John Coffee “Jack” Hays, a name synonymous with courage and leadership in the American West, was born on January 28, 1817, in Cedar Lick, Wilson County, Tennessee. His journey from a young surveyor to a celebrated Texas Ranger captain and a prominent figure in California’s development is a testament to his remarkable life and enduring legacy. By fifteen, Hays had moved to Mississippi, immersing himself in the skills of surveying, a profession that would later prove invaluable in his Texan adventures.
In 1836, driven by the spirit of opportunity and adventure, John Coffee Hays arrived in Texas. He quickly joined a Ranger company under the legendary Erastus “Deaf” Smith, marking the beginning of his illustrious career as a Texas Ranger. His early engagements included skirmishes with Mexican Cavalry and participation in the capture of Juan Sánchez, demonstrating his bravery and tactical acumen from the outset. Hays’ skills were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as deputy surveyor of the Bexar District. He expertly blended his surveying knowledge with Ranger techniques, particularly in the realm of Indian warfare, setting the stage for his future leadership.
By 1840, John Coffee Hays had risen to the rank of Captain of the Rangers, a clear indication of his proven abilities and the respect he commanded. Leading diverse Ranger companies composed of Anglos, Hispanics, and Indians, Hays engaged in numerous battles and skirmishes throughout the early 1840s. His leadership was crucial in conflicts against Comanche and other Indian tribes, as well as confrontations with Mexican troops. Key engagements for Hays and his Rangers included pivotal actions at Plum Creek, Cañon de Ugalde, Bandera Pass, Painted Rock, Salado, and Walker’s Creek. The Battle of Walker’s Creek is particularly significant, marking a turning point in warfare with the Comanche through the effective introduction of repeating firearms in close combat, a tactic spearheaded by Hays.
John Coffee Hays’ reputation as a formidable fighter and leader further solidified during the Mexican War. He commanded the First Regiment, Texas Mounted Riflemen, under Colonel Jack Hays, serving under Zachary Taylor’s army. Hays’ regiment played a vital role in scouting operations and actively participated in the Battle of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 1846. The following year, under Hays’ continued leadership, another regiment ensured the security of communication and supply lines between Veracruz and Mexico City for Winfield Scott’s troops, highlighting his strategic importance to the American forces.
Post-Mexican War, the California Gold Rush beckoned John Coffee Hays westward in 1849. He left Texas and embraced new opportunities in the burgeoning West. His leadership skills translated seamlessly into civilian life; in 1850, he was elected Sheriff of San Francisco, maintaining law and order in a rapidly growing city. Further demonstrating his versatility and vision, Hays was appointed U.S. Surveyor General for California in 1853. He became a key developer of Oakland, and diversified his interests into land, banking, and utilities, becoming a successful entrepreneur. Even in his later years, John Coffee Hays remained active in public life, serving as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1876.
John Coffee Hays passed away on April 21, 1883, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California. His life story is a compelling chapter in the history of the American West, remembered for his bravery, leadership as a Texas Ranger, and his contributions to the development of both Texas and California.
Suggestions for further reading:
- James K. Greer, Colonel Jack Hays, New York: Dutton, 1952
- Frederick Wilkins, The legend begins, Austin: State House Press, 1996
- Walter Prescott Webb, The Texas Rangers, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1935
- Frederick Wilkins, The Highly Irregular Irregulars, Austin: Eakin Press, 1990
- Darren L. Ivey, The Ranger Ideal Volume 1: Texas Rangers in the Hall of Fame, 1823 – 1861, UNT, 2017
- Vertical files, Texas Ranger Research Center, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Waco, Texas
