James A. Garfield
American politician and scholar who served briefly as the 20th U.S. president in 1881; his assassination helped spur civil service reform.
Overview
James Abram Garfield (1831–1881) was an American educator, Civil War officer, long-serving congressman and the 20th president of the United States. He held the presidency from March until his death in September 1881. Garfield is notable for rising from modest beginnings to national office, for his intellectual reputation, and for being one of two U.S. presidents killed while in office. As president he advocated merit-based government appointments and national unity after the Civil War.
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Early life, education and career
Garfield came from a rural background and pursued both teaching and law before entering politics. He attended college and later served as a teacher and principal; this background shaped his reputation as a scholar and capable administrator. His early professional life included roles in education and public service in his home state, which provided a platform for later political advancement.
Military and congressional service
During the American Civil War Garfield served in the Union Army and rose to a position of command, earning recognition that helped launch his political career. After the war he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for many terms and became known for his oratorical skills, moderate Republican views and interest in reconstruction-era issues. He remains one of the few individuals elected to the presidency while serving as a member of the House.
Presidency and assassination
Garfield took office in March 1881. His time as president was brief but focused on reforming the federal civil service and restoring public confidence in government appointments. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at a Washington railroad station. The shooting did not cause immediate death, but ensuing wounds and infections left him incapacitated and ultimately fatal. He became the second sitting U.S. president to be fatally shot, a fact discussed in historical treatments of presidential security and public health; see assassinated for broader context.
Aftermath and legacy
Garfield's prolonged illness and death in September 1881 prompted national mourning and raised public awareness of government corruption and patronage. His death accelerated support for civil service reform, contributing to legislation in the early 1880s that sought to replace patronage with competitive examinations. Historians often note his intellectual gifts, his advocacy for equal opportunity in appointments, and the impact his assassination had on subsequent administrative changes. For an overview of his presidency and its place in American history, consult materials about the 20th president.
Key facts
- Full name: James Abram Garfield; lifespan: 1831–1881.
- Roles: educator, Civil War officer, U.S. Representative, President of the United States.
- Presidential term: took office in March 1881 and died in September 1881.
- Assailant: Charles J. Guiteau; subsequent reforms included measures to limit patronage.
Questions and answers
Q: Who was James Abram Garfield?
A: James Abram Garfield was an American politician who served as the 20th president of the United States from March to September 1881. Before he became president, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1863 to 1881.
Q: How did James Abram Garfield die?
A: James Abram Garfield died as a result of being shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2nd, four months into his presidency. The wound was not immediately fatal, but infections became worse and he died on September 19, 1881 after being bedridden for almost half that time.
Q: When did James Abram Garfield become President?
A: James Abram Garfield became President in March 1881 and remained in office until his death in September 1881.
Q: What happened four months into his presidency?
A: Four months into his presidency, on July 2nd, James Abram Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau which ultimately led to his death later that year in September 1881.
Q: What position did he hold before becoming President?
A: Before becoming President, James Abram Garfield held a seat in the U.S House of Representatives from 1863 to 1881.
Q: Was he the first president to be assassinated while in office?
A: No, he was not the first president to be assassinated while in office; however, he is known as the second president to be assassinated (killed while in office).
Author
AlegsaOnline.com James A. Garfield Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/140245