Hays, John Coffee, 1817-1883

Texas Ranger and surveyor, John Coffee Hays (1817-1883), came to Texas in 1836, in time to participate in the Texas Revolution. At Sam Houston’s suggestion, Hays joined the Texas Rangers under Erastus “Deaf” Smith. He served in the rangers until 1846, reaching the rank of colonel, and participated in many skirmishes and engagements with Mexican and Indian forces, including the battles of Plum Creek, Salado Creek, Walker’s Creek, and Monterrey. Hays formed the 1st Texas Mounted Volunteers Regiment at the start the Mexican War. His exploits during the Republic period in Texas and the Mexican War helped earn the Texas Rangers their legendary reputation as soldiers.

Following the conclusion of the war, Hays moved to California and became surveyor general for California, an Indian agent, and sheriff of San Francisco County. In addition, he helped found the city of Oakland, established a successful real estate business, and attended the 1876 Democratic National Convention. Hays died in 1883 in California. Hays County, Texas, was named after him.

Source: Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. “Hays, John Coffee,” http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/HH/fhabq.html (accessed July 16, 2010).

From the guide to the Hays John Coffee Collection 1932; 1933; 70-107; 73-054., 1817-1916, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)