Hayes Presidential Historian writes new biography of Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes, 19^th president of the United States, lived during a time of enormous change.

Born in 1822 in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes would go on to serve as a soldier in the Civil War, a congressman and governor of Ohio.

During his single term as president, he attempted to reunite a nation badly divided by war, repair a shaken economy and corrupt civil service and settle a harrowing labor dispute, among other troubles. His post-presidency years are rivaled only by President Jimmy Carter in his commitment to causes, activities and reform organizations.

In a new survey history book, Josh Dubbert, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums historian, examines Hayes’ life, service and accomplishments. “Rutherford B. Hayes: A Life of Service and Honor” was published this month by the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and is available for $19.99 in its Museum Store.

The book covers Hayes’ life and public service, from his days as a lawyer in Lower Sandusky (today Fremont, Ohio) and Cincinnati to his retirement years at his estate of Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio.

“My aim was to create a short and well-sourced volume that offered readers more information than a brochure or pamphlet but also felt less daunting than a full-length historical biography,” Dubbert said. “This book provides a solid background on Hayes, his life, and his presidency, and I hope it will inspire curiosity for a deeper look at Hayes’ story and era.”

Dubbert has been the historian at Hayes Presidential since 2023. His research focuses on Victorian America, particularly its culture, art, architecture and the era’s presidents. He enjoys giving tours of the Hayes Home and sharing the fascinating history of Hayes, his presidency, his family and his era with the public.

The book was designed by Kristina Smith, Hayes Presidential marketing/communications manager.

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 at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.