John Coffee Hays facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Coffee Hays
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John Coffee Hays, circa 1857
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| Born | January 28, 1817 Wilson County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | April 21, 1883 (aged 66) Piedmont, California, U.S. |
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Texas Ranger Division |
| Years of service | joined Rangers in 1836 |
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| Commands held | 1st Mounted Texas Rifles Washoe Regiment |
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| Other work | Sheriff, politician |
John Coffee "Jack" Hays (born January 28, 1817 – died April 21, 1883) was a brave American military leader. He was a captain in the famous Texas Rangers. Jack Hays also served as a military officer for the Republic of Texas. He fought in many battles between 1836 and 1848. These included fights against the Comanche people in Texas. He also played a big part in the Mexican–American War.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Rangers
Jack Hays was born in Wilson County, Tennessee. His father, Harmon A. Hays, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Jack was named after a family relative, Colonel John Coffee.
In 1836, when he was 19, Jack Hays moved to the Republic of Texas. This was a new country at the time. Sam Houston, a famous Texan leader, made him a Texas Ranger. Houston knew the Hays family from his time in Tennessee. Jack also brought a letter of recommendation from then-President Andrew Jackson. President Jackson was his great-uncle.
Leading the Texas Rangers
In the years that followed, Jack Hays became a very important leader. He led the Texas Rangers in many fights against the Comanche people in Texas. His leadership helped to make the Comanche less powerful.
He often rode with a Lipan Apache Chief named Flacco. Flacco was a brave warrior who led charges into battles with Hays. Together, they inspired the Rangers. In 1840, a Tonkawa Chief named Placido and 13 scouts joined the Rangers. They helped track a large Comanche war party. This led to the important Battle of Plum Creek.
Defending Texas and the Mexican-American War
Later, Hays led his forces against an invasion from Mexico in 1842. During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Hays was a key commander. He led the First Regiment of Texas Rangers at the Battle of Monterrey. He also set up six Ranger companies to protect the Texas frontier.
Later, he commanded the Second Regiment of Texas Rangers. They fought in General Winfield Scott's campaign to capture Mexico City. Hays' Rangers were very skilled and became famous across the country. Jack Hays was also the first to use the Navy Colt Paterson five-shot revolver. He helped Samuel Walker meet with Samuel Colt. This meeting led to the design of the legendary Colt Walker six-shot revolver. This gun became very popular in the Old West.
Family Life
On April 29, 1847, Jack Hays married Susan Calvert in Seguin, Texas. She was a descendant of George Calvert, who was the First Baron Baltimore.
The Comanche people respected Hays greatly. When Hays' first son was born in California, Chief Buffalo Hump sent a special gift. It was a golden spoon engraved with "Buffalo Hump Jr."
Jack Hays' brother was Confederate Brigadier General Harry T. Hays from New Orleans. His sister, Sarah "Sallie" Hays Hammond, was the mother of John Hays Hammond. John Hays Hammond, Jr. was an apprentice to Thomas Edison. He also worked with Nikola Tesla and was on the board of directors for RCA.
Life After the Mexican War
In 1849, the United States government gave Hays a new job. He became the US Indian agent for the Gila River area in New Mexico and Arizona.
That same year, Hays moved to California. He led a group of Forty-Niners from New York. These were people traveling by wagons to California during the Gold Rush. His group found a shortcut on Cooke's Wagon Road. This new route, called the Tucson Cutoff, saved a lot of travel time.
In 1850, Hays was elected sheriff of San Francisco County. He later became active in politics. In 1853, he was appointed as the US surveyor-general for California. This meant he was in charge of surveying land.
Jack Hays was one of the first people to live in the city of Oakland. Over the years, he earned a lot of money from buying and selling land and from ranching. In 1860, he was in Virginia City, Nevada, for business. He heard about the First Battle of Pyramid Lake. He then led a group of volunteer soldiers in the Second Battle of Pyramid Lake.
Later Years and Legacy
During the American Civil War, Hays did not take part in military actions.
In 1876, Hays was chosen as a delegate for the Democratic Party national meeting. This meeting chose Samuel J. Tilden to run for president.
Jack Hays passed away in California on April 21, 1883. He was buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.
Hays County, Texas is named after John C. Hays. His name is also carved into the side of the Hall of State in Dallas, Texas, to honor him.
See also
In Spanish: John Coffee Hays para niños
