Rutherford Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes

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19th President of the United States

under the Constitution of 1787

RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES was born on October 22, 1822 in Delaware, Ohio, nearly three months after the death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. The elder Hayes had left his native Vermont in 1817 to emigrate to the West, bringing with him his wife, Sophia Birchard of Wilmington, Vermont, his two young children and his wife’s brother, Sardis Birchard. They settled in the town of Delaware, Ohio, where he purchased an interest in a distillery and built a considerable house. He died of the malarial epidemic that swept the region, leaving his wife with a child on the way, to the care of her brother.

Rutherford B. Hayes was a sickly child and when he was three years old, his older brother Lorenzo drowned, leaving his mother very apprehensive of young Rutherford’s health and well-being. She kept him from school in his early childhood and he became timid with an aversion to the rough and mischievous ways of other boys. The boy’s sole companion was his sister Fanny, a bright active tomboy, two years older than himself. When he did attend school, he was an excellent student and gave his teachers no trouble. His uncle Birchard, who had been devoted to the family, took a strong interest in the boy’s schooling and decided to send young Hayes to a tutor in Connecticut where he remained for a year. On his return, he was sent to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio and he graduated first in his class in 1842.

Hayes decided to pursue a law profession and began his studies at the office of Mr. Thomas Sparrow in Columbus. With his uncle’s approval, he attended Harvard Law School and received his degree in 1845. He was admitted to the Ohio bar and went into practice with Ralph P. Buckland in Fremont. This partnership lasted three years. Hayes uncle Sardis Birchard had by this time become a wealthy banker and the Hayes family was benefiting from his wealth. In 1849, young Hayes moved to Cincinnati, where he established his practice and made contact with some of the leading men of the city. He also renewed his friendship with his college schoolmate, Stanley Matthews and entered local politics in the new Republican Party. Within a few years he had made a name for himself as a criminal lawyer. Hayes mother had chosen a girl for him. She was Lucy Ware Webb, whom Hayes had first met at his home in Delaware when she was 15. They became engaged after she was graduated from Wesleyan Female College in Cincinnati and they were married in December 1852. Hayes was then 30 and Lucy, although only 21 was warmhearted, popular and very religious. Their first son, Birchard Austin, was born in 1853.

Hayes was a strong supporter of the Union, despite his hopes for a compromise on the issue of the Civil War. When the War broke out, he answered the call for troops in April 1861 and served the Union well for the next four years. He was wounded four times and had four horses shot out from under him. In the spring of 1865 he was placed in command of an expedition against Lynchburg when the war was brought to a close by Lee’s surrender.

Hayes was nominated and elected to Congress while still in the army, but he refused to leave his command until the war was over. He took his seat I the House in December 1865 and was reelected in 1866. He made few speeches and took no part in the debates over reconstruction and always voted along party lines. In 1867 and again in 1869, Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio. He proved a capable and economical administrator, taking great interest in prison reform and in hospitals for the mentally ill. His beloved sister Fanny had been hospitalized more than once for mental illness.

In 1873 Hayes decided he was finished with politics and he retired with is family to his uncle’s house, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont. His uncle died the following year and left the bulk of his large estate (mostly land) to Hayes. The Hayeses now had five children (three had died in childhood). The oldest boys, Birchard, Webb and Rutherford were at college. At home were Fanny, seven and Scott Russell, four. Hayes was the leading citizen of Fremont and was listed in the directory as a “capitalist”. His retirement was brief, however, after one year he was persuaded to run for Congress. He was defeated, but he ran again, this time for Governor of Ohio in 1875. Hayes defeated Democratic Governor William Allen, but only by 5,500 votes out of nearly 600,000 cast. Although his victory was narrow, his success made him a strong presidential possibility in 1876. The Republican Party liked him for many reasons, his integrity being one, and Hayes himself thought he had a good chance and actively sought and received their nomination.

Hayes Democratic opponent in 1876 was Samuel J. Tilden, the Governor of New York. When the election returns were counted, Tilden had won the popular vote by about 247,448 out of a total cast of 8,320,592. However, both men claimed an electoral vote victory. There had been a controversy pending for some time in Congress regarding the manner that the Electoral votes of several states were counted and declared. The dispute was settled by the appointment of the Electoral Commission of 1877. On March 2, 1877, the result of the proceedings was the declaration of Rutherford B. Hayes by a vote of 185 electoral votes to Tilden’s 184.

On March 5, 1877, Hayes was inaugurated. He realized that the presidency was weak and the Congress strong, and he did not please many legislators with the tone of his inauguration speech. “He serves his party best who serves his country best” was his much-quoted statement. In April the last of the federal troops were withdrawn from the South and the long period of reconstruction after the Civil War was finally ended.

