Person:Harmon Hays (1)

Parents

Posted by: --motohays 22:20, 13 July 2014 (UTC) (Mark Allan Hays)

What follows is an excerpt from the research of the late Mrs. Madelon Smith, former president of the Mount Juliet-West Wilson Co. Tennessee Historical Society.

I received this and other materials from an intermediate source, Ms. Donna G. Ferrell, who, as of the writing of this entry on 13 July 2014, oversees the society. Many thanks to Donna for providing these documents!

On January 28, 1817, John Coffee Hays, was born to Harmon A. and Elizabeth Cage Hays in Wilson County, Tennessee. On this fact all of Colonel Jack's biographers agree.

As to the ancestry of Col. Jack's father, Harmon A. Hays, there are as many versions as there are books. Harmon's father is reported to be variously, Col. Robert Hays (who married Jane Donelson), Nathaniel Hays (who sold the Hermitage land to Andrew Jackson in 1804), John Hays and James Hays.

The purpose of this narrative is to give documented evidence that the father of Harmon A. Hays and the grandfather of Col. Jack Hays was John Hays who was living in Wilson County by around 1800. His wife was named Rebecca but names of her parents are unknown.

The document goes on for a bit giving background on Col. Jack Coffee Hays' military and professional history, describes his immediate family and descendants, including a HAYS man that is still living today in California. The thread of Harmon's parents is picked up again later in the narrative.

Probably the fact that Harmon Hays and his wife died at a young age and the children, all very young, were scattered explains why later generations had no knowledge of their background. Since biographers could learn nothing from descendants they apparently did a lot of guessing.

In recent years records have been searched in Wilson Co. and elsewhere, including Hays papers at the Hermitage, which have been preserved along with the Andrew Jackson Papers. From these records evidence has been compiled which proves that Harmon A. Hays was the son of John Hays of Wilson county Tenn. and his wife Rebecca and not of Col. Robert Hays of Davidson Co. (There is considerable evidence that John and Robert were brothers)

John Hays first acquired land in Wilson Co. on Cedar Lick Creek in 1793: ...On the ridge about two miles above the Cedar Lick" (Wilson Co. Deed Book F, page 437)

In 1803 John was on the tax list for Wilson Co. as owning 1000 acres of land. In 1805 John Hays bought land from Joseph Camp "...at the rear of Hays' house near Col. Donelson's line."

In 1816 in Deed Book F, page 41 Wilson Co. is an indenture concerning a sale of land from Joseph Hendricks to John Hays "... land on both side of Cedar Lick Creek". The heirs of John Hays, deceased are named: "... Isham F. Davis and wife Rachel, Julius Alford and wife Ann, Harman A. Hays and Thomas T. Hays, Rebecca Hays, the executrix and widow of said John Hays"

The exact date of John Hays' death is unknown but in 1812 [Deed] Book D, page 493 is an indenture between "Rebecca Hays, administratrix of John Hays dec'd and Reuben Searcy"

There is no will for John Hays but there is an inventory in Will Book 6, page 262. It was a short list but included "one large bible" and "one sword".

In 1819, the will of Rebecca Hays, widow of John Hays, was recorded. In it she names the same four described heirs of John Hays in above document. In addition and listed first is "...my daughter, Sally Drew...". It has been learned that Rebecca was previously married to Thomas Maxwell in Virginia. In 1803 in Tazewell Co., VA, John and Rebecca Hays of Wilson Co. Tenn. deeded land in Tazewell Co. to Sarah and Newett Drew also of Wilson Co., land granted to Thomas Maxwell. In additional to Sarah there was another daughter and two sons, children of Thomas Maxwell.

The narrative goes on to describe the other children of John and Rebecca Maxwell Hays which is very interesting but more appropriately included in WeRelate entries under the family pages of John and Rebecca.

Harmon A. Hays married Elizabeth Cage, daughter of William Cage. The date and place of marriage has not been learned it may possibly have been in Mississippi.

