Fourth Generation

88. Rutherford Hayes Sr.⁴ was born on 29 July 1756 in Branford, New Haven, CT. He died on 25 September 1836 in West Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT. 1778 and for years later he was an a well know blacksmith in Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT.⁴ Rutherford was an inn-keeper in Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT.⁴ He was an a farmer in West Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT "at the old 'Hayes homestead'.".⁴ He was a blacksmith, a tavern keeper and a farmer.
Belinda Elliot McLellan wrote, Dec. 8, 1870, about him:
"Grandfather I recollect as a neat, fat, wholesome looking old gentleman; his face rosy and round - almost free from wrinkles. I think he had some little pride about his looks. I can remember seeing him stand before the glass to adjust his wig to the exact poise, and then with his hand brush down his coat collar and vest. He kept his hands remarkably white, and washed and washed them when soiled in the least.

I heard Grandmother once joke him upon so much washing and his speaking a little quickly for him "perhaps you don't wash enough". She looked hurt and replied a little sadly "perhaps not" - when he answered " I didn't say it was so. I only said perhaps". I rather think this was as near as they ever came to a quarrel!

Grandfather's laugh was a most uproarious one. His fat sides shook and his voice came hale and hearty from lungs that I venture to say had no tubercular deposits among them. At family prayer it was his custom to stand at the back of a chair, and his voice subdued and child like. One thing was remarkable about him. He always said he had enough of this world's goods to carry them through, and took no farther anxious thought about it. He believed in enjoying himself and taking the good of what he had"

Horatio Smith Noyes, Newtonville, Mass. wrote on Jan. 14, 1871, sent to RBH

"Rutherford Hayes, Sr. was a man of about the same height and size as Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1869. He had a very square step, which bordered upon a waddle late in life...His complexion was florid and his hair sandy...His temper was mild and uniform, and his manners courteous. He was fond of good living, and delighted above all things in a bowl of New Haven Oysters, and for many years made an annual visit to his old New Haven home, as much, perhaps , of the purpose of tickling his palate with the delicious bivalves, as of indulging his social and friendly propensities, which were strong and active. He was a good blacksmith, and I have often heard him extol that trade, saying that although it "was a smutty, black business, it brought white money". In the course of a few years, his sturdy blows on the anvil pounded out quite a snug little sum of silver, with which he bought the old homestead in West Brattleboro, and turned inn-keeper. In this new business, he was equally successful, being of a temperament well qualified for it, being materially assisted therein also by the industry and skill of Grandmother, and fortunate in the location of the inn. Hayes' tavern was famous the country round for good cooking, and the flip concocted there was something marvelous..."
Complete article is held at the Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, OH

More description of Rutherford Hayes can be found on pages 38-39 in George Hayes of Windsor (Hayes, 1884).

Rutherford Hayes Sr. and Chloe Smith were married in 1779 in Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT.⁴ Chloe Smith was born on 10 November 1762 in South Hadley, Hampshire Co., MA. She died on 7 February 1847 in West Brattleboro, Windham Co., VT. From RBH Diary, Feb. 18, 1844-
"Grandmother was very industrious all her life. She is almost eighty and retains the use of her mental facilities in a good degree of perfection. Her good strong sense and great industry have made her very useful to all who have had anything to do with her..."

Rutherford Hayes Sr. and Chloe Smith had the following children:

+250	i.	Polly Hayes.
+251	ii.	Linda Hayes.
+252	iii.	Russell Hayes.
+253	iv.	Rutherford Hayes Jr..
+254	v.	Clarissa Hayes.
+255	vi.	Sarah "Sally" Hayes.
+256	vii.	Abigail Hayes.
+257	viii.	Fanny Hayes.
+258	ix.	William Rutherford Hayes.
259	x.	Hayes died 3 weeks old.
260	xi.	Hayes died stillborn.