Background
Day, Oscar Fayette Gaines was born on October 7, 1860 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of DeWitt Clinton Day.
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Oscar Fayette Gaines Day
Edit ProfileEducation
Educated Chicago common schools.
Career
Studied for operatic career, which was stopped by loss of voice from sickness. Began newspaper work, 1879. Adopted stage as profession, 1880, but abandoned it after 19 months and resumed newspaper work.
Originated the direct concurrent primary election law, 1892.
Drew up 1st law of the kind and aided in its passage in Minnesota legislature, 1899, known as Minnesota primary election law, now being adopted in other states. In 1905, attack on grand jury system resulted in changing Minnesota State constitution, abolishing grand jury.
Began writing music and lyrics, 1895. Author: A Mistaken Identity, 1891.
The Devil’s Gold, 1892.
A Crown of Shame (grand jury novel), 1893. The Ging Murder and Hayward Trial, 1894. Librettos: Niorada (Claude Madden, composer), 1901.
The Corsairs, 1903.
A Coral Isle, 1905. Also The Newest Woman (comedy), 1902. Anthracite (melodrama), 1903.
The Foundling (melodrama), 1904. Secretary and treasurer Creative Commons Pillsbury Company, music publishers.
Residence: 2319 Lyndale Avenue, North. Office: The Tribune, Minneapolis.
Achievements
Connections
Married Minneapolis, Minnesota, December 20, 1893, Ellen Rebecca Mahla.
