Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. Born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes was a lawyer and staunch Republican. His presidency is notable for bringing an end to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. He worked to restore Southern states to the Union and attempted to establish new standards of government integrity after a period of corruption in Washington, D.C.Hayes won the presidency in one of the most contested elections in American history, which was ultimately decided by a special electoral commission. He was also known for his reform efforts, including civil service reforms to reduce patronage, and he supported measures to protect the rights of African Americans in the South. Despite these efforts, his decision to withdraw federal troops from the South was seen by many as a betrayal to the cause of Reconstruction.Hayes had promised to serve only one term, and he kept that promise, retiring after his presidency. He passed away on January 17, 1893, in Fremont, Ohio.
