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Birth of President
On November 19, 1831 future president James Abram Garfield was born. He was born in Moreland Hills, Ohio. His mother, Eliza Ballou and father, Abram Garfield were very proud. -
Log Cabin
James A. Garfield was one of the last "log cabin" presidents. Which means he was one of the last presidents to grow up in a log cabin. He grew up in northeastern Ohio in poverty. -
High School/College
He went to Geauga Academy in Chester, Ohio. While also working as a janitor. Then he went to Williams College for teaching. -
Teaching
Before getting into politics, Garfield was a teacher. He taught at Hiram College, and in 1857 he became principal. -
Nickname
Garfield's nickname was "Boatman Jim". He was nicknamed this because of his love for fishing. -
Married
In 1858 Garfield got married to Lucretia Rudolph. They got married in the Rudolph home in Hiram. -
Divorces
Garfield was never divorced he was married to Lucretia Rudolph. -
Jobs before presidency
Before being president Garfield was a State senator and a U.S. representative from Ohio. -
Political Party
James Garfield was a republican. He joined this party -
Children
James and Lucretia had 7 kids. The first kid born was Eliza Arabella (1860-1863). -
Military
Garfield was in the army. He served as a General of Volunteers and a Brigade General. He served from 1861-1863 -
2nd Child
Their second kid was born. Harry Augustus (1863-1942). -
3rd child
James Rudolph (1865-1950), was born this was their third child. -
4th child
Mary (Mollie) (1867-1847) was born making this their fourth child. -
5th child
Their fith child was Irvin McDowell (1870-1951). -
6th child
Their sixth child was Abram (1872-1958). -
7th child
Their last kid was Edward Abram (1874- 1876). -
Fun Fact
Garfield was the only president who was an Ordained Minister. When he opened his election he brought a lot of publicity to the Disciples of Christ religious movement. -
Laws Passed
James A. Garfield strengthened Federal authority over the New York customs house. -
Vice President
James' vice president was the 21st president Chester A. Arthur. -
Inauguration
James Garfield was inaugurated on March 4, 1881 at the United States Capitol. -
Fun Fact
James A. Garfield was the first left-handed president. He was ambidextrous. He was the only known left-handed president prior to the 20th century. -
Programs Developed
While Garfield was president the American Red Cross was developed. It was developed on May 21, 1881 in Washington D.C. The American Red Cross helps vulnerable people around the world to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, armed conflicts and life- threatening health conditions. -
Assassination Attempts
On July 2nd, 1881 James A. Garfield was crossing the waiting room of Washington’s Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, in Elberon, New Jersey. When suddenly he was shot. Charles J. Guiteau shot two bullets at Garfield, one in the back, one in the arm. During trial Charles claimed Lord made him do it. But really it's because he did not get the government position he wanted. He was sentenced to be hung. -
Left Office
On September 19, 1881 James A. Garfield died. Causing him to leave office. -
Death
11 weeks after being shot James Abram Garfield died. He died due to blood infection from his shot wounds. He died in Elberon, Long Branch, New Jersey. -
Fun Fact
Garfield had the 2nd shortest term in the presidency. Consisting of 199 days. -
Burial Site
James Garfield was buried at Lake View Cemetery in Ohio. He was buried on September 26, 1881. Today he has his own memorial and tomb at the cemetery. -
Pendleton Act
Because of James Garfield’s death, congress decided to pursue the Pendleton Act, which was a merit-based federal civil service. -
Fun Fact
The big orange cat known as “Garfield” is named after James A. Garfield. The creator of Garfield, Jim Davis named it after his grandfather, James Garfield Davis (who was probably named after the president).