James Harden Hays (September 3, 1800 – March 30, 1876) was a pioneer of bituminous coal mining in Western Pennsylvania.

James H. Hays was born in Mifflin Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on September 3, 1800.

[1] His first mine was opened in 1828, at the mouth of Street's Run, where it empties into the Monongahela River.

[2] He died on March 30, 1876, at his home near Becks Run in Baldwin Township.

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