Biography:

Rutherford Hayes was the nineteenth President of the United States and the first US president to graduate from law school.
Hayes was born in Ohio and was raised by a single mother. His father died ten weeks before Hayes’ birth.  During the Civil War, he served as major general for the Union Army was wounded in battle five times, but continued to serve. Because of his bravery in battle, he quickly earned a reputation as war hero and, in 1864, was elected to serve in the United States House of Representatives.  He served from 1865-1867 and later became the Governor of Ohio from 1868-1872 and 1876-1877. 
In 1876, Hayes became the Republican presidential nominee, defeating popular republican politicians such as James G. Blaine and Roscoe Conkling.  His Democratic opponent, Samuel Tilden of New York, was a formidable opponent, excellent campaigner, and well-known reformer. 
The 1876 presidential election became one of the most contested in US history. The votes were so close that both candidates could claim victory in Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Oregon.  In order to decide the election, Congress organized a special electoral commission.  The fifteen member commission awarded the presidency to Hayes which led some to question the legitimacy of his presidency. Some Democrats nicknamed Hayes “Rutherfraud” and “His Fraudulency.”
Hayes sought to strengthen the presidency and to end the practice of political patronage.  His civil service reforms put him at constant odds with Senator Roscoe Conkling of New York. He served only one term and did not seek re-election in 1880.  He died in 1893.