Findlay Times

The Ohio Senate has unanimously approved a bill to designate October 4 as "Rutherford B. Hayes Day." This initiative was led by Senators Bill Reineke and Andrew Brenner. Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth president of the United States, was among seven presidents born in Ohio.

Senator Reineke highlighted Hayes' significant contributions, noting that in 1879 he signed a law allowing women to be admitted to the Supreme Court Bar, impacting women's careers and education across America. He also emphasized Hayes' role in developing career technical education, which remains crucial for job creation in the American economy.

Senator Brenner remarked on Hayes' legacy and educational contributions. "President Hayes left a legacy that touched the lives of many," Brenner said. He noted that Hayes attended Kenyon College and Harvard Law School, practiced law in Sandusky and Cincinnati, and laid the foundation for Ohio State University as governor.

Hayes opposed slavery, which led him to join the Republican Party. A military hero of the Civil War, he rose to major general and was elected to Congress while still serving in the Army but declined his seat until after the Union's victory.

Before becoming president on March 4, 1877, Hayes served three terms as Ohio governor. He chose not to seek a second presidential term and retired to Fremont, Ohio. There he promoted universal education, worked on improving prison conditions, and advocated for veterans' pensions.