James Garfield

Profession: 20th US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Republican
Political Titles: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 19th district

Presidential Term: March 4, 1881 - September 19, 1881
Preceded By: Rutherford B. Hayes
Succeeded By: Chester A. Arthur

Biography: The 20th President of the United States (1881). His presidency lasted just 200 days, from March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by an assassin earlier in the year. Garfield, who represented Ohio in the House of Representatives, is to this day the only president elected who was a sitting House member.

Despite his exceptionally brief period of time in office, Garfield's accomplishments as President included a controversial resurgence of Presidential authority above Senatorial courtesy in executive appointments; energizing U.S. naval power; and purging corruption in the Post Office Department. He also advocated for civil service reform which was signed into law by his successor.

Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. The wound was not immediately fatal, but bad medical practices and uses of unwashed tools and hands by his doctors led to the wound becoming infected. He died on September 19, 1881, making him one of four presidents to have been assassinated, following Abraham Lincoln and before William McKinley and John F. Kennedy. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur.

Born: November 19, 1831
Birthplace: Moreland Hills, Ohio, USA
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: September 19, 1881 (aged 49)
Cause of Death: Assassination