Rutherford B. Hayes Partly-printed 1879 military commission signed  as President
and co-signed by Secretary of War George McCrary 

In June 1877, Hayes issued an executive order directing federal workers not to take part in the management of political parties and campaigns and forbade the parties to demand contributions from federal employees. His administration uncovered a civil service scandal in the New York Custom House. Many of its employees (Chester a. Arthur, later president of the United States, and Alonzo B. Cornell, later Governor of New York, among them) ignored their jobs and worked instead at Republican Party politics. Hayes sponsored a bill in Congress for broad civil service reform and although the bill was defeated, it brought public awareness to the need for reform.

Hayes firmness and disregard of all matters but those of principle and conviction were displayed on many occasions. His purity of purpose, courage and consistency were rarely questioned, but his Democratic opposition was bitter and the support of Republicans was at best mediocre. He opposed the reelection of Presidents and affirmed his not being a candidate for reelection under any circumstances. He advocated an amendment to the constitution extending the president’s term to six years and prohibiting reelections. At the end of his term, Hayes retired quietly to his home in Fremont, Ohio. His public career ended with his retirement and he led a tranquil life, appearing as a distinguished guest at many public celebrations and reunions.

Hayes died on January 17, 1893 at Spiegel Grove, his home in Fremont, Ohio, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Lucy Ware Webb Hayes

(1831–1889)

Lucy Ware Webb Hayes (1831–1889) was a First Lady of the United States known for her warmth, compassion, strong religious faith, and dedication to social causes. Born on August 28, 1831, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Lucy was the youngest child of Dr. James Webb, a physician and successful merchant, and Maria Cook Webb. Her father passed away when Lucy was only two, leaving her mother to raise Lucy and her two older brothers. Maria Webb, a devoted abolitionist and a woman of strong moral convictions, instilled in Lucy a commitment to education, faith, and social justice, qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Lucy’s education was progressive for a young woman of her era. Her mother, determined to give her daughter every advantage, moved the family to Delaware, Ohio, where Lucy attended local schools before enrolling at the Wesleyan Female College in Cincinnati. Founded by the Methodist Church, Wesleyan Female College emphasized not only academics but also moral and social responsibility. Lucy thrived at Wesleyan, becoming known for her intelligence, kindness, and dedication to causes such as temperance and abolition. In 1850, she graduated with honors, one of the first women in the United States to earn a college degree, an accomplishment that set her apart and earned her great respect.

Lucy first met Rutherford B. Hayes, then a promising young lawyer, at his family’s home in Delaware, Ohio, when she was only 15. Although they did not become romantically involved until later, a strong friendship developed between them. By the time Lucy graduated from college, their friendship had blossomed into love. Hayes admired Lucy’s intelligence, kindness, and firm moral values, while Lucy respected Hayes’s ambition, integrity, and commitment to justice. They became engaged soon after her graduation, and on December 30, 1852, they were married in a small, intimate ceremony in Cincinnati. Lucy was 21, and Hayes, 30. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in mutual respect, love, and shared values, particularly their commitment to the abolitionist cause and social reform.

The Hayeses settled in Cincinnati, where Rutherford established a successful law practice. Their family quickly grew, and their first son, Birchard Austin Hayes, was born in 1853. Over the years, they would have eight children, five of whom survived to adulthood. Lucy was a devoted mother, actively involved in her children’s upbringing, and she worked to instill in them the same principles of kindness, morality, and civic responsibility that she and Rutherford valued.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Rutherford enlisted in the Union Army, eventually rising to the rank of major general. Lucy supported her husband’s service wholeheartedly, though the separation was difficult. She frequently visited him at camp, bringing food, supplies, and encouragement to him and his fellow soldiers. Known as “Mother Lucy” to the men, she became a beloved figure within the Union ranks for her compassion and dedication. Her commitment to supporting the troops further deepened her lifelong dedication to serving others, especially in times of need.

Lucy’s public life expanded further when Rutherford was elected to Congress in 1865. Although she preferred a quiet family life, she embraced her role as a political wife, using her position to advocate for the causes she believed in. As an outspoken abolitionist, she supported Reconstruction efforts and worked to improve the rights and education of formerly enslaved individuals. She also became a strong proponent of the temperance movement, believing that alcohol had a destructive influence on families and communities.

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes became the 19th President of the United States after a controversial election that was ultimately decided by Congress. As First Lady, Lucy brought her characteristic warmth and moral principles to the White House, quickly earning the respect and admiration of the public. Nicknamed “Lemonade Lucy” for her staunch support of temperance, she famously banned alcohol from White House functions, a move that aligned with her beliefs but also sparked controversy and satire in the press. Despite this, Lucy remained popular, with many Americans admiring her commitment to living her values.

