Oct. 4 is Rutherford B. Hayes Day in Ohio after governor signs Senate Bill 21 into law

President Rutherford B. Hayes’ birthday, Oct. 4, is now officially “Rutherford B. Hayes Day” in Ohio after Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill making the day official on Thursday, June 5.

Senate Bill 21 made Hayes’ birthday a special day honoring the president’s contributions to the state as a native Ohioan and former congressman and governor, as well as to the nation as a Civil War veteran and U.S. president.

Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, and Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, sponsored the bill. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio, and Reineke represents the district that includes Fremont, Ohio, where Hayes had his summer home that became his retirement home at Spiegel Grove, which is the site of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.

“President Rutherford B. Hayes developed career tech, and to this day we use him as our model for helping people find their true career path,” said Reineke, referencing Hayes’ strong support of education in skilled trades. “I am glad we have a day to recognize all his accomplishments.”

In a news release after the bill unanimously passed the Ohio Senate in February, Brenner discussed Hayes’ work as an attorney in Fremont and Cincinnati, as well as his strong advocacy for access to education for all. Hayes attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, for his undergraduate schooling and received his law degree from Harvard University. He was the first U.S. president to have a law degree.

"President Hayes left a legacy that touched the lives of many," Brenner said. “A longstanding advocate and steward for education, President Hayes is also known for his efforts as governor, including laying the foundation for Ohio State University by appointing trustees and getting the ball rolling."

Hayes was most proud of his Civil War service, where he rose to the rank of general. For the rest of his life, he preferred to be called “General Hayes,” even while he was president and after the presidency.

Hayes was elected governor of Ohio three times before he became president. He served from 1877-1881 and said from the outset that he would not seek a second term. After leaving the White House, he and First Lady Lucy Hayes retired to Spiegel Grove.

Hayes continued to support universal education, worked to improve prison conditions and fought to help veterans receive their pensions. He and Lucy were also very active in helping children who were orphaned during the Civil War.

Hayes Presidential is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue.

For information, call 419/332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram and X at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.