The Life, Public Services and Select Speeches of Rutherford B. Hayes

A detailed biography recounts Rutherford B. Hayes's ancestry, childhood, education, and early legal practice, then chronicles his Civil War service with vivid accounts of engagements, wounds, and promotions. It follows his postwar political career in Congress and during multiple terms as Ohio governor, documenting campaigns, platforms, public addresses, annual messages, and efforts at civil service reform. Interwoven are personal letters, military reports, and selected speeches that illustrate his character, political principles, and administrative priorities across military and civic life.