Webb Hayes

James Webb Cook Hayes (March 20, 1856 – July 26, 1934) was an American businessman and soldier. He co-founded a forerunner of Union Carbide, served in three wars, and received the Medal of Honor.

Early years and family James Webb Cook Hayes was the second son of President Rutherford B. Hayes and Lucy Webb Hayes.

With his father serving in the American Civil War from the time James was five years old, he spent six months every winter at his father's encampment, which was usually Camp White, West Virginia. He became very close with the commander of the unit, General George Crook, who later became his godfather. Crook taught him how to live off the land, including hunting, fishing and survival. Years later, after Crook became famous in the west as a hunter and Indian fighter, the two made annual trips into the Rocky Mountains for a hunt of big game. He left Cornell to work as his father's secretary when his father was the governor of Ohio. When his father was elected president, he again served as his father's secretary. In 1886, he, with three others, founded the National Carbon Company, which is now known as Union Carbide. Hayes stayed with this company for many years as the vice president.

He was the principal proponent for founding the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, the first presidential library. It was established in 1916 at Spiegel Grove.

Hayes died on July 26, 1934, in Marion, Ohio, and was buried with his parents at Spiegel Grove, the family estate in Fremont, Ohio.

Following this, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, reassigned to the 31st United States Volunteer Infantry, and sent to the Philippines. Just hours after landing there, he led a rescue party to free captured men at Vigan Island. He received the Medal of Honor for this action.

Military Awards

1st rowMedal of HonorSpanish Campaign Medal2nd rowPhilippine Campaign MedalChina Campaign MedalWorld War I Victory Medal