In 1814, Harmon A. Hays was selected by Col. Robert Hays, Mrs. Jackson's brother-in-law, to accompany Rachel Jackson on a boat trip to join her husband Gen. Andrew Jackson in New Orleans. Harmon wrote Col. Robert [on] December 14, 1814 regarding that trip (letter in the Jackson Papers).

On March 4, 1814 Gen. Jackson wrote to his wife "My dear -- you will receive this by Col. Hays who has visited me with Lt. Harmon Hays and Lemuel Donelson (Rachel's brother)....

The previous paragraph provides additional excerpts from this letter which are not included here. The full letter is transcribed elsewhere within this WeRelate page for Harman Hays.

On April 15, 1819 from "Wilkerson County" [actually Wilkinson County], Mississippi Harmon A. Hays wrote Col. Robert Hays a most significant letter. After an account of his farming and plans and concerns for Gen. Andrew Jackson he concludes: "... We have John Coffee William Cage and Maryann the youngest all healthy children. The Gen'l (General John Coffee) would not blush to see his namesake as a child. I am like other vain parents... My regards to Aunt Hays, (signed) Your Nephew, H. A. Hays.

Included in the packet of papers from the Mount Juliet Historical Society is a photocopy of the original letter from Harmon to Col. Robert Hays. The transcription and image of this letter will be included elsewhere on this page. The quality of the photocopy is rough for several reasons. First, the second page was skewed when copied and the left-most words are truncated. Additional problems with the letter are seen in the "bleeding through" of writing from other pages as well as the general penmanship of Harmon's writing. There are other specimens of Harmon's writing that are very clear which indicates, possibly, that this letter was written in haste or other reason.

The 1820 census for Wilkerson Co. Miss. shows: Harmon A. Hays with three males under ten, three males 26-45, 1 female under 10 and one 16-26.

The 1830 census for Wilson Co. Tenn. lists Harmon A. Hays with males: one 5-10, two 10-15, one 15-20, one 30-40. Females: two 0-5, one 5-10, one 10-15, one 30-40. This accounts for, with correct ages, Harmon's family but with an additional two young girls and one adult male (perhaps a widowed relative with two small daughters).

Following his return to Tennessee by at least 1826, when he appears on the tax list, not much is known about Harmon A. Hays. He purchased at least three tracts of land on the Cumberland near Cairo in Wilson Co.

* 1827 - William Thrower to H.A. Hays on the Cumberland two miles below Cairo, 157 acres (Book M, p. 145)

* 1828 - Zach Bugg to H.A. Hays, 7 acres (Book M, p. 164)

End --motohays 22:20, 13 July 2014 (UTC)

Letter to Colonel Robert Hays from H.A. Hays

Image:Harman Hays Letter to Col Robert Hays.pdf

(Page 1)

Wilkinson County, M.(Mississippi) State

April 15th 1819

Col. Rbt Hays

Dear sir

I have nothing interesting to communicate to you at present. And do this alone in discharge of that obligation all relations are under to each other when at a distance of 500 miles. You sir have had the politeness which I hope is inseparably connected with friendship, to answer mine on your nephew. This is more than I can say of some others that I am held more (bound?) than any others of my relations not closer connected, however, as it becomes natural for me, like others, to forget and neglect it gives me little pain and in future will be less troublesome.

(Page 2)

The price of trades you frequently hear therefore I say nothing on that subject. There is less cash and more call in this country at present than I have ever seen before. The winter has been warm, the spring very cool, the leaves nearly grown are killed with frost, and believe many trees will die. I am here farming on a small scale making not enough to support on. This year I think I will do better. I shall plant 60 acres of cotton, 35 or 40 corn. I have 320 acres of land, not first rate but equal to the neighborhood, should cotton bring a fair price I can do well for a while, but am determined to move to some new country, I think Red River. Had I never moved I think part of the last purchase would be my choice. Though the inconvenience of moving will be a barrier to me and others that lives here.

