50 Facts About President Rutherford B. Hayes

Early Life and Education

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, had a fascinating early life and education that shaped his future.

1. Born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes was the youngest of five children.
2. His father, Rutherford Hayes Jr., died before he was born, leaving his mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, to raise him.
3. Hayes attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1842.
4. He later studied law at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1845.

Military Service

Hayes's military service during the Civil War played a significant role in his rise to prominence.

5. Hayes joined the Union Army in 1861, starting as a major in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
6. He was wounded five times during the war, showing remarkable bravery and resilience.
7. By the end of the war, Hayes had risen to the rank of brevet major general.
8. Future President William McKinley served under Hayes in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Political Career Before Presidency

Before becoming President, Hayes had a notable political career in Ohio.

9. Hayes served as the city solicitor of Cincinnati from 1858 to 1861.
10. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1864, serving until 1867.
11. Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio three times, in 1867, 1869, and 1875.
12. As governor, he supported the establishment of a state school for the blind and a state reform school for girls.

Presidential Election of 1876

The election of 1876 was one of the most contentious in American history.

13. Hayes ran as the Republican candidate against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden.
14. Tilden won the popular vote, but 20 electoral votes were disputed.
15. A special Electoral Commission awarded all 20 disputed votes to Hayes, giving him a one-vote victory in the Electoral College.
16. Hayes became President through the Compromise of 1877, which ended Reconstruction in the South.

Presidency (1877-1881)

Hayes's presidency was marked by efforts to reform government and promote civil rights.

17. Hayes ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South.
18. He advocated for civil service reform, leading to the creation of the Civil Service Commission.
19. Hayes vetoed the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase silver, but Congress overrode his veto.
20. He supported the education of African Americans and appointed several African Americans to federal positions.

Personal Life

Hayes's personal life was filled with interesting facts and achievements.

21. He married Lucy Webb in 1852, who became the first First Lady to have a college degree.
22. Lucy Hayes was known as "Lemonade Lucy" because she banned alcohol from the White House.
23. The couple had eight children, five of whom survived to adulthood.
24. Hayes was an avid reader and had a personal library of over 12,000 books.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Hayes continued to contribute to society in various ways.

25. Hayes retired to his home, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, Ohio.
26. He served as the first president of the National Prison Reform Association.
27. Hayes advocated for universal education and supported the establishment of Ohio State University.
28. He was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Slater Fund for the Education of Freedmen.

Legacy

Hayes's legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting his contributions to American society.

29. Hayes is often remembered for his efforts to reform the civil service and promote education.
30. His presidency marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era in the South.
31. Hayes's commitment to civil rights laid the groundwork for future reforms.
32. Spiegel Grove, his home, is now a museum and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.

Fun Facts

Here are some lesser-known, fun facts about Rutherford B. Hayes.

33. Hayes was the first president to use a telephone in the White House.
34. His phone number was simply "1."
35. He was the first president to have a typewriter in the White House.
36. Hayes was an animal lover and had several pets, including a dog named Grim.

Interesting Anecdotes

Some interesting anecdotes highlight Hayes's unique personality and experiences.

37. Hayes was known for his sense of humor and often told jokes to lighten the mood.
38. He once saved a drowning man while on vacation in Rhode Island.
39. Hayes was an early riser and often took long walks before breakfast.
40. He was a skilled fencer and enjoyed practicing the sport in his spare time.

Historical Impact

Hayes's impact on American history is significant, with lasting effects on various aspects of society.

41. His efforts to reform the civil service helped pave the way for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
42. Hayes's support for education influenced the establishment of several educational institutions.
43. His presidency marked a turning point in the relationship between the federal government and the Southern states.
44. Hayes's commitment to civil rights inspired future leaders to continue the fight for equality.

Final Years

Hayes's final years were spent in reflection and continued public service.

45. He wrote extensively about his experiences, leaving behind a valuable historical record.
46. Hayes remained active in various social causes until his death.
47. He passed away on January 17, 1893, at the age of 70.
48. Hayes was buried at Spiegel Grove, his beloved home in Fremont, Ohio.

Commemoration

Hayes's life and achievements are commemorated in various ways.

49. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, Ohio, preserves his legacy.
50. Hayes is honored with a statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol.

Reflecting on Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, left a lasting impact on American history. From his controversial election to his efforts in civil service reform, Hayes' presidency was marked by significant events and decisions. His commitment to ending Reconstruction and promoting civil rights, though met with mixed reactions, shaped the nation's trajectory.

Hayes' dedication to education and veterans' welfare demonstrated his forward-thinking approach. His personal life, filled with interesting anecdotes and lesser-known facts, adds depth to his historical image. Whether it's his love for croquet or his role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, Hayes' legacy is multifaceted.

Understanding these facts about Hayes not only enriches our knowledge of American history but also provides insight into the complexities of leadership during a transformative period. His story reminds us that history is full of nuances and unexpected turns.