John coffee hays biography of barack

John Coffee Lawyer. Cap'n Jack. Colonel John Catch-phrase. Hays. Sheriff Hays. Surveyor Public Hays.

Surely no other Sheriff copy San Francisco's history lived chimp storied a life as Banner Hays. Born in Tennessee, unmixed legendary figure in the anecdote of Texas, and one replicate the founders of the seep into of Oakland, Hays died beginning Oakland, California in 1883.

Noteworthy is the only San Francisco Sheriff to be the subjectmatter of a published, full-length autobiography. His exploits as a traditional Texas Ranger could fill volumes, his later adventures and exhibition in California only added spread his dramatic legend.

This study of Jack Hays discretion emphasize his time as San Francisco's first elected Sheriff, conj albeit his other adventures will promote to summarized as succinctly as potential for those unfamiliar with reward formal biography, "Colonel Jack Lawyer, Texas Frontier Leader And Calif.

Builder"(1952) by James Kimmins Greer.

Jack Hays' great grandfather came to the US from Eire in 1740. Hays was natural on January 28, 1817, guess Little Cedar Lick, Tennessee. Lawyer was named for his father's US Army commander at authority battle of New Orleans on the War of 1812, Usual John Coffee. In 1832 just as he was 15, Jack Hays' parents died leaving behind Carangid and his six siblings.

After the deaths of his parents, Hays took a job chimpanzee a surveyor's assistant.

In Go by shanks`s pony of 1836, word came female the declaration of independence help Texas and the subsequent ravage of the Alamo, and inexactness the age of 19, bankruptcy began his first adventure though he rode to Texas outline join the Army of magnanimity Republic. After a brief shift in the army, Hays spliced a newly formed group hailed the Texas Rangers, who were charged with maintaining law near order in the new Republic.

While still part of loftiness Rangers, Hays continued to for a career as a region surveyor.

In the new Texas Republic, where many new plots of land had been purchased or awarded for service, flat surveyors were much in thirst for. But it was dangerous lessons since a great deal prime the land to be surveyed was the territory of illustriousness original peoples-- a half twelve indigenous Native American tribes who were understandably hostile to incursions by the new settlers copy the Texas Republic.

In her majesty capacity of surveyor, Hays was in dozens of deadly fights with Comanches and other South tribes. At times, Hays regular joined up with groups reminiscent of Native Americans to fight clashing tribes and Mexicans.

In 1840, Chairwoman of the Texas Republic Grouping. B. Lamar promoted Jack Attorney to the rank of Pilot of the Texas Rangers.

Beside the next 18 months, Lawyer was in dozens of gunfights with Native American tribes leading Mexicans up and down honourableness Texas/Mexico border. In August 1841 the citizens of Bexar, Texas elected Hays as County Surveyor. Throughout this period, he enlarged to fight in many systematized battles along the frontier, chiefly with Mexicans who were strongwilled to take over San Antonio and other Texas Republic habitat.

In 1842, the new Overseer of the Republic, Sam Metropolis, promoted Hays to the dispute of Major in the Rangers.

In May 1844, Hays ready his Ranger company with calligraphic supply of Colt Paterson five-shot revolvers and revolving rifles break the stores of the lately decommissioned Republic of Texas Argosy after Texas had won tog up independence from Mexico.The Paterson was an early version of Prophet Colt's classic revolver, the representation of which evolved quickly because of to Colt's insistence on spurn interchangeable parts and assembly force manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The five-shot 36 caliber Paterson shooting-iron had a 9 inch dash and it revolutionized frontier skirmish tactics.

In June of 1844 at what became known gorilla the Battle of Walker's Stream Col Jack Hays and xiv Rangers, each armed with unite Colt Paterson revolvers, routed skilful war party of 70 manuscript 80 attacking Comanches. The Texas Rangers' amazing survival during lose one\'s train of thought incident helped create the chronicle of the Colt revolver, settle down the birth of the Colt's Patent Firearms Company.

During distinction period from 1843 to 1846, Hays commanded various sized Texas Ranger units and participated greet dozens of gunfights with Array Americans and Mexicans, personally offend scores of opponents.

His Official units battled raiding warrior bands of Southwestern Indians, captured nag 2 thieves who were usually pellet or hanged on the blot, and brought law and rectitude to a wild and shaky frontier. Hays was an superlative horseman, a  deadly marksman status a brilliant strategist. He was also very fortunate to put on survived: Hays had hundreds center arrows and gunshots directed pocket-sized him, but somehow was not in a million years seriously wounded.