(Page 3)

The last I heard from a [...] family, General Jackson he was in the city Washington. I am denyed the expression of sentiment relative to that man, but trust in God for his long continuance in this life for the safety of the nation and the lives of his friends. We have John Coffee, Wm. Cage and Maryan the youngest, all healthy children. The Gen'l (General John Coffee) would not blush to see his namesake as a child, -- I am like other vain parents, my sincere regards to Aunt Hays and family, General Jackson together with all my female relations in your neighborhood.

Except (Accept) assurances of my best wishes for you through life, farewell

Your Nephew, H.A. Hays

Col. R. Hays

Note: I received the photocopy of this letter from Ms. Donna G. Ferrell who is a past president of the now-defunct Mt. Juliet-West Wilson County Historical Society. The original transcription was done by the late Madelon Wright Smith who was also past president of the same organization. I have made some minor alterations to the transcription which are highlighted in BOLD. As one can see in the image, the writing is very difficult to read due to the handwriting and due to other pages "bleeding through". The second page is skewed and, as such, the left-most words are truncated. I presume that Mrs. Smith had a better photocopy from which to transcribe the second page. --motohays 22:35, 14 July 2014 (UTC) Mark A. Hays

Research Proving H.A. Hays is Harman A. Hays

The original research done by Madelon Wright Smith previously described in this WeRelate page.

On Oct. 13, 1832 Joseph KIrkpatrick to H.A. Hays

From 1830 - 1832 - Sumner County Loose Papers micro-film roll NO. A -5167 is found a lengthy law-suit State vs Wm. B. Drake - a libel suit. It concerned a libelous letter Drake had published in the "Gallatin Journal" . Wm. B. Drake was the brother of Sarah Drake who married Harmon's brother, Thomas Thompson Hays. The case drug (dragged) on for two years presenting depositions from across the country - Ala., KY., Miss., La., Memphis etc. - both for and against Hays.

As in all research such as this,concerning the positive identification of the persons in question, there are often doubts which arise. This is especially true when the conclusions reached are in conflict with those of other reliable researchers. In this case the doubts first arose over the fact that Harmon A. Hays' name was always recorded in Wilson Co. (and also in Mississippi) with the middle initial "A.". In early records most names are simply a first and last name. In cases where there is a second name or initial it was because there were one or more others with the same name and this distinguished one from the other. However,absolutely no other Harmon Hays has been found in records of Wilson Co. or nearby counties. Nevertheless; there are still doubts:

What if Nathaniel Hays who sold the Hermitage to Andrew Jackson in 1804 actually had a son Harmon? (As is stated in Mary Caldwell French's "Dangerous Example"). No one has been able to learn anything about that Nathaniel -where he went, his children etc.

One other doubt is about the letter written to Col. Robert Hays in 1819, presumably by Harmon A. Hays - listing the three children he had at that time. The writer of the letter was without doubt the father of Col Jack Hays, but was the signer really H.A. Hays? A person with no knowledge of the name would scarcely interpret it so.

It was in the papers of the very lengthy law-suit: Hays vs Drake in the Sumner Co. loose papers that the proof was found. On page 2271 is a letter written by Harmon A. Hays (no question of this). The signature of that letter is without doubt the same as the one on the 1819 letter. Thus it is certain that Harmon A. Hays did write the letter naming his son John Coffee, namesake of Gen'l John Coffee and he is the same Harmon A. Hays who was son of John and Rebecca Hays of Wilson County.

Signature Comparison - Letter to Col. Robert Hays & Drake Libel Suit

War of 1812 - Resignation as Lieutenant, 2nd Light Dragoons

I stumbled on this item by accident while searching Fold3 in their War of 1812 Collection, while researching my direct HAYS line.

There are many points of significance in this letter among those are:

1) The signature at the close of the letter and the style of handwriting can be compared with samples previously listed and from that :comparison one can reasonably conclude that this is the same Harmon A. Hays.

