Rutherford B. Hayes
(October 4, 1822 – January 17, 1893)
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was the 19th President of the United States (1877–1881). A lawyer, Union Army general, and Republican politician, Hayes is best known for leading the nation during the turbulent end of Reconstruction and the transition into the Gilded Age. He was also a strong advocate for civil service reform and education.
Early Life and Education
- Born: October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio.
- Hayes was raised by his widowed mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, after his father died before his birth.
- Attended Kenyon College, graduating as valedictorian in 1842.
- Earned a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1845.
Military Service
- Hayes joined the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of major general.
- He was wounded multiple times and earned a reputation for bravery in battles such as the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Cedar Creek.
Political Career
Pre-Presidency
- U.S. House of Representatives (1865–1867): Advocated for Reconstruction and the rights of freedmen.
- Governor of Ohio (1868–1872, 1876): Focused on education reform and fiscal responsibility.
Presidency (1877–1881)
- Hayes’s presidency was shaped by the disputed Election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877.
- In exchange for his presidency, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction.
- Key focuses:
- Civil Service Reform: Advocated for merit-based appointments and restricted political activities of federal employees.
- Labor Unrest: Suppressed the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 with federal troops, reflecting tensions between labor and capital.
- Native American Policy: Supported assimilation but oversaw conflicts like the Nez Perce War.
- Foreign Policy: Vetoed early attempts at Chinese exclusion while maintaining friendly international relations.
Post-Presidency
- After leaving office, Hayes devoted himself to public service:
- Advocated for universal education, particularly for African Americans.
- Supported prison reform and improved veterans’ benefits.
Death and Legacy
- Hayes died on January 17, 1893, at his home in Fremont, Ohio.
- His presidency is often seen as transitional, focused on stabilizing the country after the divisive Reconstruction period. While his administration faced criticism for ending Reconstruction, Hayes’s commitment to reform and reconciliation is acknowledged.
Quick Facts
- Born: October 4, 1822
- Died: January 17, 1893
- Party: Republican
- Vice President: William A. Wheeler
- Nickname: “Rutherfraud” Hayes (due to the disputed 1876 election)