The Life And Legacy Of James Garfield: 1831-1881

James Abram Garfield, born on November 19, 1831, in a humble log cabin in Ohio, rose to become the 20th President of the United States. His life journey is a testament to determination, intellect, and the pursuit of justice. From being a college president to a military general and finally a congressman, Garfield's multifaceted career was abruptly halted when he fell victim to an assassination attempt just months after his inauguration in 1881.

Garfield's early life was marked by hardship and perseverance. Growing up in a family with limited resources, he showcased remarkable academic prowess, especially in Latin and Greek, which propelled him into higher education. His commitment to education and public service would shape his future political ideologies and leadership style.

During his presidency, Garfield championed civil service reform and civil rights, advocating for the empowerment of African Americans through education and government positions. His short-lived administration was cut tragically short by violence, but his ideals and ambitions continue to inspire generations. This article delves into the key aspects of Garfield's life, exploring his contributions, challenges, and enduring legacy.

Table of Contents

• Who Was James Garfield?
• Early Life
• Civil War and Congressional Career
• Presidency
• Assassination and Death
• Quick Facts
• Quotes

Who Was James Garfield?

James Garfield rose from humble beginnings to serve as a college president, a nine-time congressman, and military general before his election to the United States presidency in 1881. As the 20th U.S. president, Garfield's agenda of civil service reform and civil rights was cut short when he was shot by a disgruntled office seeker in July 1881.

Early Life

James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio. Garfield's father, a wrestler, died when Garfield was an infant. He excelled in academics, particularly Latin and Greek. From 1851 to 1854, he attended the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later renamed Hiram College), and later enrolled at Williams College.

After completing his studies, Garfield returned to the Eclectic Institute as an instructor and administrator. In his spare time, he spoke publicly in support of the Republican Party and abolition. On November 11, 1858, Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph, a former pupil. They ultimately had seven children.

Civil War and Congressional Career

In the summer of 1861, Garfield was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the Union Army. Later that year, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, commanding a brigade at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. His political career continued during wartime. In October 1862, he won a seat in Congress, representing Ohio's 19th Congressional District.

After the election, Garfield relocated to Washington, where he developed a close alliance with Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase. Garfield became a member of the Radical Republicans, led by Chase, and found himself frustrated by moderates including Abraham Lincoln. He supported the confiscation of southern plantations and the punishment of rebellion leaders.

Presidency

Garfield was nominated as the Republican candidate for the presidency in 1880 as a compromise. The deeply divided convention nominated Chester A. Arthur, a Stalwart Republican, for the vice presidency. Garfield and Arthur were narrowly elected to office over Democratic candidate Winfield S. Hancock, winning the popular vote by less than one-tenth of one percent.

Office-seekers besieged Garfield immediately following his election, convincing the new president of the importance of civil service reform. During his limited time in office, Garfield managed to initiate reform of the Post Office Department, and to reassert the superiority of the office of the president over the U.S. Senate on the issue of executive appointments.

Assassination and Death

Another office seeker, 39-year-old Charles J. Guiteau, grew resentful over repeated denials to his requests. On July 2, 1881, just 100 days after the president's inauguration, Guiteau shot Garfield in the back at Washington's Baltimore and Potomac train station. He immediately surrendered to authorities, announcing, "I am a Stalwart. Arthur is now president of the United States."

Garfield clung to life as doctors tried to remove the bullet, their repeated attempts with unsterilized fingers and instruments ultimately doing more harm than good. Garfield finally succumbed to a fatal heart attack, massive hemorrhaging, and blood poisoning on September 19, 1881, his 199-day term the second shortest in U.S. presidential history.

Quick Facts

Quotes

• A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a devil.