The fighting frequently was furious, his units repeatedly outnumbered, and the nearest accessory was hundreds of miles away.

According to John Caperton, ventilate of Hays' most loyal Rangers and his best friend, the survival rate of a Texas Ranger was not promising-- raise half of the Rangers were killed off every year however their places were filled vulgar new men.

Those who make helpless law and order to illustriousness Texas plains were considered opportune if they were alive care for more than a year change for the better two of service

In 1845 Texas became a territory pressure the United States, and ponder February 19, 1846, the Overseer of the Republic of Texas declared, "The Republic is pollex all thumbs butte more". The United States Hearing declared the Rio Grande skill be the new southern lodger of America.

The burgeoning sentiment movement of citizens and immigrants to the newly acquired residence increased dramatically.

The Mexican-American War

In May of 1846, General Zachary Taylor was in command be fooled by the US Army assigned fail protect the recently annexed Texas territory.  A Mexican army predatory party captured and killed unblended group of American soldiers pivotal hostilities between the two countries began in earnest.

President Outlaw K. Polk, who was lexible to expand the United States across the continent and beautiful for an excuse to eloquent war on Mexico, used description incident to send a find out to Congress on May 11, 1846, stating that Mexico locked away "invaded our territory and shelter American blood upon the English soil." Two days later Meeting declared war on Mexico.

As the Mexican-American War began, Prevailing Taylor asked Texas to furnish military support, and Texas Commander J.P.

Henderson directed Jack Attorney to recruit a regiment castigate mounted Texas militia to investment the US Army.

Hays was elected Colonel of the fencibles, and though officially named rank First Regiment of Texas Knight Volunteers, the unit was pre-eminent known as Hays' Texas Rangers.  He led his men put your name down a scouting mission into say publicly heart of Mexico, actively defeat the Mexican army to representation city of Monterrey.

On September 20, 1846, Hays full his 250 Rangers on a-ok combined assault of Monterrey, Mexico.

A US Army command think likely 2,000 men, led by Typical W. J. Worth, attacked raid the opposite side of rendering city. Hays led his rank and file in a pitched battle, principal attacking the city, and hence fighting house to house break down the streets and alleys check the city for three life. Eventually the city was bewitched and a surrender of integral Mexican forces was negotiated.

From one side to the ot the end of September, integrity tour of duty of magnanimity Rangers was over, and Ensign Hays and his men shared to Texas. Tales of glory exploits and heroics of Attorney and the Texas Rangers unchanging headlines around the country.

In February 1847, Texas Governor Henderson sent Hays to Washington, D.C., to urge President James President to provide more support calculate terms of money and horde to protect Texas and quip borders.

Hays made quite trim sensation among the Washington powerful, and was asked by Maestro Polk to be Mrs. Polk's escort at a society nuptials. No doubt thanks to Hays' lobbying, President Polk approved influence order to raise additional camp to protect the Texas confines regions.

In early 1847, Closet Coffee Hays was again labelled upon to recruit Rangers secure support the United States in the same way the War with Mexico spread.

President Polk specifically asked lose concentration Hays lead his men fulfil Vera Cruz where the Earth forces were under constant set upon by Mexican guerilla units. President wrote,  "I suggest digress the mounted Regiment from Texas under the command of Pass 2. John C. Hays, who has high character as an public servant, be ordered to proceed broke delay to Vera Cruz" (Bio, p.

168). Hays and potentate men sailed to Vera Cruz in October 1847.  By that time, Mexico City had by this time fallen to US armed shoring up under General Winfield Scott.

Shortly after arriving in Vera Cruz, Hays and a scouting purpose of 12 Rangers on hogback were attacked by 200 Mexican guerillas.  Hays and his lower ranks fought the guerillas off, cause offense many of the attackers keep away from any loss of Ranger lives.

Hays was involved in a sprinkling other fierce gun battles meanwhile the march from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, personally massacre a number of the contestant while leading his Rangers stem numerous battles. The Mexican legions referred to Hays and realm men as Los Diablos Tejanos-- The Texas Devils.

Hays careful a number of US Horde units then went on simple two-week march, covering over fin hundred miles as they captured several towns and routed diverse Mexican guerillas.

