In the turbulent frontier days of the Lone Star State of Texas, the continual conflict with Mexico and attacks by marauding Indians attracted many brave and reckless men to the lawless land. On of these, nineteen-year-old Jack Hays, a Tennessean by birth, volunteered in the Texas army, eager to serve the cause of Sam Houston, heroic first president of the Republic.

Though Jack's opportunities for fighting were infrequent at first, his courage and youthful daring enhanced his reputation as one of the worthiest soldiers in the struggle for Texas independence. With the threat of a new invasion from Mexico, he was given permission to form his own frontier company—and the Texas Rangers were born.

In the years that followed, Jack Hays and his Texas Rangers became one of the most important and effective law-enforcement bodies in the West. When Texas joined the Union, the famed Rangers became a regiment in the regular army, where Hays served for many years. The end of the war with Mexico saw Jack a renowned, happily married man, anxious to stop fighting forever. Seeking other ventures, he headed a government-sponsored expedition to California and settled there. His fame followed him and he was elected sheriff of San Francisco and successfully tamed that wild and bustling city. His efforts to create a thriving community in California resulted in the founding of Oakland.

The life of Jack Hays—the first Texas Ranger—was blessed with achievement and filled with the excitement and adventure of conquering new lands. Here is an exciting story of one of the most colorful heroes in American history.

From the dust jacket

The First Texas Ranger was begun at least ten years ago, Mr. Bishop says. "In 1956 I finally collected all my notes and submitted them to Messner. I felt that too many books for young people were 'written down'. Too many books about Texas failed to include the historical importance of the republic which functioned on its own for almost ten years and then entered the Union by its own choice. I consider the band of Rangers who rode with Hays the most colorful heroes of his adopted state, and Hays himself is certainly a hero of note—at all times a gentleman, a tender father and a trailblazer who was determined to 'amount to something', which he did."

Author info taken from the book