Rutherford B. Hayes

Date of Birth: October 4, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 17, 1893

Biography

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. Born in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes had a distinguished career as a lawyer and served as a soldier in the Civil War, eventually rising to the rank of brevet major general. After the war, he entered politics and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as Governor of Ohio. Hayes became President after one of the most fiercely contested elections in American history. The Election of 1876 saw Hayes running against Samuel J. Tilden, with disputes over electoral votes leading to the Compromise of 1877. This agreement resulted in Hayes becoming President in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending the Reconstruction era. As President, Hayes focused on civil service reform and sought to bring an end to the corrupt practices that had plagued previous administrations. He also attempted to reconcile the divisions left by the Civil War and worked toward the protection of civil rights for African Americans, though with limited success. After his presidency, Hayes retired to his home, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, Ohio, where he remained active in various educational and humanitarian causes until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Rutherford B. Hayes

1. Rutherford B. Hayes was the first President to take the oath of office in the White House.

2. He was wounded multiple times during the Civil War, including a significant injury at the Battle of South Mountain.

3. Hayes was a staunch advocate for education and served as a trustee of Ohio State University.

4. His election was decided by an Electoral Commission after a highly contested vote count, leading to the Compromise of 1877.

5. Hayes was a teetotaler and banned alcohol from the White House during his presidency.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rutherford B. Hayes

1. “He serves his party best who serves the country best.”

2. “Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier’s occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone.”

3. “Conscience is the authentic voice of God to you.”

4. “Free government cannot long endure if property is largely in a few hands and large masses of people are unable to earn homes, education, and a support in old age.”

5. “The best religion the world has ever known is the religion of the Bible. It builds up all that is good and true.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rutherford B. Hayes’ net worth was modest in comparison to modern standards, but it is estimated that he achieved a net worth of around $3 million (adjusted for inflation).

Children

Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy Webb Hayes, had eight children: 1. Birchard Austin Hayes (1853–1926) 2. Webb Cook Hayes (1856–1934) 3. Rutherford Platt Hayes (1858–1927) 4. Joseph Thompson Hayes (1861–1863, died in infancy) 5. George Crook Hayes (1864–1866, died in infancy) 6. Fanny Hayes Smith (1867–1950) 7. Scott Russell Hayes (1871–1923) 8. Manning Force Hayes (1873–1874, died in infancy)