# Lucy Webb Hayes

> First Lady of the United States from 1877 to 1881

**Wikidata**: [Q234275](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234275)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Webb_Hayes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lucy-webb-hayes

## Summary
Lucy Webb Hayes was the First Lady of the United States from 1877 to 1881, serving alongside her husband, President Rutherford B. Hayes. As a prominent figure in American history, she is recognized for her advocacy of temperance and her support for the abolition of slavery. Her tenure as First Lady marked a significant period in the nation's social and political landscape.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 28, 1831
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Attended Ohio Wesleyan University
- **Known for**: First Lady of the United States (1877–1881), advocate for temperance and abolition
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations**: Supported her husband's political career, including his presidency
- **Field(s)**: Public service, social advocacy

## Contributions
Lucy Webb Hayes is noted for her social activism, particularly her support for the temperance movement and the abolition of slavery. During her time in the White House, she famously refused to serve alcohol at official functions, reflecting her commitment to temperance. Her advocacy influenced public discourse on these issues during the late 19th century.

## FAQs
**What was Lucy Webb Hayes' role as First Lady?**  
She served as First Lady from 1877 to 1881, focusing on social reform and promoting temperance by abstaining from serving alcohol at White House events.

**Where did Lucy Webb Hayes pursue her education?**  
She attended Ohio Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts institution in Delaware, Ohio.

**What causes did Lucy Webb Hayes advocate for?**  
She was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and the temperance movement, reflecting her commitment to social justice and moral reform.

**Was Lucy Webb Hayes recognized for her contributions?**  
Yes, she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her legacy and impact on social issues.

## Why They Matter
Lucy Webb Hayes' significance lies in her role as a First Lady who actively promoted social reform. Her stance on temperance and abolition contributed to broader national conversations about morality and justice. Her refusal to serve alcohol at the White House set a precedent for future First Ladies to use their platform for advocacy. Without her efforts, the visibility of these causes during the late 19th century might have been diminished.

## Notable For
- First Lady of the United States (1877–1881)
- Advocate for temperance and abolition of slavery
- Refused to serve alcohol at White House events
- Inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame
- Supported her husband's political career, including his presidency

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lucy Webb Hayes was born on August 28, 1831. She pursued her education at Ohio Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts institution in Delaware, Ohio, which played a role in shaping her intellectual and social values.

### Career and Advocacy
As the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, Lucy Webb Hayes assumed the role of First Lady from 1877 to 1881. During this period, she leveraged her position to advocate for social reforms, most notably the temperance movement. Her decision to abstain from serving alcohol at White House functions garnered significant attention and underscored her commitment to moral reform. Additionally, she supported the abolition of slavery, aligning with the progressive values of her time.

### Legacy and Recognition
Lucy Webb Hayes' contributions to social advocacy have been formally recognized. She was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring impact on issues such as temperance and abolition. Her legacy extends beyond her tenure as First Lady, as she remains a symbol of principled advocacy within the context of American political history.

### Personal Life and Affiliations
Beyond her public role, Lucy Webb Hayes was affiliated with Ohio Wesleyan University, her alma mater. Her life and work reflect a deep connection to the values of education and social responsibility, which characterized her contributions to American society during the late 19th century.

## References

1. A Woman of the Century
2. Genealogics
3. The Peerage
4. [Source](https://www.ohiohistory.org/research/archives-library/state-archives/ohio-womens-hall-of-fame/)
5. general catalog of BnF
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. FemBio database
11. GeneaStar
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Woman_of_the_Century/Lucy_Ware_Webb_Hayes)