The Presidents of the USA

Fast Facts

Chester Arthur

1881-1885

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Chester Alan Arthur

birthplace

Fairfield, VT

birthday

October 5

Life

1829-1886

age

OFC:51 , d. 57

party

Republican

presidency highlights

Pendleton Act of 1883 initiating civil hiring on merit

nickname:

The Gentleman Boss

vice-president:

none

previous office

20th Vice President of USA

key background fact:

He became President when President Garfield was assassinated

occupation

Customs Collector of NY port

military service

Quartermaster General of New York State militia

children

3: 2 boys 1 girl

wife:

Ellen Lewis Herndon (1859)

height

6' 2'' / 1.88 m

higher education

Union College

religion

Episcopalian

quote

"Men may die, but the fabrics of free institutions remains unshaken."

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actions & events

1883 Pendleton Act: Civil hiring on merit
Start of the "Steel Navy"

economy

1885 Tariff of 1875 continued protectionist principles

foreign affairs

Treaty with Nicaragua to build a canal violating pact with Britain

military activity

unique facts

The last incumbent president who failed to receive renomination

interesting

A dandy in dress and a gourmand at the table, but he was neither happy nor healthy when president. He suffered the debilitating effects of Bright's disease (chronic nephritis).

military activity

Legacy

Despite his reputation as a leading spoilsmen in American politics, he proved to be a dignified and able administrator. A little-known presidency but no duty was neglected in his tenure and no problem alarmed the nation.

"Spoils system" and its champion