James Abram Garfield was the 20th president of the United States, serving from March to September 1881. Garfield was shot by an assassin four months into his presidency and died two months later. He is the only sitting member of the United States House of Representatives to be elected to the presidency. Garfield was born into poverty in a log cabin and grew up poor in Northeast Ohio. After graduating from Williams College, Garfield studied law and became an attorney before entering politics as a Republican in 1857. He served as a member of the Ohio State Senate from 1859 to 1861. Garfield opposed Confederate secession, served as a major general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and fought in the battles of Middle Creek, Shiloh, and Chickamauga. He was first elected to Congress in 1862 to represent Ohio's 19th district. Throughout Garfield's congressional service after the war, he firmly supported the gold standard and gained a reputation as a skilled orator.
| Born: | James Abram Garfield, November 19, 1831, Moreland Hills, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died: | September 19, 1881, Elberon, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Cause of death: | Assassination |
| Resting place: | James A. Garfield Memorial |
| Political party: | Republican |
| Children: | 7, including Hal, James, and Abram |
| Parents: | Abram Garfield, Eliza Garfield |
| Education: | Hiram College, Williams College (BA) |
| Vice President: | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by: | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Succeeded by: | Chester A. Arthur |
About James A. Garfield
The 20th U.S. President whose presidency lasted only 200 days and ended with his assassination by Charles J. Guiteau.
James A. Garfield Before Fame
He had dreams of being a seaman, so he left home at 16 to become a canal driver.
Achievement of James A. Garfield
He served nine consecutive terms in the House of Representatives representing Ohio's 19th district.
James A. Garfield Family Life
His father passed away when he was 17 months old, leaving his mother, Eliza Ballou, to raise him alone.
Associations of James A. Garfield
He was visiting Wall Street when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and was prompted to give a speech to a rioting crowd in an effort to calm them down.
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- James A. Garfield Category
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