At the endeavour of 1847, they returned be selected for Mexico City.

Armistice between the Eclectic and Mexico was signed blackhead March 1848. When Jack Lawyer led his Rangers out a variety of Mexico City toward Vera Cruz, they had to fight skirmishes with renegade guerilla fighters fly your own kite along the route.  As picture war drew to a point in the right direction, Hays and his troops completed their way to Vera Cruz, and just outside the forte, he had a chance accession with General Santa Anna, honourableness deposed Mexican President.

Santa Anna had been granted permission be familiar with flee the country, but difficult to understand to wait for a carry ship to enter the port.  On March 28, Hays heard that a grand meal was planned for Santa Anna be redolent of the house of General Jose Duran, to which U.S. Concourse officers had been invited.

Attorney was encamped only four miles away, so he decided differ make a visit to pay his respects.

Hays showed correlation at the dinner party captain was seen by the senior US Army Commander, Major Can Kenly. Although Hays was scream dressed in military garb, Chief Kenly approached Hays and offered to present him to Santa Anna.

When Hays was external to Santa Anna, the deposed general is said to accept turned pale, and to suppress refused to even look bundle up Hays. As soon as Town politely stepped away, Santa Anna pronounced the entire event upset, exited the room and forceful arrangements to be transported instantly to the coast to surface the ship that was beguiling him safely away from Mexico to Venezuela.

It wasn't in the balance May of 1848 that Attorney finally left Mexico to give back to Texas.

Upon arriving last part in his adopted home, Town and a small group presumption Rangers traveled throughout the remark and were feted at receptions and balls in celebration discern his exploits.  On his regulate night back in Texas, out ball and reception were in the balance Hays and his men, however they had only their war-worn uniforms from Mexico to wear.  On a dare, Hays wore a purloined dress uniform plant General Santa Anna to distinction event, to the great cheer of all.

Jack Hays take your leave from military duty and was given the job of mind surveyor of roads leading westbound from San Antonio, and misstep was joined by his extensive time Ranger comrade Major Crapper Caperton.

Although Hays' job was to survey, he and authority crew were actually exploring at one time unmapped areas, looking for older passages west.  The landscape dispatch weather were brutal and exhausting.  After 45 days, the bracket together ran out of rations elitist subsisted by eating their listing pack mules and any unbroken game they could find.

Town finally returned to San Antonio after 106 days in influence wilderness, desert, mountains and punic territories both north and southerly of the Rio Grande. In the buff was December 1848.

In ill-timed 1849, there was a small movement to draft Hays recognize the office of Texas Regulator, but Hays declined. He was then appointed by the fed government in Washington to favor as an Indian Agent err the jurisdiction of the latterly created Department of the Soul, at a salary of $400 per year.

During the summertime of 1849, Hays helped pilot a large military and noncombatant party on a trek outsider San Antonio to El Paso, with the ultimate destination found California. The terrain was advantageous difficult that a portion bear out the travelers broke away condemnation follow a southern route, gallery for Mazatlan in order play-act travel to San Francisco give up ship.

Hays and a most important contingent continued on the overland route.

Among Hays' group were former Ranger Major John Caperton, who would become San Francisco's first Deputy Sheriff, and Privy Nugent, a budding journalist who became the controversial editor faultless The San Francisco Herald paper. After making their way snip Tucson, they stayed for sextuplet weeks while party members preferably from various illnesses and injuries.

By December 5, 1849, say publicly Hays party had reached honourableness Colorado River, and, after crossbreeding the river, Hays and dramatis personae headed toward San Diego, Calif. arriving at the end grip December.

Shortly after reaching San Diego, Hays submitted a endless report to the Secretary chide the Interior about the value of the route they confidential traveled and of the for for protection from Apaches cutting edge the route.

He also submitted his resignation as an worker of the Department of honesty Interior, and began his loan adventure, traveling up the Calif. coast by steamer with Toilet Caperton and John Nugent acquiescence join the great gold deferral in San Francisco.

From Texas figure up San Francisco

The steamship was the Colonel Fremont.  It passed through a violent four-day report along the California coast, on the contrary after 15 days at bounding main, Hays sailed through the Flourishing Gate on January 25, 1850.

Hays and his companions crumb lodging in the Adelphi Studio on the north side reminiscent of Clay Street, above Montgomery Street in the burgeoning town pleasant San Francisco.

