James A. Garfield
Explore the inspiring yet tragic life of James A. Garfield — 20th President of the United States (1831–1881). Learn about his humble beginnings, public service, efforts at reform, and memorable ideas.
Introduction
James A. Garfield, born November 19, 1831, and assassinated September 19, 1881, served as the 20th President of the United States for only a few months before his untimely death. Though his presidency was brief, Garfield’s life stands as a powerful story of rise from poverty, intellectual ambition, public service, and principle. His legacy includes advocacy for civil service reform, civil rights, and the idea that character and merit should guide public life.
Early Life and Family
James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in Orange Township (now Moreland Hills), Ohio, to Eliza and Abram Garfield.
His mother, Eliza, played a dominant role in his upbringing. Garfield labored in chores and odd jobs during his youth to help support the family and to obtain education.
From these humble beginnings—born in a log cabin—Garfield embodied the “self-made man” ideal. He is often considered the last U.S. President born in a log cabin.
Youth and Education
Despite financial constraints, Garfield pursued education vigorously. He attended Hiram College in Ohio, where he also later became a teacher and eventually college president. Williams College in Massachusetts, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Even while teaching, he continued to educate himself, studying languages, theology, mathematics, and oratory. His breadth of learning would become a hallmark of his intellectual reputation.
He also had a religious background: Garfield was ordained in the Disciples of Christ church and served as a lay minister.
Career and Achievements
Early Public Service & Civil War
Garfield’s first foray into public life was in Ohio state politics and education.
When the American Civil War broke out, Garfield joined the Union Army. He was commissioned as Colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
However, in 1863, at Abraham Lincoln’s urging, Garfield resigned his military commission to take a seat in Congress, arguing that his skills would serve better legislatively in a time of national crisis.
Congressional Career & Reform Advocacy
Garfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio, and served for multiple terms (about 18 years).
During his time in Congress, Garfield championed civil rights and equal protection for formerly enslaved individuals. He also became known for his erudition, sharp intellect, and commitment to integrity.
He declined a U.S. Senate seat when he became president-elect.
Presidency
Garfield was inaugurated on March 4, 1881.
His presidency is sometimes categorized among the “lost presidents” — those whose terms were overshadowed by greater figures or cut short by tragedy.
Despite his short time in office, Garfield began initiatives for civil service reform, sought to reduce corruption in the spoils system, and supported greater merit-based appointments.
Assassination and Death
On July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Guiteau was a disgruntled office seeker with delusional expectations of a political appointment.
Garfield survived in a debilitated state for several weeks, but medical complications—especially infection and poor care—led to his death on September 19, 1881.
His death set in motion public outrage and the push for civil service reform, culminating in the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act under President Arthur.
Historical Milestones & Context
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November 19, 1831: Born in rural Ohio.
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Early 1830s: Father dies; Garfield raised by his mother in difficult circumstances.
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1850s–1860s: Education, teaching, and early political involvement.
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1861–1863: Civil War service; resigns commission to serve in Congress.
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1863–1880: Prolonged congressional career; championing reform, civil rights.
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June 1880: At the Republican National Convention, Garfield emerged as a compromise candidate after many ballots.
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March 4, 1881: Inaugurated president.
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July 2, 1881: Assassination attempt.
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September 19, 1881: Death in office.
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Posthumous: Passage of the Pendleton Act and further momentum toward civil service reforms.
Legacy and Influence
Though Garfield’s presidency was cut tragically short, his life and beliefs left lasting influence. He is remembered especially for:
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Civil Service Reform: His assassination galvanized momentum to change the “spoils system” of politically driven patronage toward a merit-based civil service.
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Championing Principle and Integrity: He held as central the idea that public office should reflect character and ability, not merely political favor.
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Civil Rights Advocacy: He supported equal protection, religious liberty, and opposed racial injustice during Reconstruction.
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Intellectual Example: Garfield’s combination of scholarly interests, eloquence, and public service remains an aspirational model.
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Symbol of National Potential and Tragedy: He is often grouped among the “lost presidents” whose potential was curtailed by death or disruption.
In many historical narratives, Garfield’s death is seen as a turning point for U.S. politics, pushing the country toward more professional governance and reform.
Personality and Talents
Garfield was known for his intellectual vigor, moral earnestness, and eloquent speaking ability. He was a serious scholar, with fluency in multiple languages, a student of theology, mathematics, and oratory.
He combined a spiritual dimension (from his religious upbringing) with ambition in public service. He had a strong sense of duty and believed in the moral character of leadership.
His talent for bridging thought and action manifested in his roles as teacher, legislator, soldier, and president. He was not content to remain in one sphere but sought broader influence.
His tragic end also underscores his humility: he refused to flee when shot, but rather lingered to prevent panic and to give hope—though the medical community’s mismanagement worsened his wounds.
Famous Quotes of James A. Garfield
Here are several memorable statements attributed to him:
“The world’s history is a divine poem, of which the history of every nation is a canto, and every man a word.”
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
“He who controls the money supply of a nation controls the nation.”
“If [Congress] be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.”
“There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are… They teach the truth by living it.”
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God cannot long retain it.”
“The men who succeed best in public life are those who take the risk of standing by their own convictions.”
“Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing.”
These quotes reflect Garfield’s commitment to truth, integrity, moral duty, civic responsibility, and the idea that individual character matters deeply in public life.
Lessons from James A. Garfield
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Rise through education and perseverance
Garfield’s ascent from poverty to the presidency shows how diligence, study, and inner strength can overcome humble beginnings. -
Public office demands morality and principle
Garfield held that government should not be an arena of favoritism but of competence and character. -
Legacy can extend beyond tenure
Though his time as president was short, his impact continued via reforms and the example he set. -
Tragedy can catalyze change
His assassination spurred a national reckoning with the patronage system and led to more professional governance. -
Live what you preach
His belief that “truth will make you free” and that people teach by living—these speak of consistency between belief and action.
Conclusion
James A. Garfield’s life is a powerful story of intellect, integrity, ambition, and service. Though he held the presidency for less than a year, his ideas and sacrifice continue to echo. He symbolizes both the promise of American aspirations and the delicate fragility of leadership.