Rutherford Birchard Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. He was a Republican from Ohio and was the first president to have served in the Civil War. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio on October 4, 1822. He was the son of Rutherford Hayes, Jr. and Sophia Birchard. His father was a storekeeper and farmer, and his mother was a teacher.
Hayes attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, graduating in 1842. He then attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1845. After graduating, Hayes returned to Ohio and began practicing law in Cincinnati. He was soon elected to the Ohio State Senate, where he served from 1859 to 1861.
During the Civil War, Hayes served in the Union Army, rising to the rank of major general. He was wounded five times during the war, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. After the war, Hayes returned to Ohio and resumed his law practice. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1864, and served until 1867.
In 1876, Hayes was nominated as the Republican candidate for president. He won the election, but it was a close race and was marred by allegations of fraud. Hayes was the first president to be elected by a single vote in the Electoral College.
As president, Hayes focused on civil service reform, advocating for a merit-based system of appointments. He also sought to reduce government spending and reduce the national debt. He also supported civil rights for African Americans, signing the Civil Rights Act of 1875.
Hayes also sought to improve relations with Native Americans, signing the Indian Appropriations Act of 1879. This act provided funds for Native American education and health care. He also sought to improve the economy, signing the Bland-Allison Act, which authorized the purchase of silver to increase the money supply.
Hayes was a popular president, and was re-elected in 1880. He left office in 1881, and returned to Ohio. He died in 1893, and is buried in Spiegel Grove, Ohio.
Rutherford B. Hayes was a president who sought to improve the lives of all Americans. He was a strong advocate for civil service reform, civil rights, and Native American rights. He was also a proponent of fiscal responsibility, and sought to reduce government spending and the national debt. His legacy is one of progress and reform, and he is remembered as one of the most important presidents in American history.