Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
In Memory of Col. John Coffee Hays
1-28-1817 • 4-21-1883
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 6, 2023
1. In Memory of Col. John Coffee Hays Marker
Born near Little Cedar Lick, Wilson County, Tennessee. Lived in Mississippi, where he learned surveying. Joined Republic of Texas Army in May, 1836, and served 3 years in ranger/spy companies. Gained fame as an Indian fighter while surveyor for Bexar County, Texas. In 1840, age 23, appointed Captain of Rangers, later a Major. Was in more than 40 Indian/Mexican fights, including Plum Creek, Bandera Pass, Battle of Salado, Enchanted Rock and Painted Rocks.
As Colonel of 1st Regiment, Texas Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War, fought under Taylor and Scott at Monterrey, Veracruz, Puebla, and Mexico City.
Married Susan Calvert (1829-1913, a native of Alabama who is interred here) at Seguin, Texas. Arrived in California, 1849, San Francisco, 1850. Appointed City Marshal and elected first sheriff of the city. Resigned during second term to be U.S. Surveyor General of California. Had land, bank, and utility interests in Bay Area and became developer of Oakland. Died at his ranch near Piedmont.
Captain "Jack" is recognized as the ideal Texas Ranger, a model for all Texas Rangers since 1840. Men who later became governors and generals served under him.
In grateful recognition of his military and law enforcement services to the Republic of Texas, the United States, and particularly the states of Texas and
this page online
The Council on America's Military Past - U.S.A.
The California State Sheriffs' Association
Erected by The Former Texas Rangers Association; The Council on America's Military Past - USA; The California State Sheriffs' Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Mexican-American • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1836.
Location. 37° 49.901′ N, 122° 14.352′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. Marker can be reached from Piedmont Avenue, 0.3 miles east of Pleasant Valley Avenue. The marker is located within Mountain View Cemetery. Upon entrance to the cemetery, drive past the main office and take an immediate right (east) behind the main mausoleum/columbarium. Continue northeast about 500 yards until reaching Plot 5. The marker is easily visible mounted to the front of the Hays family crypt. Note, there does not seem to be an individual gravestone for John Hays. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA 94611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rev. Laurentine Hamilton (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Merritt, M.D.
May 5, 2012
2. In Memory of Col. John Coffee Hays Marker
Also see . . .
1. John Coffee "Jack" Hays. Hay's biography by the Official Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. (Submitted on May 13, 2012.)
2. John Coffee Hays. The Handbook of Texas Online's biography of Hays: "In the years that followed the Mexican War, Hays pioneered trails through the Southwest to California and became a prominent citizen of that state. In 1848 he tried unsuccessfully to find a route between San Antonio and El Paso, and the following year he received an appointment from the federal government as Indian agent for the Gila River country. In addition, he was elected sheriff of San Francisco County in 1850, appointed United States surveyor general for California in 1853, became one of the founders of the city of Oakland, and ran successful enterprises in real estate
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 6, 2023
3. In Memory of Col. John Coffee Hays Marker
Additional commentary.
1.
"As Colonel of 1st Regiment, Texas Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War, fought under Taylor and Scott at Monterrey, Veracruz, Puebla, and Mexico City."
I think he should be given credit in your above paragraph for fighting with Gen.Taylor at Buena Vista, Feb. 21-22, 1847.
Buena Vista was one of the most important battles fought in our war with Mexico.
— Submitted January 8, 2015, by George Salvesen of Tucson, Arizona.
Photographed By Matthew Brady, circa 1857
4. John Coffee Hays
This image (courtesy of the Library of Congress) is attributed to Matthew Brady, based upon a similar portrait at the Fogg Museum at Harvard.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 5, 2012
5. John Coffee Hays Marker and family burial plot
The marker is visible here mounted to the left side of the Hays family crypt.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,485 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2. submitted on May 9, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5. submitted on May 13, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
