Presidential Resources Online

Rutherford B. Hayes 1877 - 1881

Picture of Rutherford B. Hayes
    Born in Ohio in 1822, Rutherford B. Hayes as a young man was graduated from Harvard Law School, and became a distingushed lawyer in his local community of Lower Sandusky.  He served in The Civil War (1861-65) and despite never campaigning, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1865.  In 1867 he was elected Governor of Ohio, and served 3 terms.  In 1876 he was elected President as a Republican.  Hayes' election was contested because disputed votes prevented both he and his opponent, Samuel Tilden, from a majority in the electoral college.  Due to a deal between the Republican Party and the Southern states, a congressional commission gave the election to Hayes.  As President Hayes sought to reform the Republican Party to represent business interests.  He also sought, unsuccessfully, to establish a strong Republican party in The South.  Hayes did not seek a second term, and he died in 1893 at his home in Ohio.
 
 

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