History of James A. Garfield

James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was a relatively modest yet remarkable figure in American political history. His life journey from humble beginnings to the nation's highest office epitomizes the American dream. Born on November 19, 1831, in a small log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio, Garfield faced early adversities, including the death of his father when he was just two years old. Despite these challenges, his mother, Eliza Ballou Garfield, instilled in him a strong work ethic and an emphasis on education.

Garfield’s pursuit of learning led him to the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College) in Ohio, where his aptitude for academia became evident. After graduating, he attended Williams College in Massachusetts, where he excelled further. Upon his return to Ohio, he became an educator, eventually ascending to the role of principal at the Eclectic Institute, emphasizing his dedication to education and intellectual growth.

The path from academia to politics began during the Civil War. Garfield volunteered for service in the Union Army, earning a commission as a lieutenant colonel due to his leadership qualities. His military service was marked by rapid promotions; he became brigadier general following his competent leadership at the Battle of Middle Creek in 1862. His wartime experience imbued in him a sense of unity and patriotism, reinforcing his commitment to public service.

Garfield’s transition from military to political life was facilitated by his election to Congress in 1862 while still serving in the army. He represented Ohio's 19th District in the House of Representatives for nearly two decades. As a congressman, Garfield was a staunch Republican and advocated for key legislative measures, especially those concerning Reconstruction and civil rights for freed slaves. His commitment to the ideals of equality and national unity was apparent in his support for the 14th and 15th Amendments, designed to secure citizenship and voting rights for African Americans.

In Congress, Garfield became known for his oratory skills and his expertise in fiscal matters, serving notably as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also played a significant role in the Credit Mobilier scandal, where, despite allegations, he emerged relatively unscathed, which increased his standing as an honest politician.

In 1880, amid divisions within the Republican Party, Garfield was tapped as a compromise candidate at the Republican National Convention. Initially, he was at the convention to support John Sherman’s candidacy, but his eloquence and integrity caught the delegates' attention, leading to his surprise nomination. At the election, Garfield defeated Democratic candidate Winfield Scott Hancock in a closely contested race.

Garfield assumed the presidency on March 4, 1881. His short tenure was marked by ambitions to reform the civil service, tackling the pervasive patronage system that allowed government jobs to be distributed as political rewards. His stance put him at odds with the powerful New York Senator Roscoe Conkling, a strong proponent of the spoils system. Garfield’s attempt to assert his authority in federal appointments was exemplified by his refusal to appoint Conkling’s allies to the lucrative post of the Collector of the Port of New York, resulting in Conkling’s resignation.

Garfield’s presidency also sought to enhance naval power and foster economic growth, focusing on modernizing the United States’ infrastructure and industrial capabilities. Despite these policies' promise, his presidency was abruptly cut short.

On July 2, 1881, just four months into his presidency, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. The assassination attempt was rooted in Guiteau's dissatisfaction over not being awarded a federal post, highlighting the very issues Garfield sought to reform within the spoils system.

Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, after suffering for over two months, largely due to infections and complications from the medical care of that era. His death underscored the deep divisions and issues within the political structure, most notably the need for civil service reforms, which were later realized through the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

In reflecting upon James A. Garfield’s political legacy, it is crucial to note his unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and national integrity. His ascent from humble origins to the presidency remains a testament to his tenacity and belief in the power of resilience and public service. Though his time as president was tragically brief, Garfield’s advocacies for civil service reform and civil rights laid groundwork for future transformations in the American political landscape. His legacy is a reminder of the duties of public office and the enduring pursuit for justice and equity in governance.