Learn about the son of President Rutherford B. Hayes who was involved in nearly every major U.S. military action during his lifetime.

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Lucy Webb Hayes Heritage Center at 90 W. Sixth Street in Chillicothe, David Tillis will present a talk on the life of Col. Webb Cook Hayes (1856-1934).

James Webb Cook Hayes (he dropped his first name early in life) was the second son of Rutherford B. and Lucy Webb Hayes. As a boy, he often visited his father in camp during the Civil War and was attracted to the military lifestyle.

As an adult, he participated in nearly every major conflict in which the United States was involved: the Spanish-American War (for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry), the Philippine Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I.

He restored the family estate at Spiegel Grove near Fremont, Ohio, presenting it to the State of Ohio as a permanent memorial to his parents, and also established the first Presidential Library and Museum in 1916.

Admission to the program is free, and light refreshments will be served.