TITLE: Recognizing the legacy of John Coffee Hays, Hays County namesake.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the legacy of John Coffee Hays, Hays County namesake.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Hays County, who celebrated the 200th birthday of their county's namesake, John Coffee Hays, on January 28, 2017; and WHEREAS, A native of Tennessee, John "Jack C." Hays made his way to Texas, where he joined a Texas Ranger company and fought alongside other famous Texans for Texas' independence; he was promoted to captain in 1840, and he became known for engaging in battles and skirmishes with hostile Native American tribes and Mexican troops; and WHEREAS, Captain Hays and his team of Rangers participated in important actions at such sites as Plum Creek, Salado, and Enchanted Rock, and they were involved in conflict during the Woll Invasion of 1842; he also became known for being among the first to use the 1844 Navy Colt Paterson revolver and for suggesting improvements to it that led to the production of the famed Colt revolver, one of the weapons that helped win the West; in 1848, Texas Senator Edward Burleson introduced legislation that created a new county from part of Travis County, and he honored the Texas hero by naming it Hays County; and WHEREAS, As a tribute to the county's celebrated namesake, the Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed January 21 through 28, 2017, as Colonel John Coffee Hays Week; members of the Hays County Commissioners Court and the Hays County Historical Commission joined community members on January 28 for the official signing of the proclamation and a birthday celebration for a true Texas legend; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend all associated with the Hays County Historical Commission and the Hays County Commissioners Court for their work preserving our state's storied history and the legacy of Jack C. Hays and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all their endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the county as a memento of this special anniversary. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 22, 2017.