Lucy’s tenure as First Lady was marked by her dedication to social causes and her support for the less fortunate. She was the first First Lady to be widely recognized as a social advocate, and her interests included veterans’ welfare, orphan care, and education. She opened the White House to diverse visitors, including veterans, orphans, and members of marginalized communities, and held weekly receptions where people from all walks of life were welcomed. Her generosity and openhearted nature earned her the love and respect of the public, and she was often described as the “people’s First Lady.”

Lucy Hayes was also the first First Lady to champion women’s education and literacy publicly, and she encouraged her husband’s policies in support of improved schooling for all Americans, including women and African Americans. Her efforts to improve the White House grounds and her interest in public health initiatives—such as her support for Washington, D.C.’s sanitary conditions—were considered progressive and forward-thinking for her time. The Hayeses also hosted the first Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn, a tradition that continues today.

When Rutherford’s term ended in 1881, the couple returned to their beloved home, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, Ohio. Although they retired from public life, Lucy remained active in social causes, especially within her local community. She continued her involvement in temperance and education and supported her husband’s efforts to establish schools and libraries.

Lucy Hayes passed away on June 25, 1889, at the age of 57, after a brief illness. Her death was a profound loss to her family and to the many communities she had touched through her advocacy and compassion. She was remembered not only as a devoted wife and mother but also as a pioneer in using the role of First Lady to advocate for social causes and public good. Her legacy as a First Lady who championed moral causes and inclusivity paved the way for future First Ladies who would take on active roles in public policy and social reform.

Today, Lucy Hayes is remembered as one of the most compassionate and morally principled First Ladies in American history. Her contributions to social reform, her unwavering support for her husband’s career, and her role as a progressive advocate for education and women’s rights have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America 

For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here]. 

Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents 

Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776

Peyton Randolph	September 5, 1774	October 22, 1774
Henry Middleton	October 22, 1774	October 26, 1774
Peyton Randolph	May 20, 1775	May 24, 1775
John Hancock	May 25, 1775	July 1, 1776

Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America

George Washington: June 15, 1775 - December 23, 1783

Continental Congress of the United States Presidents 
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781

John Hancock	July 2, 1776	October 29, 1777
Henry Laurens	November 1, 1777	December 9, 1778
John Jay	December 10, 1778	September 28, 1779
Samuel Huntington	September 29, 1779	February 28, 1781

Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789

Samuel Huntington	March 1, 1781	July 6, 1781
Samuel Johnston	July 10, 1781	Declined Office
Thomas McKean	July 10, 1781	November 4, 1781
John Hanson	November 5, 1781	November 3, 1782
Elias Boudinot	November 4, 1782	November 2, 1783
Thomas Mifflin	November 3, 1783	June 3, 1784
Richard Henry Lee	November 30, 1784	November 22, 1785
John Hancock	November 23, 1785	June 5, 1786
Nathaniel Gorham	June 6, 1786	February 1, 1787
Arthur St. Clair	February 2, 1787	January 21, 1788
Cyrus Griffin	January 22, 1788	January 21, 1789

Articles of Confederation Congress
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions

USCA	Session Dates	USCA Convene Date	President(s)
First	03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781*	03-02-1781	Samuel Huntington &  Thomas McKean
Second	11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782	11-05-1781	John Hanson
Third	11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783	11-04-1782	Elias Boudinot
Fourth	11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784	11-03-1783	Thomas Mifflin
Fifth	11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785	11-29-1784	Richard Henry Lee
Sixth	11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786	11-23-1785	John Hancock &  Nathaniel Gorham
Seventh	11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787	02-02-1787	Arthur St. Clair
Eighth	11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788	01-21-1788	Cyrus Griffin
Ninth	11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789**	None	None

* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new  United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781.  The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.  

** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.

Presidents of the United States of America

1789 - Present

POTUS - CLICK HERE

United Colonies and States First Ladies

1774 - Present

FLOTUS - CLICK HERE

Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America

Philadelphia	Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774	City Tavern & Carpenter’s Hall
Philadelphia	May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776	Pennsylvania State House
Baltimore	Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777	Henry Fite’s House
Philadelphia	March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777	Pennsylvania State House
Lancaster	September 27, 1777	Lancaster  Court House
York	Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778	York-town Court House
Philadelphia	July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783	College Hall - PA State House
Princeton	June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783	Prospect House - Nassau Hall
Annapolis	Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784	Maryland, State House
Trenton	Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784	French Arms Tavern
New York City	Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788	New York City Hall
New York City	October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789	Walter Livingston House
New York City	March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790	Federal Hall
Philadelphia	Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800	Congress Hall
Washington DC	November 17,1800 to Present	Two US Capitol Buildings

Chart Comparing Presidential Powers - Click Here

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Edited: Open AI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model] - https://chatgpt.com