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Lucy Ware Webb Hayes ( August 28, 1831 - June 25, 1889) was the First Lady of the United States during the presidency of her husband Rutherford B. Hayes and one of the most popular First Ladies of the nineteenth century. Deeply religious, she despised slavery and converted her husband to the abolitionist cause. Later, it was his successful career in the Union Army that led him into politics.

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 EasterEaster is generally accounted the most important holiday of the Christian year, observed March or April each year to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (after his death by crucifixion; see Good Friday), which Christians believe happened at 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 UniversityOhio Wesleyan University (Wesleyan is a highly selective private liberal arts college located in Delaware, Ohio. It was founded in 1842. Ohio Wesleyan University was one of the universities named after John Wesley, and is among the oldest of the numerous.

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.