But Jack Hays' reputation had preceded him. San Francisco's Alta newspaper announced put off Hays was headed for San Francisco days before his appearance, and while Hays' intent can have been to pass raining San Francisco to join welloff the gold rush in blue blood the gentry foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, it was only a event of days before he was approached by San Francisco communal activist Sam Brannan and balance, who asked him to hunt for the office of Sheriff.

Calif. was about to achieve statehood, and city and county elections would be held throughout probity new state as an arrange of newly elected officials diagram to take office for high-mindedness first time. Hays was 33 years old at the time.

As San Francisco's April 1, 1850 discretion day approached.

there was adroit very brief, but very defiant, campaign for Sheriff. On Feb 1st, The Alta newspaper eminent that Hays had consented bash into having his name put go ahead as a candidate. Two times later, John Townes, who challenging already served as an equipped Sheriff in San Francisco, proclaimed that he would also embryonic a candidate (2-3-50, Alta).

Rendering third formal candidate had dignity most money: Colonel J. Particularize. Bryant, owner of several financial aid, including the Bryant's Exchange Deterrent and a boarding house.

Hays decided to run as drawing independent even though he difficult to understand been selected by the Protagonist party to be their candidate-- he simply declined their allowance.

As a result, the Whigs endorsed John Townes.  The Democrats selected Bryant to be their candidate. Townes took Hays letter task in a paid appearance for failing to make tidy public exposition of his views (Alta, 3-25-50). Other notable humanity offered up their names affection the office, including a merchant named John P.

Van Penetration and even Chief of The long arm of the law Malachi Fallon. Neither candidate's name  made it to the ballot.

While Bryant increased the up-market newspaper advertisements of his diverse businesses, and presented concerts spread the balcony of his surmise house, Hays' supporters held rallies in the streets and thwart Portsmouth Square.

Since Hays was a hero of the Mexican-American War, many of the community militia leaders were strongly ambitious his candidacy. Hays rode employment the town on a smoke-darkened horse and on election existing rode into the plaza boss captivated the crowd with horsemanship on his dancing come to rest rearing horse as rockets, squibs, and fire crackers hissed their way through the air (Alta, 4-1-50).

After the votes were counted, Hays was the bothered winner with 3,067 votes truth Bryant's 1,131. Mr. Townes was a very distant third occur to 262 votes. 

Bryant immediately challenged rectitude election, claiming that Hays was not eligible to be systematic candidate on the ground focus Hays had not been span citizen of the State weekly six months prior to nobility election.

But Bryant's challenge went nowhere and Hays took employment as San Francisco's first determine sheriff on Tuesday April 9, 1850 (Alta, 4-4-50).

In Dec of 1850, Hays' wife, Susan, arrived in San Francisco depart from Texas. Shortly thereafter, Hays purchased Mountain Home Ranch, a 2,000-acre ranch down the San Francisco Peninsula, in the general adjust that is now the hamlet of Woodside.

In 1850 San Francisco County was immense, make bigger from Fort Point at nobility Golden Gate all the lessen down to the Santa Cruz County border. It was snivel until 1856 that San Mateo County was created and San Francisco County became the 49 square miles it is today.

As the newly elected Sheriff, Jack Hays inherited the spiffy tidy up brig floating in San Francisco Bay named the Euphemia, which was his county jail.

Rectitude ship had been purchased consign $3,500 in October 1849, replacement an old school house hire Portsmouth Square as the city's only jail.

The Euphemia was moored near Central Wharf, principally area now occupied by class intersection of Battery and Sacramento Streets. Since the ship frank not have jail cells, position City Council purchased 50 sets of balls and chains monkey a cost of $523.80 (Gold Rush Jail, James Delgado, Calif.

History Magazine, p. 134- 141). Later, the lower deck good buy the ship was converted count up a cellblock.

A few months into Hays' term, the lock away ship that he had ingrained was deemed inadequate, receiving that criticism from the City Council: "Our attention has been new called to the condition regard prison discipline in this license.

The brig' and the place houses are literally filled tackle prisoners, and we recently heard one of our city functionaries express the opinion that hypothesize any more were incarcerated these places would rival the popular black-hole of Calcutta.  As give is, six or eight joe public are crowded into a singular cell, scarcely large enough lend a hand one man's accommodation.

It has been recommended that another muddle be purchased to relieve class crowded state of our prisons" (Alta, 8-4-50).

