Rutherford B. Hayes 19th U.S. President

Rutherford Birchard Hayes (born October 4, 1822 – died January 17, 1893) was an American lawyer, military officer, and politician who served as the 19th president of the United States from 1877 to 1881.

Born in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes studied law and built a successful legal career before entering politics. He served as a Union general during the Civil War and later as governor of Ohio, where he earned a reputation for honesty and reform.

His presidency was marked by the Compromise of 1877, which ended Reconstruction and withdrew federal troops from the South. Hayes also advocated for civil service reform and worked to modernize the federal government.

Though controversial for the way he assumed office, Hayes is remembered for his integrity and efforts to restore trust in the presidency during a turbulent political era.

Rutherford B. Hayes

Date of Birth: October 4, 1822

Place of Birth: Delaware, Ohio, U.S.

Nationality: American

Known for: 19th President of the United States, Compromise of 1877, Civil Service Reform

Presidency and Achievements

Hayes’s presidency was defined by his efforts to heal divisions following the Civil War. By overseeing the end of Reconstruction, he sought to reconcile North and South, though at the expense of African American civil rights. His push for merit-based civil service appointments laid the groundwork for later reforms.

Personal Life

Hayes was married to Lucy Webb Hayes, the first First Lady to graduate from college. Known as “Lemonade Lucy,” she was influential in promoting the temperance movement. Together, they had eight children.

Death and Legacy

Rutherford B. Hayes died on January 17, 1893, in Fremont, Ohio. His legacy is that of a president who prioritized integrity and reform during a contentious period in U.S. history.

Political & Military Career

Year(s) Position / Office Category Notes
Early Career & Law
1845 Admitted to the Ohio bar Legal career Lower Sandusky
1845–1849 Attorney in Lower Sandusky (Fremont) Legal practice Private law
1849–1861 Attorney in Cincinnati Legal practice Growing reputation
Military Service (American Civil War)
1861 Major, 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Military Union Army
1862 Lieutenant Colonel Military Wounded in action
1864 Colonel, 23rd Ohio Infantry Military Field command
1865 Brevet Major General Military War service honor
Congressional Career
1865–1867 U.S. Representative, Ohio (2nd district) Federal office 39th Congress
Executive Leadership — Ohio
1868–1872 Governor of Ohio (1st term) State executive Reform agenda
1876–1877 Governor of Ohio (3rd term) State executive Returned to office
Presidency of the United States
1877–1881 19th President of the United States Federal executive Compromise of 1877
1877 Withdrawal of federal troops from the South Presidential action End of Reconstruction
1877–1881 Civil service reform initiatives Domestic policy Merit appointments
1878 Veto of the Bland–Allison Act Economic policy Congress overrode
1879 Restoration of the gold standard Monetary policy Specie Resumption
Post-Presidency
1881–1893 Educational and reform advocacy Civic service Literacy causes
1887–1893 Trustee, John F. Slater Fund Philanthropy African American education

Legacy & Historical Assessment

  • Oversaw the formal end of Reconstruction through the Compromise of 1877.
  • Early advocate of civil service reform, anticipating the Pendleton Act.
  • Known for refusing a second presidential term, reinforcing one-term precedent.

References

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