How Well Do You Know Rutherford B. Hayes?

Photo by Matthew Brady

I once memorized the names of all the U.S. presidents, in order, by using a mnemonic device. It seems like at a relatively early age I knew the first seven presidents, but after seven it wasn't until Lincoln through Grant that I had certainty again. From Garfield to Teddy Roosevelt I was in a dead zone, where names floated without roots. I knew that there was a space between Grover Cleveland's two terms, but whom it was eluded me. The twentieth century flowed more easily, the war president Wilson and FDR more anchored in their respective historical events. But the grey zones required more assistance.

Mnemonic devices are memory aids, like a catchy phrase, acronym, rhyme, or image, that helps you remember complex or large amounts of information by creating simple, memorable associations for easier recall. An example might be the phrase "Every Good Boy Deserves Favor" as a means of memorizing the musical notes on the treble clef in written music. (EGBDF)

Another kind of memory device, which I use frequently, is to imagine silly pictures. For example, beginning with Jackson you visualize a man with 7 jacks in his hand (assuming you know what jacks are). The man has medium length hair which suddenly sprouts and grows very long very quickly. This is William Henry Harrison. The man tosses the jacks aside so he can put on his tie. This is John Tyler. Once his tie is tied, he picks up a cane and starts poking a tailor who's sewing a patch on a hole in the knee of his  pants. This is James Polk and Zachary Taylor. Through a window in the background we see a dentist working on someone's teeth. The man in the chair has lots of cavities, so he says, "Fill more!" Which is, of course, Millard Fillmore, our 13th president.

I assume you get the picture.

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, served from 1877 to 1881. I became acquainted with him while doing research with a friend for a Wild West novel that takes place during that time period. The Hayes presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the aftermath of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and economic turmoil. Despite facing a contentious election and entering office under disputed circumstances, Hayes pursued policies aimed at healing the nation and promoting reform.

One of the most notable aspects of Hayes's presidency was his commitment to civil service reform. He advocated for merit-based appointments and sought to end the patronage system (a.k.a. spoils system), which had long been a source of corruption in government. The work he did was later signed into law by Chester Arthur as the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, laying the groundwork for a professionalized and impartial civil service system.

 

Hayes also made efforts to address the lingering divisions between North and South in the aftermath of the Civil War. He withdrew federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and allowing Southern states to regain control over their governments. While this decision was controversial and drew criticism from civil rights advocates, it was seen as a step towards reconciliation and the restoration of self-governance.

 

Economically, Hayes faced challenges stemming from the Panic of 1873, a severe economic depression that gripped the nation. He advocated for fiscal responsibility and sought to restore confidence in the economy through measures such as the resumption of specie payments, as opposed to fiat money, which aimed to return the country to the gold standard. Despite facing resistance from some quarters, Hayes's economic policies helped stabilize the nation's finances and lay the groundwork for future economic growth.

 

Hayes's presidency was also notable for its foreign policy achievements. He also pursued a policy of diplomatic engagement and sought to expand American influence abroad. Hayes successfully negotiated the end of the Virginius Affair, a diplomatic crisis with Spain, and secured concessions from China through the Burlingame Treaty.

 

In summary, Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency was characterized by efforts to promote reform, reconciliation, and economic stability. While facing numerous challenges, Hayes pursued policies aimed at uniting the nation and advancing its interests both at home and abroad. Despite his unusual first name (How many Rutherford's do you know?), his legacy as a principled leader and reformer endures in American history.