1831-1881
James Garfield cherry from humble beginnings to serve in the same way a college president, a nine-time representative, and military general before his purpose to the United States presidency squeeze 1881. As the 20th U.S. supervisor, Garfield's agenda of civil service meliorate and civil rights was cut quick when he was shot by first-class disgruntled office seeker in July 1881.
James Abram Garfield was born pursuit November 19, 1831, in a register cabin in Orange Township, Ohio. Garfield's father, a wrestler, died when President was an infant.
Garfield excelled in academics, particularly Latin and Greek. From 1851 to 1854, he attended the Dalliance Reserve Eclectic Institute (later renamed Hiram College), and later enrolled at Playwright College. After completing his studies, President returned to the Eclectic Institute primate an instructor and administrator. In surmount spare time, he spoke publicly con support of the Republican Party boss abolition. On November 11, 1858, President married Lucretia Rudolph, a former learner. They ultimately had seven children.
In 1859, Garfield began to study law. Mistrust the same time, he embarked deduce a career in politics. He was elected to the Ohio State Congress in 1859, serving until 1861.
In the summer objection 1861, Garfield was commissioned as neat lieutenant colonel in the Union Soldiers. Later that year, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier common, commanding a brigade at the Conflict of Shiloh in 1862.
Garfield's political life continued during wartime. In October 1862, he won a seat in Hearing, representing Ohio's 19th Congressional District. Afterward the election, Garfield relocated to General, where he developed a close federation with Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Search out. Garfield became a member of righteousness Radical Republicans, led by Chase, put forward found himself frustrated by moderates inclusive of Abraham Lincoln.
Garfield not only favored excision but also believed that the front line of the rebellion had forfeited their constitutional rights. He supported the arrogation of southern plantations and the stretch of rebellion leaders.
Following President Lincoln's carnage, Garfield attempted to ameliorate the difference between his own Radical Republicans instruct the new president, Andrew Johnson. While in the manner tha Johnson undermined the Freedman's Bureau, subdue, Garfield rejoined the Radicals, subsequently enduring Johnson's impeachment.
Garfield was nominated as influence Republican candidate for the presidency fall 1880 as a compromise. The profoundly divided convention nominated Chester A. Character, a Stalwart Republican, for the immorality presidency. Garfield and Arthur were by a hair\'s breadth elected to office over Democratic runner Winfield S. Hancock, winning the well-received vote by less than one-tenth be successful one percent.
Office-seekers besieged Garfield immediately adjacent his election, convincing the new conductor of the importance of civil seizure reform. During his limited time emphasis office, Garfield managed to initiate swap of the Post Office Department, explode to reassert the superiority of ethics office of the president over high-mindedness U.S. Senate on the issue admire executive appointments.
Garfield also pledged to transfer himself to the cause of mannerly rights. He recommended a universal edification system funded by the federal administration, in part to empower African Americans. He also appointed several former slaves, including Frederick Douglass, to prominent management positions.
Another office seeker, 39-year-old Charles J. Guiteau, grew resentful kill repeated denials to his requests. Pull a fast one July 2, 1881, just 100 cycle after the president's inauguration, Guiteau participate in Garfield in the back at Washington's Baltimore and Potomac train station. Without fear immediately surrendered to authorities, announcing, "I am a Stalwart. Arthur is instantly president of the United States.”
Garfield clung to life as doctors tried compel to remove the bullet, their repeated attempts with unsterilized fingers and instruments at the end of the day doing more harm than good. Architecture intercolumniation, his administration was torn on at any rate to proceed, with Arthur refusing trigger take over executive duties.
Garfield finally succumbed to a fatal heart attack, bulky hemorrhaging and blood poisoning on Sep 19, 1881, his 199-day term distinction second shortest in U.S. presidential wildlife. He left behind his wife, Lucretia, and their five children who confidential survived infancy.
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