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HAYES FAMILY HISTORY
HAYES FAMILY HISTORY
Clan Hay, a prominent Scottish clan, has left an indelible mark on the history and development of the United States. With notable figures playing vital roles in military, political, and social spheres, the descendants of Clan Hay have shaped the nation from its early days through its westward expansion. One of the most distinguished members of this clan is President Rutherford B. Hayes, who is directly descended from this influential family. His ancestors, along with other members of Clan Hay, made significant contributions to America’s formation and growth.
The Hay surname has evolved in various forms in the United States, including Hays and Hayes. These variations stem from phonetic spelling conventions and the challenges faced by immigrants during the settlement period when literacy was limited. Despite these variations, the descendants of Clan Hay have maintained their strong presence and influence in American society.
The Role of Clan Hay in the Revolutionary War and Westward Expansion
Clan Hay’s contributions to American history trace back to the Revolutionary War, where many of its members served as military leaders. After the war, the descendants of the Hay family began to migrate south, with a significant number settling in Tennessee. Among them were prominent figures such as President Andrew Jackson, who married Rachel Donelson, and President James K. Polk, whose sister married Dr. John B. Hayes. These connections between the Hay family and American leaders facilitated the clan’s continued involvement in shaping the nation.
A key figure in Clan Hay's legacy is John "Coffee" Hays, a Tennessee native who led the Texas Rangers and played an instrumental role in the westward expansion. Hays is famously credited with being the first to use the Colt revolver in battle during the campaigns against Native American tribes, particularly the Comanche. His leadership and military prowess were critical during the Mexican-American War, and his contributions were honored with the naming of Hays County, Texas, after him.
The Founding of Towns and Cities Named After the Hayes Family
The Hays family’s legacy is also commemorated in the names of several towns and cities across the United States. In Virginia, the town of Hayes was named in honor of Lt. Hugh Hayes, a notable member of the family. Additionally, Haysborough (established in 1784) and Hays Station (founded in 1781 and now part of Nashville) were named after the Hay family. These locations served as important hubs during the early expansion of the United States, with Hays Station, founded by Nathaniel and Samuel Hays, playing a significant role in the area’s development.
One of the most well-known properties associated with the Hayes family is The Hermitage, the former plantation of Andrew Jackson. After marrying Rachel Donelson, Jackson purchased land from Nathaniel Hays, which he expanded into a successful cotton plantation. Jackson's deep connection to the Hays family is reflected in his naming of the plantation after his brother-in-law, John Hermitage Hays.
Continued Influence of Clan Hay Descendants
The legacy of Clan Hay continues today, with members of the family playing significant roles in both business and society. One such descendant, Jeremy H. G. Hayes, is recognized as one of the largest landowners in Wilson County, Tennessee, a position that underscores the family's continued influence in the region. Jeremy is the twenty-second great-grandson in a direct line tracing back to William de Hay of Leys, maintaining a proud tradition of land ownership that dates back to the clan’s Scottish origins.
Through intermarriage with other notable Tennessee families, including the Pennington, Lane, and Donelson families, the Hays descendants have further cemented their place in American history. Their continued contributions to political, military, and social spheres reflect the enduring legacy of Clan Hay and its pivotal role in the development of the United States.
In sum, the Hays family’s impact on American history, from the Revolutionary War to the westward expansion, and their lasting presence in modern society, showcases the importance of Clan Hay in shaping the nation's past, present, and future.
John Coffee Hays
Governor William Hall
Governor William Hall
John Coffee Hays is the first cousin of Jeremy H. G. Hayes (five times removed).
In 1836, at the age of 19, Hays migrated to the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston appointed him as a member of a company of Texas Rangers because he knew the Hays family from his Tennessee years. He met with Houston and delivered a letter of recommendation from t
John Coffee Hays is the first cousin of Jeremy H. G. Hayes (five times removed).
In 1836, at the age of 19, Hays migrated to the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston appointed him as a member of a company of Texas Rangers because he knew the Hays family from his Tennessee years. He met with Houston and delivered a letter of recommendation from then-President Andrew Jackson, his great uncle. Rachel Jackson was Hays' great aunt of the Donelson family, a relative of his mother.
In the following years, Hays led the Rangers on a campaign against the Comanche in Texas, and succeeded in weakening their power. He rode with a Lipan Chief named Flacco who led the charge into every battle with him. The duo led and inspired the Rangers. In 1840 Tonkawa Chief Placido and 13 scouts joined with the Rangers to track down a large Comanche war party, culminating at the Battle of Plum Creek.
