30 Facts About James Garfield

Early Life and Education

James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, had a life filled with fascinating events and achievements. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early years and education.

1. Born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio, Garfield came from humble beginnings.
2. His father, Abram Garfield, died when James was just 18 months old, leaving his mother, Eliza Ballou Garfield, to raise him and his siblings.
3. Garfield was a voracious reader and self-taught himself many subjects before attending school.
4. At 16, he worked as a canal driver, steering mules along the Ohio and Erie Canal.
5. He attended Geauga Seminary, where he excelled in academics and developed a love for debate.
6. Garfield later attended the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College) and eventually transferred to Williams College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1856.

Military Career

Garfield's military career during the Civil War showcased his leadership and bravery. Here are some key points from his time in the army.

7. Garfield enlisted in the Union Army in 1861, starting as a lieutenant colonel.
8. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a brigadier general by 1862.
9. Garfield played a crucial role in the Battle of Middle Creek, which helped secure eastern Kentucky for the Union.
10. He served as Chief of Staff to General William S. Rosecrans, providing strategic advice during the Battle of Chickamauga.
11. Garfield's military service earned him a reputation for bravery and tactical skill, which later bolstered his political career.

Political Career

Garfield's political journey was marked by significant accomplishments and contributions to the nation. Let's explore some highlights.

12. Elected to the Ohio State Senate in 1859, Garfield began his political career advocating for anti-slavery policies.
13. In 1862, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 17 years.
14. Garfield was a staunch supporter of civil rights and worked to protect the rights of freed slaves during Reconstruction.
15. He played a key role in the passage of the 14th and 15th Amendments, which granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans.
16. Garfield was known for his oratory skills, often delivering powerful speeches on the House floor.
17. In 1880, he was elected as the 20th President of the United States, despite not actively seeking the nomination.

Presidency

Garfield's presidency, though short-lived, was marked by significant events and decisions. Here are some notable facts.

18. Garfield took office on March 4, 1881, with Chester A. Arthur as his Vice President.
19. He advocated for civil service reform, aiming to reduce corruption and implement a merit-based system for government jobs.
20. Garfield appointed several African Americans to prominent positions, including Frederick Douglass as Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia.
21. He faced opposition from the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, who resisted his reform efforts.
22. Garfield's presidency was cut short when he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.
23. Despite initial hopes for recovery, Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, after 79 days of suffering.

Personal Life and Legacy

Garfield's personal life and legacy continue to be remembered and celebrated. Here are some interesting facts about his life outside politics.

24. Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph in 1858, and they had seven children together.
25. He was an accomplished linguist, fluent in Latin and Greek, and could write ambidextrously in both languages simultaneously.
26. Garfield was an avid reader, with a personal library of over 5,000 books.
27. He was the first left-handed president of the United States.
28. Garfield's assassination led to the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which aimed to curb corruption in government hiring practices.
29. His legacy is commemorated by the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio, which preserves his family home and personal artifacts.
30. Garfield's life and career continue to inspire historians and scholars, who study his contributions to American history and politics.

Garfield's Legacy Lives On

James Garfield's life was a mix of achievements, challenges, and untimely tragedy. From his humble beginnings to becoming the 20th President of the United States, Garfield's story is one of perseverance and dedication. His commitment to education, military service, and political reform left a lasting impact on the nation. Despite his short time in office, his efforts to fight corruption and promote civil rights set the stage for future progress.

Garfield's assassination was a national tragedy, but his legacy endures. His contributions to American society, particularly in education and civil service reform, continue to be remembered and celebrated. By learning about Garfield's life and accomplishments, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history and the individuals who shape it. Garfield's story reminds us that even brief moments in history can leave a lasting mark.