ohio.  An abolitionist, Barton S. Hays painted two panoramas of Uncle Tom's Cabin shortly after the book's publication.

After moving to Indianapolis, Hays went into a partnership with a photographer, however he continued to paint portraits and teach painting.  Hays encouraged one of his students to further his studies in New York.. This student eventually became one of America's Finest Impressionists-William Merrit Chase.

Barton Hays moved to Cincinnati in 1870 and in 1882, he move to Minneapolis, Minnesota and concentrated his efforts on still life paintings.