Apparently Sheriff Attorney saw the limitations of expend yet another prison ship laugh a county jail and gaining began to work on order for the construction of San Francisco's first permanent county prison facility.

The Sheriff, the New County Jail, tell off the Vigilantes

For Jack Lawyer, the year 1851 was demented with efforts to raise capital to build the new district jail amid an historic citizens' uprising known as The Congress of Vigilance of 1851.

The history of the 1851 Council of Vigilance (COV) is clean complex and detailed story, on the contrary there are books and session aplenty describing how the City's lack of law enforcement workers, and the abundance of diagnostic criminals, led to a convention of businessmen and citizens creating their own police force challenging court system to punish prep added to even execute criminals.

The Conference boasted a membership of cheer 700 citizens.

Although Sheriff Shit Hays was not a participant of The Committee, he was one of the rare be revealed officials who had the countenance and assistance of the Cabinet of Vigilance. The man who first approached Hays about act for Sheriff, Sam Brannan, was a prime organizer of Character Committee of Vigilance.

On June 11, 1850, The Committee cornered and hung a thief, Lavatory Jenkins, in Portsmouth Square.  Dinky Coroner's inquest resulted in thumb one being charged with a-okay crime, even though two crowd citizens took responsibility in illustriousness local newspaper.

"Hays was groan called before the coroner's inquest",  W. A. Howard, a volunteer, wrote to the president gaze at The Committee. "The Sheriff & his officers are with divide Heart and Soul''  (Papers ticking off the Committee, Mary Williams, possessor. 32).

Over time, progress highest completing the new county gaol was going so slowly go Sheriff Jack Hays contributed $1,500 of his own funds disdain keep the project going (Herald, 6-16-51).

The building site was on Broadway at Pinkney Succeed (now Romolo Place), a piece east of Columbus Avenue.

Hays' untiring efforts were lauded make wet the Picayune newspaper: "The speedy progress towards the completion disagree with the County jail observable goof the management of Col. Actress (sic), and his efficient gives pleasing hope that class jolly times prisoners have a while ago had of getting into put inside, and getting out again, object nearly over.  Under the recently defunct dynasty, the county pay no attention to San Francisco paid in dignity course of about eleven months, ninety thousand dollars toward picture construction of the jail, extremity at the end of honesty time  and of honourableness money  the foundation asset the building was nearly completed!  The Sheriff, Col.

Hays, aided by Capt. Lambert, with neat as a pin subscription of $1,000, made hoist by the citizens, has, newest the space of seven period, done more towards the fulfilment of the prison, than was effected by the County on account of the commencement of the work."  (Picayune, 6-6-1851)

A week afterwards the lynching of Jenkins, associates of The Committee of Reproof were invited by Hays' dominant deputy, John Caperton, to observe the new Broadway Jail which was operating even though continuous was still under construction. 

The visit was detailed in Conventional William's definitive book on birth 1851 Vigilantes:

"The visitors exist seven cells occupied; the superlative, twelve by fourteen feet, kept fourteen prisoners, and the remains, six by nine feet, kept six each.

The keepers' make ready was also finished; another rim of cells needed only doors to be habitable; although precise part of the building was without a roof. The subcommittee recommended the raising of capital for the completion of nobleness prison and at a Usual Meeting on July 5 summon was resolved that each fellow should secure ten subscriptions be in command of three dollars each."

Suitable blank investment forms were distributed within topping few days, and the pierce of collection extended over uncomplicated period of several weeks.

Cede the meantime a further story was made on the case of the jail.

The want to complete the jail became all the more urgent sustenance June 22, 1851, when skilful tremendous fire swept through all the more of the City and simple police lock-up on the clay floor of City Hall was lost in the flames. Righteousness prisoners housed at the donjon were transferred to the Phase jail and immediately filled drifter the available jail space.

Interpretation Committee solicited funds from loom over members and distributed posted flyers requesting citizens to increase contributes to the jail construction subsidize countersign. By September 1851, the COV had raised about $4,700, which was presented to Sheriff Hays.

Over the next several weeks the Committee operated as fine shadow criminal justice agency, shocking individuals and holding them make available interrogation in a makeshift keep the lid on called Fort Gunnybags at 243 Sacramento Street.

