| James A. Garfield | |
|---|---|
| File:James A. Garfield Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 20th President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1881 – September 19, 1881 |
| Vice President | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Succeeded by | Chester A. Arthur |
| Born | November 19, 1831 Moreland Hills, Ohio, United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Lucretia Garfield (m. 1858–1881) |
| Children | 7 |
| Profession | Educator, lawyer, soldier, politician |
| Alma mater | Williams College |
| Signature | File:James A. Garfield Signature.svg |
James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the **20th president of the United States**. He served only **200 days** in office before being assassinated, making his presidency the **second shortest** in American history. Despite his brief tenure, Garfield advocated for civil rights, civil service reform, and the modernization of the Navy.
Early Life and Career
Garfield was born into poverty in Ohio. A gifted student, he worked as a teacher and preacher before entering politics. He served with distinction as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War, then spent 17 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Presidency and Assassination
Garfield was elected president in 1880, defeating Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. His presidency focused on:
- Civil service reform
- Strengthening federal authority over appointments
- Supporting education and civil rights for African Americans
On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Garfield lingered for over two months before dying from infection and complications on September 19, 1881.
Legacy
Though his time in office was brief, Garfield left a legacy as a principled leader dedicated to reform and unity. His death shocked the nation and led directly to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, signed by his successor, Chester A. Arthur.