History of James A. Garfield

James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was born on November 19, 1831, in a frontier cabin in Orange Township, Ohio. His ascension from modest beginnings to the presidency is a fascinating tale of determination, intellect, and service. His political career, though ultimately cut short by assassination, demonstrated his commitment to civil rights and reform at a critical juncture in American history.

Garfield's early life was marked by hardship. His father died when he was just 18 months old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings on a small farm. Despite these challenges, Garfield was a voracious learner. He worked on the Ohio Canal to support his education and, eventually, enrolled at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College) in Hiram, Ohio. Later, he attended Williams College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1856. Afterward, he returned to the Eclectic Institute as a classics professor and then became its principal, showcasing his innate leadership abilities.

His entry into politics began in 1859 when he was elected to the Ohio State Senate as a Republican. Garfield’s tenure in the state senate was marked by his staunch opposition to slavery, aligning with the growing Republican ethos of the northern states. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Garfield, imbued with a sense of duty, joined the Union Army. He served with distinction, rising to the rank of major general, a testament to his leadership and tactical skills.

In 1862, while still in the army, Garfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Reluctantly resigning his military commission in 1863, he became a congressman at a tumultuous time. Garfield quickly established himself as an intellectual force in the House, serving on the Military Affairs Committee. During his 17-year tenure, he became a leading voice on economic and currency issues, advocating for a bi-metal monetary system and opposing the issuance of unbacked paper currency.

Garfield’s legislative prowess was further highlighted during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. He supported the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson and was a proponent of the Freedmen's Bureau, which assisted former slaves. Garfield’s endorsement of civil rights and equality under the law was evident as he worked to uphold the rights bestowed by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

As a congressional leader, Garfield was involved in several notable conflicts of his era. He was part of the Credit Mobilier scandal investigation, although his own role was misunderstood, leading to a temporary stain on his political reputation. Despite this, Garfield's integrity and skills earned him the role of House Minority Leader in 1876.

In 1880, as Garfield prepared to transition into academia, fate intervened at the Republican National Convention. Garfield was not a candidate but attended the convention to support Treasury Secretary John Sherman. However, as the convention became deadlocked between Ulysses S. Grant, James G. Blaine, and John Sherman, Garfield emerged as a compromise candidate. After 36 ballots, he secured the nomination and subsequently won a narrow victory in the general election over Democratic nominee Winfield Scott Hancock.

Garfield’s presidency began on March 4, 1881. Though his time in office was brief, he advocated for civil service reform, striving to curb the prevalent patronage system. His landmark stance against Senator Roscoe Conkling and the powerful New York Republican political machine indicated Garfield's appetite for change, demonstrating his intention to diminish the spoils system's influence in federal appointments.

Apart from civil service reform, Garfield was committed to education and civil rights. He appointed several African Americans to significant federal roles, a bold step towards inclusivity. His push for universal education added to his legacy as a forward-thinking leader in matters of equity and opportunity.

Tragically, on July 2, 1881, just a few months into his presidency, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, while at a train station in Washington, D.C. The failure of 19th-century medical practices compounded the severity of his wounds, leading to prolonged suffering. Garfield succumbed to infections on September 19, 1881, at the age of 49. His death prompted a national outpouring of grief and underscored the need for reform in the civil service system, indirectly catalyzing subsequent legislative changes like the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

Garfield's legacy is often overshadowed by his untimely death, yet his contributions to political reform, civil rights, and education have left an indelible mark on American history. His career encapsulates a period of transformative change in the United States, reflecting the nation's struggles and aspirations during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. As a politician, Garfield was emblematic of the American dream, symbolizing the power of education, tenacity, and principle. His vision and dedication to public service remain a poignant reminder of the potential for leadership to effect meaningful change.