Charles Melville Hays

Who was Charles Melville Hays?

Charles Melville Hays was a prominent American-Canadian businessman and railway executive who played a pivotal role in the development of Canada’s railway system in the early 20th century. He was the president of the Grand Trunk Railway and a visionary leader who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, at the age of 55 (fifty-five).

Early Life and Career

Born on May 16, 1856, in Rock Island, Illinois, Charles Melville Hays demonstrated an early aptitude for the railway industry. His career trajectory was nothing short of remarkable:

• At 17 (seventeen), he began working for the Atlantic and Pacific Railway
• By 22 (twenty-two), he was appointed secretary to the Manager of the Missouri Pacific Railway
• In 1889, at the age of 33 (thirty-three), he became the general manager of the entire Wabash Railway network

This rapid ascent through the ranks showcased Hays’ exceptional talent and dedication to the railway industry.

The Grand Trunk Railway Era

Vision for Canadian Railways

In 1896, Hays’ career took a significant turn when he moved to Montreal to become the general manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. His ambitious vision for Canadian railways included:

• Convincing Canadian Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier of the need for a second transcontinental railroad
• Securing a $30-million government subsidy for the Grand Trunk
• Initiating construction of the railroad in November 1902

Hays’ plans were grandiose and forward-thinking, aiming to transform Canada’s transportation infrastructure and boost its economic development.

Challenges and Bold Strategies

Despite his visionary approach, Hays faced significant challenges:

• By the end of 1911, the railroad was $100-million in debt
• The company’s board in England prioritized dividends over expansion

Undeterred, Hays proposed a bold strategy to revitalize the company:

1. Upgrade rolling stock
2. Double track existing lines
3. Build a chain of luxury hotels across Canada

This plan included the construction of the flagship Château Laurier Hotel in Ottawa and plans for six others, including the Fort Garry in Winnipeg and the Macdonald Hotel in Edmonton.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Hays on the Titanic?

Charles Melville Hays boarded the Titanic for several reasons:

1. He had attended a directors’ meeting in England to discuss his expansion plans
2. He received news that his daughter Louise was having a difficult pregnancy
3. The imminent opening of the Château Laurier Hotel on April 26, 1912, required his presence

Moreover, Hays had been in discussions with the White Star Line about a potential partnership to speed travelers from Europe to the Orient using their ships and his transcontinental railroad.

Titanic Experience

Hays’ Titanic journey was marked by several notable details:

• Ticket number: 12749
• Cabin: B-69 (shared with his wife)
• Fare: £93 10s
• Traveling companions: His wife Clara, daughter Orian and son-in-law Thornton Davidson, their maid Miss Perreault, and his secretary Vivian Payne

In a twist of tragic irony, just an hour before the disaster, Hays expressed concern about the trend of building increasingly large ships, stating that it “will end in tragedy.”

Legacy and Remembrance

Charles Melville Hays’ untimely death left a profound impact on both the railway industry and Canadian society:

• His body was recovered by the Minia on April 26, 1912
• Simultaneous funerals were held in Montreal and London on May 8, 1912
• The Grand Trunk Railway system observed five minutes of silence across its entire network
• Hays is buried in the Pine Hill Section (Lot 246) of Montreal’s Mount Royal Cemetery

His legacy lives on through various commemorations:

• The towns of Melville in Saskatchewan and Hays in Alberta are named after him
• A statue in his memory stands in Prince Rupert, B.C., which would have been the Pacific terminus of his planned transcontinental railroad
• His private railway car, Canada, is preserved and on display at the Canadian Railway Museum near Delson, Quebec

Charles Melville Hays’ life and career exemplify the spirit of ambition and progress that characterized the early 20th century. His vision for Canada’s railways, though cut short, laid the groundwork for the country’s modern transportation infrastructure. The inscription on his memorial captures his lasting impact: “We are a different people, we are a better people, because this man worked and loved and died.