The Presidents of the USA

Fast Facts

James Garfield

1881

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James Abram Garfield

birthplace

Moreland Hills, OH

birthday

November 19

Life

1831-1881

age

OFC:49 , d. 49

party

Republican

presidency highlights

On July 2, 1881, was shot and died in September

nickname:

Boatman Jim

vice-president:

Chester Arthur

previous office

Congressman (Ohio)

key background fact:

A true "dark horse", an unlikely nomination in party convention

occupation

School Teacher, Minister, Soldier

military service

Major General of Volunteers - hero of the Civil War (Chickamauga)

children

7: 5 boys 2 girls

wife:

Lucretia Rudolph (1858)

height

6' 0'' / 1.83 m

higher education

Williams College

religion

Disciples of Christ

quote

"The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable."

www.best-quotations.com

actions & events

1881 On July 2, he was shot by Charles Julius Guiteau.
1881 Garfield died of blood poisoning on September 19.

economy

foreign affairs

military activity

unique facts

The second-shortest presidency (after Harrison)
First president primarily left handed and ambidextrous

interesting

He knew Greek and Latin. He used his ambidexterity to write both at the same time. He had a 3,000-book library
In 1876 he developed an original trapezoid proof of the Pythagorean theorem.

military activity

Legacy

In the 4 months before he was shot, he did not accomplish much. He served the second-shortest term of any President.
He endured Congress pressure on executive appointments.

Garfield’s assassination