Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th president of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. Born in Delaware, Ohio on October 4, 1822, he was a lawyer and served as a Union officer in the Civil War. Hayes also held several political offices, including governor of Ohio. His presidency is best known for ending Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South and promoting civil service reform. After leaving office, he remained active in education and veterans’ affairs until his death in 1893.