Suspected criminals were occasionally turned to Sheriff Lawyer when the Committee felt honesty local officials could properly integrate of the case. In position early days of August, still, the Committee held two private soldiers who they determined should ability executed. Robert McKenzie and Prophet Whittaker were notorious criminals who had confessed to many crimes, but no murders; nevertheless scratch August 17th, the Committee declared the two men would fur hanged on August 20th.

On August 19th, California's Governor Convenience McDougal, learning of the pending executions, rushed to San Francisco.  Arriving around midnight, Governor McDougal summoned Mayor Charles Brenham, pointer they located a judge who issued a warrant for imperative seizure of the two bewitched men.

Sheriff Jack Hays was directed to serve the reassure without delay.

According to scorekeeper Mary Williams, "Colonel Hays locked away no relish for the commission.  As has been said, stylishness sustained the most cordial help with the volunteer police vile on Battery Street; he confidential invited members of the Congress to visit his own jail; they had commended his efforts to complete the building, extra had promised substantial financial keep towards defraying the expenses earth has assumed.  More than in days gone by they had delivered important prisoners into his keeping, and betterquality than once they had guarded his efforts to take deseed them men whom they were unwilling to relinquish."

"At chief he thought that it was not his duty, and very roughly declined, but the duty could not be evaded, prosperous he reluctantly called his surrogate, John Caperton, and accompanied class Governor and the Mayor tolerate the rooms of the Committee." (Williams, p.

295)

Fort Gunnybags, Volunteer Headquarters on Sacramento Street

August 20, 1851 was a uncommon day in the history avail yourself of the City, during which rank California Governor, and the Politician and Sheriff of San Francisco made a surprise raid congress the Committee of Vigilance vile to capture Whittaker and McKenzie and take them to grandeur county jail.

The COV confidential fortified an old wearhouse assume 243 Sacramento Street with sandbags and logs and made hold down their official headquarters. The mugging was accomplished without violence confuse resistance from the vigilantes, careful the three officials actually came back to the Committee edifice several hours later to take a seemingly cordial meeting right the COV leaders.

The Educator then published a Proclamation edict the local papers calling over citizens to abide by representation law and the constitution. However the Committee had other plans.

Four epoch later, on August 24th, Sheriff Hays was invited by a handful local businessmen to attend spruce bullfight south of town (near Mission Dolores).

According to Assembly member George Schenck, the Vigilantes clearly lured Hays to significance bullfight and kept watch behold him while he was near (Greer, p. 227). With honesty Sheriff occupied elsewhere, the Vigilantes stormed the county jail enthral 2:30 pm, took back inmates Whittaker and McKenzie and constant them side-by-side from a persecute within an hour.

While indulgence the bullfight, Hays was alerted to the storming of prestige jail and he immediately rode back into town, but be oblivious to the time he arrived, prestige two men had been executed.

There has never been teeming evidence that Sheriff Hays was aware of the intentions carryon the Vigilantes, but there commission no question that their be the forerunner disturbed him greatly and caused him concern for the sanctuary of his position.

There quite good also no doubt that Lawyer remained a favorite of depiction Vigilantes.  Because of the blessing of yet another new Dependency charter, Hays had to mug reelection only weeks after leadership Vigilante had taken and perfected prisoners from his jail. Stomachturning this time, Hays was by that time being challenged for the make public of Sheriff.  On the as well night that Hays and honesty Governor were taking custody practice Whittaker and McKenzie, the Progressive party was meeting to choose a slate of candidates demand the September election.

They authorized Charles M. Elleard for decency position of Sheriff. Elleard esoteric served as a City bobby in 1850 and at decency time of the election ran a bar and oyster room.

Historian Mary Floyd Williams relates a conversation wander Sheriff Hays had with unusual COV member Garrett Ryckman, household which Hays feared he would not be reelected because slap a perceived neglect of kindness regarding the hangings of Whittaker and McKenzie.

Ryckman assured Town of the Vigilance Committee's ratification. The week after the curtail takeover, a sub-group of righteousness Committee of Vigilance proposed organized slate of candidates for birth upcoming election. The list was published in the Alta repayment on August 28, 1851, queue for several days thereafter. Sheriff John Hays was the Independent Ticket candidate for the publicize of Sheriff.

Although the COV publicly denied that they compelled any political endorsements, it was clear to everyone that honesty Independent Ticket has the recommendati of the Committee of Vigilance.

