marvinwoods.net – James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, is often overshadowed by more famous presidents of the late 19th century. Despite his extraordinary journey from a poor canal boy to the leader of the nation, Garfield’s presidency lasted only 199 days before he tragically succumbed to an assassination. Yet, his story is one of remarkable achievement, reform, and enduring impact. By exploring his life and legacy, we can rediscover the importance of this often forgotten president and appreciate his contributions to American history.
This article will examine the life of James A. Garfield—his early years, political career, presidency, and the lasting effects of his assassination—while shedding light on why his name is not more prominent in the public’s memory, and why it should be.
The Early Years: A Humble Start
Born into Poverty
James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a modest log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio, to Abram and Eliza Garfield. His father, a farmer, passed away when Garfield was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings on her own. With limited resources and few opportunities, Eliza Garfield worked tirelessly to provide for her children and instilled in them a love of learning.
From a young age, Garfield exhibited an extraordinary intellectual curiosity. Although his family was impoverished, Garfield’s access to books and his mother’s encouragement enabled him to pursue education. His determination to learn, despite limited financial resources, foreshadowed the qualities that would serve him well later in life.
The Ohio Canal and Early Struggles
As a teenager, Garfield worked on the Ohio and Erie Canal to support his family. The job, which involved hauling cargo on mules, was physically demanding, but it gave him the opportunity to earn money while continuing his education in his spare time. Working as a canal boy, Garfield gained practical life experiences that shaped his understanding of the struggles of the working class, as well as his strong work ethic.
In 1851, Garfield left the canal to attend the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later known as Hiram College) in Ohio. He had saved enough money from his canal job to pay for his tuition. While at the school, Garfield excelled in his studies, particularly in Latin and Greek, and quickly gained recognition for his academic promise. He worked part-time as a janitor at the college to pay his way and eventually transferred to Williams College in Massachusetts to further his education.
Academic Achievements and Teaching
Garfield’s academic career culminated in his graduation from Williams College in 1856. His intellectual achievements and oratorical skills earned him great respect among his peers and professors. After graduation, he returned to Ohio and took a job as a teacher and later as a professor at Hiram College. Garfield’s academic career and his ability to inspire students reflected his belief in the power of education and his commitment to public service.
As a professor, Garfield’s intellectual curiosity continued to grow. His interest in history, philosophy, and politics deepened, and he began to consider how he might apply his education to better the nation. In his lectures, Garfield often spoke of the importance of virtue, self-discipline, and the moral responsibilities of leaders. These values would guide him throughout his political career.
The Civil War: A Scholar Becomes a Soldier
Joining the Union Army
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Garfield’s strong sense of duty led him to volunteer for military service. Though he had no formal military training, Garfield’s leadership skills, his intellect, and his passion for the Union cause quickly set him apart. In 1861, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His rise through the ranks of the Union Army was rapid, thanks in part to his strategic thinking and ability to inspire his troops.
Garfield served with distinction during the Civil War, participating in significant battles such as the Battle of Middle Creek in Kentucky and the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia. He demonstrated a keen understanding of military strategy, and his leadership earned him the respect of his peers. Garfield was promoted to the rank of major general in 1863 and continued to serve with valor throughout the war.
The Military Experience
Although Garfield’s military career was brief, it had a profound impact on his future political and presidential aspirations. His experiences in the Union Army provided him with invaluable leadership skills and a deep understanding of the importance of national unity and defense. Garfield’s commitment to the Union cause was driven not only by a desire to preserve the United States but also by a moral belief in the abolition of slavery.
Moreover, his military service solidified Garfield’s position as a national figure. After the war, he returned to Ohio as a hero, with an enhanced public reputation that would propel him into the political sphere. His military background contributed to his later success as a political leader, providing him with a platform to advocate for policies that promoted unity, progress, and reform.
Political Career: From Congressman to President
A Rising Political Star
After the Civil War, Garfield returned to Ohio, where he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1863. He would serve in Congress for 17 years, establishing himself as a thoughtful and reform-minded legislator. As a congressman, Garfield became a leading advocate for civil rights, economic development, and the protection of the Union’s legacy.
Garfield was a committed supporter of Reconstruction efforts and worked tirelessly to pass legislation that would secure civil rights for freed African Americans. He also championed policies aimed at strengthening the national economy and rebuilding the South in the aftermath of the war. Garfield’s political philosophy was grounded in the belief that government should be efficient, accountable, and driven by merit rather than patronage.
A Presidential Candidate
Garfield’s reformist reputation and his experience in both the military and Congress made him a strong candidate for the presidency. In 1880, after a contentious Republican National Convention, Garfield was nominated as the Republican candidate for president. His nomination was the result of a compromise between competing factions within the Republican Party, but Garfield’s intellectual abilities, political experience, and reputation for integrity made him an appealing choice.
Garfield’s presidential campaign emphasized his commitment to civil service reform, the protection of civil rights, and the need for a government free of corruption. Although his election was closely contested, he won the presidency with a narrow margin, defeating Democratic candidate Winfield Scott Hancock.
A Brief Presidency: Reform and Tragedy
Presidential Goals and Challenges
Garfield’s presidency, though tragically short-lived, was marked by his commitment to reform. He immediately set about challenging the patronage system, which had long been a source of corruption in American politics. Garfield believed that public offices should be filled based on merit rather than political loyalty, and he made it a priority to appoint individuals who were qualified for government positions, regardless of their political affiliations.
In foreign policy, Garfield supported the expansion of American influence in Latin America and advocated for a more assertive role for the United States on the global stage. Domestically, he focused on economic issues, including tariff reform, and sought to address the growing social and economic inequalities that marked the Gilded Age.
The Assassination
Tragedy struck on July 2, 1881, when James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker who had been denied a political appointment. Guiteau believed that he had played a significant role in Garfield’s election and that he was entitled to a government job in return. When Garfield refused to grant him the position, Guiteau took matters into his own hands and attempted to assassinate the president.
Garfield was shot twice but survived the initial attack. He was taken to the White House, where doctors attempted to treat his wounds, but their methods were rudimentary, and infection set in. After several weeks of suffering, Garfield died on September 19, 1881, from complications related to his wounds. He was 49 years old.
The Legacy of James A. Garfield
A Lasting Impact on Civil Service Reform
Despite his short time in office, Garfield’s legacy has had a profound impact on American politics. His assassination brought widespread attention to the issue of government corruption, and in the wake of his death, Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. This landmark legislation established a merit-based system for federal employment, ending the patronage system that had plagued American government for decades.
The Pendleton Act remains one of Garfield’s most significant contributions to the nation. It laid the foundation for a more professional, efficient, and accountable federal workforce, a reform that continues to shape the structure of the American government today.
A President Who Was Ahead of His Time
James A. Garfield’s presidency was a time of great potential for reform and progress, and though he was tragically cut short, his ideas and vision left a lasting imprint on the United States. His focus on integrity, education, and government reform exemplified the best qualities of American leadership. Garfield’s brief presidency is a reminder of how much can be accomplished when a leader is driven by principles and a deep sense of responsibility.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Garfield’s Legacy
James A. Garfield may be considered a “forgotten president” in many circles, but his contributions to the nation cannot be overlooked. From his early years as a poor canal boy to his presidency, Garfield’s life is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and service to one’s country. His commitment to reform, his dedication to civil rights, and his focus on government efficiency set the stage for many of the political changes that would shape the United States in the years to come.
As we look back on the life of James A. Garfield, we are reminded of the potential for greatness in every individual, no matter their beginnings. By rediscovering his legacy, we honor not only the man who once served as president but the ideals he stood for—a better, fairer, and more just America.