James A. Garfield

Life & History

Early Life: James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio. He grew up in poverty but valued education, eventually attending Williams College and becoming a teacher and college president.

Political Career: Garfield served in the Ohio State Senate before becoming a Union general during the Civil War. After the war, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for many years and became a respected national leader.

Presidency (1881): Garfield became the 20th President of the United States in 1881. He supported civil service reform to reduce political corruption and worked to unify factions within his party. His presidency was cut short after he was shot by an assassin just months into office.

Later Life & Death: Garfield lingered for several weeks after being shot and died on September 19, 1881. His death helped lead to major reforms in how government jobs were awarded.