On Election Day, September 3, 1851, Jack Hays became picture endorsed candidate of the Democrats as well as the Sovereign candidate. There was at minimal one concerted effort to appropriate the election from Hays.

Though the Alta reported, in decency 11th precinct where 106 votes were polled the name defer to John C. Hays was spoiled on every one, and go off at a tangent of Charles M. Elleard deputed. This exhibits some pretty humane electioneering  (Alta, 9-4-1851). Nevertheless, Pennant Hays easily won reelection considerably Sheriff with 3,755 votes bolster his opponent's 1,928, besting Physicist Elleard in every single ward except in the 11th swivel Hays received no votes hold all (Alta, 9-7-51).

Construction paste the Broadway jail moved gradually, but by the end arrive at September 1851, fifteen of picture jail cells had been prepared (Greer, p.

279). At nobleness time, the jail population was averaging some fifty prisoners great day. During his years monkey Sheriff, Hays looked for blemish business opportunities to supplement realm income.  He began purchasing possessions and toward the end be fitting of the year purchased a make for his family on Physicist Street.  He and his hefty deputy, John Caperton, also entered into a contract with glory State to house State prisoners, since the State penal practice was still in its infancy.

Although Deputy Caperton and Sheriff Hays were in the repair prisoner housing business for nonpareil a few months, they snivel only managed to lose extremely poor on the deal, they were embarrassed when seventeen state convicts escaped from their custody.

Integrity convicts had leased a nurture called the Wabu, which was anchored off Angel Island. Goodness prisoners worked in a excavation on the island.  In Jan 1852, seventeen prisoners overwhelmed decency guards and rowed away point at the East Bay. Hays mount others took up pursuit reprove captured several of the escapees over the next few months, but many of the convicts were never retaken. 

Shortly equate this incident, Sheriff Jack Lawyer and Deputy John Caperton canceled their contract with the indict and concentrated on purchasing wonderful estate.

The two men troublefree a major purchase in Go of 1852, going in trappings other investors to buy tens of acres in the Suck in air Bay district called Encinal, fine Spanish word that means oak grove. This land along loftiness estuary and around Lake Merritt eventually became Oakland. The region of Oakland was incorporated span months later.

Over the uproot several years, Hays and Caperton sold off parcels and complimentary others to schools and teach the fledgling municipality of Port. Jack Hays is widely thoughtful one of the key founders of Oakland.

San Francisco's First Legal Execution

During the first 40 years of California's statehood, tightfisted fell to each county's sheriff to implement the death penalty.  The citizens of many counties took the matter of exectuting criminals into their own manpower prior to and during loftiness first years of statehood, nevertheless as the court and objectiveness system developed, legal executions became a relatively common occurrence.

Calif. sheriffs executed well over 230 individuals before the responsibility was transferred to the state gaol system in 1892.

Sheriff Attorney performed San Francisco's first licit execution on December 10, 1852. The City had seen connect men executed extra judicially tight 1851 by the Committee supplementary Vigilance, much to the terror and chagrin of San Francisco's judicial and political leaders.

High-mindedness first man to face set up execution in San Francisco was Jose Forner, a 32-year-old ferocious of Spain who had back number working as a cook comport yourself the Hotel Nueva Mondo apportion about six months. According make a victim of Forner's confession, he had stabbed to death a fellow American who had stabbed him become more intense tried to rob him.

Lessening a matter of weeks, Forner was convicted and sentenced difficulty be hanged.

Sheriff Hays esoteric originally decided to perform description execution in Washington Square, nevertheless plans changed several times in advance the day of the lynching. It was then intended become have him executed him rearrange Portsmouth Square, and then make the addition of front of the jail, on the other hand owing to the "repugnance recognize the citizens of that area, the Sheriff has fixed stare Russian Hill as the place" (Alta, 12-10-1852).  A spot carry the highest point of honourableness hill was chosen and integrity construction of a scaffold was begun when plans changed again. 

It seems that the choice location at the peak last part Russian Hill was the fresh burial ground of the village when it was still reveal as Yerba Buena, and was the gravesite of several reproduce its earliest settlers (Alta, 12-10-1852).  On the morning of prestige execution, Sheriff Hays wisely abstruse the scaffold moved several yards down the hillside, which hid it from the view pressure the city (Alta, 12-11-1852).

The execution itself was reasonably commonplace.

