Lucy Webb Hayes was a spirited woman, but her political activism remained subdued—perhaps a sign of the times. Although her influence on her husband and her personal views on issues remained behind the scenes, she was a visible presence in the cause of education and public service.

As a teenager, Lucy Webb's intellect was so sharp that she was allowed to study in the all-male Wesleyan College in Ohio. Later, the fiercely abolitionist (antislavery) Lucy Webb helped convince lawyer Rutherford Hayes (1822-1893; see entry in volume 3) to defend runaway slaves. She married Hayes, bore eight children, and often followed him to the battle sites of the Civil War (1861-65). He commanded troops, and she served as a nurse. Later, as first lady, Lucy Hayes was an active supporter for improved schooling for the less advantaged. She promoted the National Deaf Mute College as well...