As a child, his parents moved their family to Salyersville, Kentucky, where his father found work in the lumber business.

[5][6][7] Both Hager and Willson believed in the enactment of a county level regional choice law on temperance.

[7] The major campaign issue was the ongoing Black Patch Tobacco Wars in western Kentucky.

[8] Willson then counterattacked, claiming that the tobacco company had contributed US$15,000 towards Hagers 1903 state auditor campaign.

Hager carried the stigma of being the hand-picked candidate of Governor Beckham, whose tenure had resulted in unpopularity due to inaction in the face of the violence during his administration.

[2] Stanley won the election by 471 votes, and shortly after being inaugurated appointed Hager to the Kentucky Workmen's Compensation Board.

[2] While in Frankfort, Hager suddenly became ill, and after a short break, he returned to his role on the Kentucky Workmen's Compensation Board.

His physician advised him that it would be best for his health if he traveled to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he stayed for a short period.