Lucy Webb Hayes

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Lucy Webb Ware Hayes

Date of Birth:	August 28, 1831
Place of Birth:	Chillicothe, Ohio
Date of Death:	June 25, 1889
Place of Death:	Fremont, Ohio
Occupation:	First Lady of the United States
Remarks: Wife of Rutherford B. Hayes

Lucy Ware Webb Hayes (August 28, 1831 - June 25, 1889) was the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes of the United States of America and one of the most popular First Ladies of the nineteenth century. Deeply religious, she despised slavery and converted her husband – whose successful career in the Union Army later led him into politics – to the abolitionist cause.

Once in the White House, Lucy Hayes was considered the most popular hostess since Dolley Madison. She was a strong supporter of Temperance, and no alcohol was served in the White House during the Hayes administration, prompting the press to dub her "Lemonade Lucy." She also introduced the custom of having children roll Easter eggs on the White House lawn.

Upon her death, flags across the United States were lowered to half-mast in honor of the "most idolized woman in America." Lucy Hayes was educated at Ohio Wesleyan University, as the first American First Lady to graduate from college.

[edit] Fictional depictions

In Leonard Bernstein's musical comedy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the First Lady sings the "Duet for One", in which she transforms from Mrs. Grant into Lucy Webb Hayes.