Later, Hays commanded the force against the invasion from Mexico of 1842. During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Hays commanded the First Regiment of Texas Rangers at the Battle of Monterrey, established six companies along the northern and western frontier of Texas. He then commanded the Second of Texas Rangers in Winfield Scott's Mexico City campaign. Later, while fighting under Gen. Joseph Lane, who was defending the American line of communications with Vera Cruz, Hays defeated superior numbers of Mexican cavalry at the Affair at Galaxara Pass and Mexican guerillas in the Skirmish at Matamoros and the action of Sequalteplan. The Rangers excelled during this conflict, gaining nationwide fame. Hays was the first to use the Navy Colt Paterson five-shot revolver. He expedited Samuel Walker to meet with Samuel Colt which led to the design of the legendary Colt Walker six-shot revolver used in the Old West.
Governor William Hall
Governor William Hall
Governor William Hall
Governor William Hall is the son of Major William Hall and was married to Thankful Hall Doak. Thankful Hall Doak is the maternal grandmother of 4th great-granduncle to Jeremy H. G. Hayes.
Governor Hall was born in Surrey County, North Carolina and moved with his parents to Tennessee at the age of ten. In 1796 he was commissioned a Second
Governor William Hall is the son of Major William Hall and was married to Thankful Hall Doak. Thankful Hall Doak is the maternal grandmother of 4th great-granduncle to Jeremy H. G. Hayes.
Governor Hall was born in Surrey County, North Carolina and moved with his parents to Tennessee at the age of ten. In 1796 he was commissioned a Second Major in the Sumner County Militia and became Colonel and ultimately Brigadier-General in the Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. He served four terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives and four in the Tennessee Senate. As Senate Speaker in 1829, he became governor upon the resignation of Sam Houston, serving until the inauguration of his successor. Two years later he was elected to a single term in the U.S. House of Representatives, after which he retired to his estate near Castalian Springs in Sumner County. There he wrote Early History of the Southwest. He was a delegate to the Nashville Convention of 1850, which considered means by which Southern states might protect the rights of their people in the U.S. territories. Hall died at his home in Sumner County, where he is buried in the family graveyard.
Andrew Jackson
Governor William Hall
William de Hay of Leys
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837, seeking to act as the direct representative of the common man.
Andrew Jackson was married to Rachel Donelson, who was John Coffee Hays' great aunt.
Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, was the dominant actor in American politics between Thoma
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837, seeking to act as the direct representative of the common man.
Andrew Jackson was married to Rachel Donelson, who was John Coffee Hays' great aunt.
Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, was the dominant actor in American politics between Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Born to obscure parents and orphaned in youth, he was the first "self-made man" and the first westerner to reach the White House. He became a national hero when he fought the Federal Reserve, and as President he sought to act as the direct representative of the common man.
Andrew Jackson married Rachel Donelson (of the Hays family), and the land where the Hermitage sits today was once owned by the Hays family before selling it to Jackson.
William de Hay of Leys
William de Hay of Leys
William de Hay of Leys
William de Hay of Leys is Jeremy's twenty-second great-grandfather.
William de Hay is part of Clan Hay, which is still honored today as one of Scotland's historic families.
The Hay are one of the major clans of Scotland, whose Chiefs, the Earls of Erroll, have been hereditary Lords High Constable of Scotland since Sir Gilbert Hay of Erroll
William de Hay of Leys is Jeremy's twenty-second great-grandfather.
William de Hay is part of Clan Hay, which is still honored today as one of Scotland's historic families.
The Hay are one of the major clans of Scotland, whose Chiefs, the Earls of Erroll, have been hereditary Lords High Constable of Scotland since Sir Gilbert Hay of Erroll was rewarded with that office after the Battle of Bannockburn by King Robert the Bruce in 1314.
There are societies and non-profits set up in the name of Clan Hay, and in Scotland this is still one of the honored families.
Rutherford B. Hayes
William de Hay of Leys
Rutherford B. Hayes
President Rutherford Birchard Hayes is Jeremy's thirteenth cousin four times removed and served as the 19th president of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881.
A staunch abolitionist from Ohio, he was also a brevet major general for the Union army during the American Civil War. As an attorney in Ohio, Hayes served as Cincinnati's
President Rutherford Birchard Hayes is Jeremy's thirteenth cousin four times removed and served as the 19th president of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881.
A staunch abolitionist from Ohio, he was also a brevet major general for the Union army during the American Civil War. As an attorney in Ohio, Hayes served as Cincinnati's city solicitor from 1858 to 1861.
Rutherford B. Hayes also is a member of Clan Hay, and is in the blood line of Jeremy H. G. Hayes.