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Lucy Ware Webb Hayes was born in this small frame house August 28, 1831, the third child of Dr. James & Maria Cook Webb.
Lucy attended Miss Baskerville's School on West Second Street, where she first earned her reputation as a compassionate person.
At age 12, Lucy moved to Delaware, Ohio, attended Ohio Wesleyan Preparatory Dept., and earned college credits at the University, thus becoming the first female to attend that college.
At age 16, Lucy enrolled in Wesleyan Female College, Cincinnati, and earned her degree. She was described as "ever diligent and anxious to excel." She was the first president's wife to hold a college degree.
Lucy married Rutherford B. Hayes on December 30, 1852. Nine years older than Lucy, Rutherford was an attorney. He was Governor of Ohio for three terms, and served as 19th President of the United States, from 1877-1881.
Lucy and Rutherford had eight children. Five lived to adulthood.
Lucy's kindness, great moral courage, and earnest religious convictions contributed greatly to her husband's success.
Because Lucy discouraged alcohol in the White House, the derisive title "Lemonade Lucy" was bestowed on her. Her public receptions were very popular, however, and recorded as an outstanding achievement.
Lucy was the "First Lady" to be called by the press.
After "retiring" to Spiegel Grove, their estate in Fremont, Ohio, Lucy kept up her charitable work. She suffered a stroke June 21, 1889, and died four days later, at age 57 years, 10 months. President Hayes died in 1893.
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