(1822–93), 19th president of the US 1877–81; full name Rutherford Birchard Hayes. A Republican, he served in the US House of Representatives 1865–68 and as governor of Ohio 1868–72 and 1876–77 before succeeding Ulysses S. Grant to the presidency. During his administration, Reconstruction in the South came to an end. His use of federal troops during the railroad strikes of 1877 cost him the popular support of the people.