Old Whitey

There are five members of the Hayes family buried on the grounds at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio. A winding path leads to a secluded section of the estate that is gated in rod iron. Behind the gates are three markers that tell three very different stories.

Under a granite monument crafted from rock quarried from his own father’s farm in Dummerston, Vermont are the remains of President and Mrs. Hayes. Nothing of extravagance, their monument marks a spot the couple loved – a wooded knoll overlooking the Grove. Behind them lies a flat black slab decorated with service flags and memorabilia bearing the names of their son, Colonel Webb Hayes, and his wife, Mary.  But off to the side is the most unique of all the cemetery’s occupants. The fifth member buried within the gates is that of “Old Whitey,” the legendary warhorse of General Hayes’s regiment during the Civil War.

“Too spirited to pull supply wagons, Old Whitey found his place as the personal mount of Hayes’ friend and aide, Major Russell Hastings. In battle after battle, the big white horse proved himself fearless under fire. His speed, stamina, and ability to clear any fence or creek were legendary among the soldiers of the 23^rd Ohio. Only his color prevented Old Whitey from becoming the perfect war horse. Time and again, the big, white steed became the target of enemy sharp shooters. Somehow horse and rider always managed to escape unharmed. At war’s end, surrendering Rebels asked about the “big white horse.” When Hayes proudly produced him, Old Whitey immediately became the “hero of the moment.” Admiring Confederates gathered about the gallant steed, swearing they had fired at him “ten thousand times”!”

Old Whitey was ordered by Hayes to be taken to Spiegel Grove in Fremont to live out his final days being a pampered pet. Old Whitey’s retirement was one of endless leisure and special attention. When Old Whitey passed away his funeral and burial were “done respectfully and with tenderness – at Spiegel Grove. Old Whitey was buried “like a warrior taking his rest with hay and his blanket around him.” 

He lies there still – not far from the master he served so well.

http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/manunews/paper_trail_display.asp?nid=72&subj=manunews