2) Most obviously, this is proof of service in the War of 1812 as an officer of the 2nd Light Dragoons. We now know

where Harmon was during this time and that he was encamped at Carlisle, Pennsylvania under Colonel Jacint Laval.

3) Finally, this is a clue that supports the lineage of Harman to John "Hermitage" Hays and Rebecca Maxwell Hays. In the letter

he states that the estate of his father is being devised. The letter is written in 1814 and the timing is reasonable as compared

approximated death date of John - late 1811. Many researchers have Col. Robert Hays as Harman's father and since Col. Robert died

at a later date than this letter was written, it seems indisputable that Robert is NOT Harman's father.

--motohays 00:09, 15 July 2014 (UTC) Mark A. Hays

Calisle, 18th July 1814

Dear Col.

There came to hand last evening a letter addressed to me from my mother stating that I must at all hazards be in Tennessee by the 20th August which is the day she states that the Estate of my father will be devised in consequence of the arrival of one of the heirs who lives in Mississippi Territory. My welfare depending greatly on my attention to this, I trust you accept of my resignation and allow me to return as speedily as possible.

Sir this is the situation I leave it to your consideration. It will take at least 25 days from here to Nashville, therefore I must beg an answer by the (day?).

Dear sir you will pardon me for liberty I have taken in addressing you this note and excuse the trouble.

Sir, I have the honor to be your most (?) and very (humble servant)?

Harman A. Hays

Lieut 2nd Light Dragoons

Col. Laval

(Col.)? in this event I must decline going to the city -- yours respectfully,

H A Hays

Letter to Secretary of War - Recall of Resignation

Lebanon Tennessee, September 20th 1814

Sir

On the 18th July last I tendered my resignation through Col. Laval in consequence of domestic affairs and the transfer of all the men recruited by me for the 2nd Light Dragoons to the 24th Infantry. At that time I thought myself much aggrieved but further reflection has satisfied me that the fault was alone in me and not recollecting the nature of the enlistment's government had the right of transferring mine from the Dragoons service to the infantry. Under present impressions and the situation of our government requires every man worthy the name of Freemen to join in the glorious contest for national rights and even existence induces me to help and request that my resignation may not be accepted of. I shall remain at my present place of residence and await the result of this communication and trust it may be forwarded without delay.

Sir I have the honor to be yours, respectfully,

H.A. Hays, Late Lt. Dragoons

Mr. H.[?]

Secretary at War

Andrew Jackson Letter to Wife Rachel - Reference to Harmon Hays

Fort Strother, March 4th 1814

My Dear,

You will receive this by Col. Hays who has visited me with Lieutenant Harmon Hays and Lemuel Donelson.

I am truly grateful to the Col. and my young friends for this visit. I admire Lt. Hays. He will become an important officer before the close of the war if it continues long. It gives me sincere pleasure to hear of his propriety of conduct and his bravery will make him become conspicuous. I am sorry that little Theodore is no more. I regret it on Andrew's account, I expect he lamented his loss. To amuse him and to make him forget the loss, I have ordered Col. Hays to convey Lyncoya to him. He is about the size of Theodore and much like him. I have got to wearing my coat sleeve and I hope ere long I will regain the use of my left arm. I have to thank God that I am blessed with tolerable health amidst my fatigue and loss of rest. For the news of the place and future prospects I refer you to Col. Hays, he can give you the whole. I am buried in preparations for a movement from this place, before I leave it I shall write you. With the continuous smiles of a beneficent overruling providence I do hope, after I make a movement, I shall put a speedy end to the Creek War which as soon as it is done, I shall without delay return to your arms.

With my sincere prayers for your health and contentment, I remain your affectionate husband.

Andrew Jackson

Mrs. Rachel Jackson

Notes

Data Extracted from Ancestry Publice Member Trees, 14 June 2014, for Harmon Hayes, b 1787:

1. ↑ Ancestry family member trees commonly give his POB as "Sumner", but do not give the state. There are many "Sumners" in the United States, but the only one in existence at the time of his birth is Sumner TN. Direct documentation is needed to support this.