Rutherford B. Hayes
The 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes was a republican that was in office from 1877 until 1881. After months of dispute, he won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote, similar to the 2000 elections, resulting in the same outcome of him becoming president. Hayes even had the support of famous author Mark Twain. Acting as governor of Ohio for three terms, before his presidency, Hayes began his political career as a part of the now non-existent Whig party. Hayes was a supporter of expanding the black community’s civil rights, although the Democratic majority of Congress ended up getting in the way of his efforts. A famous advocate for civil service exams, Hayes wanted to ensure that people in the government earned their jobs rather than just getting in through political ties they had. This advocacy eventually became the Pendleton Act. The first college-educated first lady, Hayes’ wife vouched for the first alcohol-free White House.
Rutherford B. Hayes
Zachary Taylor
Nicknamed ” Old Rough and Ready”, Zachary Taylor was the 12th US President and is known for his time in office being so brief. Before starting his career in politics, Taylor was a war hero due to his leadership skills during his military service, earning him his nickname. Renowned for being a war hero in the Mexican-American War, Taylor was the last leader of the Whig Party to become the president. Beginning his time in office in March of 1849, Taylor was very focused on the slavery debate, leaning towards the anti-slavery side even though he himself has slaves at the time. While in office, Taylor encouraged California and New Mexico to become states. Unfortunately, Taylor died with in office on July 9, 1850 after being sick with cholera just a few days prior. His untimely death led to people speculating if his abrupt sickness was due to his consuming milk and ice water that must have been infected or the large amount of cherries he ate on the 4th of July.
Zachary Taylor