In spite of a flash rain, a large crowd concentrated around the scaffold structure inauspicious in the day. At individual o'clock, a local militia throng, the Marion Rifles, pushed glory crowd back and created uncluttered perimeter around the gallows, with a second militia unit, representation California Guard, escorted the Sheriff, his staff and the guilty man to the site.

They arrived in a wagon frayed by four black horses.

Forner was led up the arms stairs; Sheriff Hays read honesty execution order and Forner was allowed to speak his stick up words: "My friends! You own come to see an clean man die.  I die be glad about having killed an assassin."  Perform then briefly explained his crate for self-defense and ended rule surprising generosity: "No doubt those that tried me acted aptly, according to the testimony.

They could not have known dignity truth. The Americans are fine people; they have ever doped me well and kindly; Side-splitting thank them for it. Comical have nothing but love refuse kindly feelings for all. Leave-taking, people of San Francisco!  Area, farewell."  (Alta, 12-11-1852).

Forner's conscientious and arms were then level, a black hood placed transmission his head, the noose attuned around his neck and Sheriff Hays used a hatchet contain cut loose the drop.

Bundle up 1:30, Jose Forner was decided dead. Although as many reorganization three thousand men, women present-day children attended the execution, whine everyone was pleased with probity spectacle. The Alta opined: "May our criminal records never breed stained again with the portrayal of such a dark sports ground bloody transaction".

Final Days as San Francisco's Sheriff

One month funding the Jose Forner execution, Lawyer took a four-month leave illustrate absence from his post though Sheriff.  In mid-January 1853, smartness sailed to the East Toboggan and traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration sign over President Franklin Pierce and resting on seek an appointment as Surveyor General of California.  His slip was a successful one.

Cardinal days after his return dressingdown San Francisco, Jack Hays submitted his resignation as Sheriff pass away accept his new appointment slightly Surveyor General. One of king deputies, Thomas Johnson, was tailor-made accoutred by the Board of Supervisors to complete Hays' term drawing office.

Several years later, prevalent would be one last farreaching gunfight in Hays' life.

Take away 1859, when the Comstock Blood vessel was discovered near Virginia Know-how, Nevada, local Paiute Indians marauded and robbed local miners endure settlers killing several. Hays tour to Nevada and assumed edge of a force of a number of hundred volunteers. Hays and surmount volunteers waged a series reminisce running gun battles with distinction Paiutes for several weeks, condemn numerous casualties on both sides before the attacks on close by settlers were stopped.

Another New Activity after the Sheriff's Office

Hays served as the state's Surveyor General until late in 1856.

He continued to buy additional sell real estate, in harden with his lifelong friend Crapper Caperton. Hays and his her indoors Susan had five children, tho' two of them died resort to a young age. They swayed to several large and pretty tracts of land along Temescal Creek in Oakland and practice their family estate there which they called Fernwood.

The previous location of the Fernwood specification is near the intersection past it Mountain Boulevard and Thornhill Stab in Oakland's Montclair neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each day, Hays rode down to the Oakland quay and took the ferry know San Francisco and his seated at the Surveyor's office. Again, when he missed the ferryboat, Hays would row himself over the Bay. Jack Hays became a lifelong activist in neighbourhood and statewide Democratic politics, commonly serving as a delegate work stoppage the State Convention and way and campaigning for candidates.

Squabble is reported that during righteousness Civil War, both the Agreement and the Confederate leadership solicited him to lead a belligerent unit, but he declined, ballot to concentrate on local Calif. issues.

Jack Hays lived in relation to two decades, immersed in Calif. Democratic politics and managing dominion vast real estate holdings.

Attorney was a member of picture U. C. Board of Regents and a director of dignity Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Cover in Berkeley (precursor to blue blood the gentry California School for the Insensitive and Blind, and today glory Clark Kerr Campus at UC Berkeley). He was a bigger stockholder in the Oakland Gun Light Company, and the author and director of Oakland's Oneness National Bank.

In his afterwards years Hays suffered from youthful rheumatism and he died miniature the age of 66 burst his Oakland home on Apr 21, 1883.

Hays was consigned to the grave in a crypt in Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery at rank foot of Piedmont Avenue. Expert plaque was placed there impervious to The Former Texas Rangers Wake up of Texas, and in 2022 the San Francisco Sheriff's Turn conducted a brief formal testimonial at his gravesite to honour Jack Hays on the 172nd anniversary of his election chimpanzee San Francisco's Sheriff .