Chester A. Arthur: Difference between revisions
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'''Chester Alan Arthur''' (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the | '''Chester Alan Arthur''' (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the '''21st president of the United States''', serving from 1881 to 1885. Though initially seen as a political insider, Arthur surprised many by advocating for civil service reform and demonstrating independent leadership. | ||
== Early Life and Political Career == | == Early Life and Political Career == | ||
Born in Vermont, Arthur moved to New York City, where he became a successful lawyer and political figure in the Republican Party. He served as Quartermaster General during the Civil War and later as | Born in [[Vermont]], Arthur moved to [[New York City]], where he became a successful lawyer and political figure in the Republican Party. He served as Quartermaster General during the Civil War and later as '''Collector of the Port of New York''', a powerful patronage post. | ||
== Presidency (1881–1885) == | == Presidency (1881–1885) == | ||
Arthur became president after the assassination of | Arthur became president after the assassination of '''James A. Garfield'''. Despite his ties to political machines, he supported the '''Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act''', which introduced a merit-based system for federal employment. | ||
Other notable aspects of his presidency include: | Other notable aspects of his presidency include: | ||
Latest revision as of 12:45, 8 August 2025
| Chester A. Arthur | |
|---|---|
| File:Chester A. Arthur Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 21st President of the United States |
| In office | September 19, 1881 – March 4, 1885 |
| Vice President | None |
| Preceded by | James A. Garfield |
| Succeeded by | Grover Cleveland |
| Born | October 5, 1829 Fairfield, Vermont, United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur (m. 1859–1880) |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Lawyer, politician |
| Alma mater | Union College |
| Signature | File:Chester A. Arthur Signature.svg |
Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the 21st president of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. Though initially seen as a political insider, Arthur surprised many by advocating for civil service reform and demonstrating independent leadership.
Early Life and Political Career
Born in Vermont, Arthur moved to New York City, where he became a successful lawyer and political figure in the Republican Party. He served as Quartermaster General during the Civil War and later as Collector of the Port of New York, a powerful patronage post.
Presidency (1881–1885)
Arthur became president after the assassination of James A. Garfield. Despite his ties to political machines, he supported the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which introduced a merit-based system for federal employment.
Other notable aspects of his presidency include:
- Modernizing the U.S. Navy
- Vetoing wasteful spending bills
- Advocating for civil rights protections, though Congress failed to act
Arthur did not seek re-election due to health issues and lack of broad party support.
Health and Death
Arthur suffered from Bright’s disease, a fatal kidney ailment, which he kept secret during his presidency. He died in 1886 at the age of 57.
Legacy
Chester A. Arthur is often remembered as a man who rose above expectations. Though not widely known today, historians have praised his integrity and commitment to reform during a time of rampant political patronage.