Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford Birchard Hayes (October 4, 1822 – January 17, 1893) was an American politician and military officer who served as the 19th President of the United States from 1877 to 1881. Born in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes was a Republican politician who gained prominence as a Union general during the American Civil War. His presidency followed one of the most controversial elections in American history—the 1876 presidential election against Democrat Samuel Tilden, which was decided by an Electoral Commission rather than a popular vote recount. Hayes's administration marked the end of Reconstruction, as he withdrew federal troops from the South, a decision that had profound and lasting consequences for African American rights and the rise of Jim Crow segregation. Despite this controversial decision, Hayes was generally considered an honest and reform-minded president who fought corruption and promoted civil service reform. After leaving office, he championed various causes including education, prison reform, and veterans' welfare, and served as president of the National Prison Association.