[107], Conkling and his fellow Stalwarts, including Arthur, wished to follow up their 1879 success at the 1880 Republican National Convention by securing the presidential nomination for their ally, ex-President Grant. In 1854, he was admitted to the New York bar and began practicing law in New York City. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. [144] Of the Cabinet members Arthur had inherited from Garfield, only Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln remained for the entirety of Arthur's term. Among the facts that argue against Hinman's theories are the entries for Chester A. Arthur in several U.S. Censuses from before he was politically prominent, which list his birthplace as Vermont, and the entry of his birth in the Arthur family Bible, which also indicates Vermont as his birthplace. [149] Republicans lost seats in the 1882 congressional elections, in which Democrats campaigned on the reform issue. Arthur's failing health and political temperament combined to make his administration less active than a modern presidency, yet he earned praise among contemporaries for his solid performance in office. [100] Arthur immediately took advantage of the resulting free time to work for the election of Edward Cooper as New York City's next mayor. Arthur, a Republican, had been vice president for 199 days when he succeeded to the presidency. [16][17] He was named "Chester" after Chester Abell,[18] the physician and family friend who assisted in his birth, and "Alan" for his paternal grandfather. The President Chester Arthur Timeline provides a brief record of events in the order of their occurrence. Under this system, elected officials rewarded their supporters with political appointments in their administrations. [125] Immediately, the Democrats attempted to organize the Senate, knowing that the vacancies would soon be filled by Republicans. It was striking to us that it seemed like common knowledge to all that Chester A. Arthur was born in Waterville and the historical storyline was compelling. He also oversaw the establishment of the Naval War College and the Office of Naval Intelligence. Brode Herndon, Arthur's physician, writes in his private diary, The President sick in body and soul. Arthur had been diagnosed that year with Bright's disease, a fatal kidney ailment; his health will deteriorate rapidly while being kept secret from the general public. [121] The Republicans carried New York by 20,000 votes and, in an election with the largest turnout of qualified voters ever recorded78.4%they won the nationwide popular vote by just 7,018 votes. More About Chester A. Arthur. They preferred the government spend more on internal improvements and reduce excise taxes. [191], Shortly after becoming president, Arthur was diagnosed with Bright's disease, a kidney ailment now referred to as nephritis. Chester Alan Arthur, one of the few men to serve his entire presidency without ever being elected to office (John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, and Gerald Ford were the others), died on this day in 1886. "Men may die, but the fabric of free . Arthur left office in 1885 and returned to his New York City home. Why Did Zachary Taylor Oppose the Compromise of 1850? Hallmarked Chester. [52] The closest Arthur came to the front was when he traveled south to inspect New York troops near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in May 1862, shortly after forces under Major General Irvin McDowell seized the town during the Peninsula Campaign. The Conkling machine was solidly behind General Ulysses S. Grant's candidacy for president, and Arthur raised funds for Grant's election in 1868. He proclaimed to onlookers: "I am a Stalwart, and Arthur will be President! Postal Service and pushed for the modernization of the U.S. Navy. [165], The 47th Congress spent a great deal of time on immigration, and at times was in accord with Arthur. President Arthur signed the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, one of the most consequential pieces of immigration legislation in United States History. Chester A. Arthur | Presidents of the United States (POTUS) Chester A. Arthur 1 2 3 4 5 21st President of the United States (September 19, 1881 to March 3, 1885) Nickname: "The Gentleman Boss"; "Elegant Arthur" Born: October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont Died: November 18, 1886, in New York, New York Father: William Arthur (1796-1875) [84] Arthur and the machine gathered campaign funds with their usual zeal, but Conkling limited his own campaign activities for Hayes to a few speeches. [117] Realizing this, they adjusted their approach to claim that Democrats would lower the country's protective tariff, which would allow cheaper manufactured goods to be imported from Europe, and thereby put thousands out of work. Chester Arthur was born in North Fairfield, Vermont. He remained at the job until 1870 at a salary of $10,000 a year. [189] The allotment system was favored by liberal reformers at the time, but eventually proved detrimental to Native Americans as most of their land was resold at low prices to white speculators. [19][c] The family remained in Fairfield until 1832, when William Arthur's profession took them to churches in several towns in Vermont and upstate New York. [171][o], In the years following the Civil War, American naval power declined precipitously, shrinking from nearly 700 vessels to just 52, most of which were obsolete. In his first annual presidential address to Congress in 1881, Arthur requested civil service reform legislation and Pendleton again introduced his bill, but Congress did not pass it. In the general election, Garfield and Arthur defeated Democratic nominee Winfield Hancock (1824-1886) and his running mate William English (1822-1896), and were sworn into office on March 4, 1881. Elected vice president on the Republican ticket of 1880, Arthur acceded to the presidency upon the assassination of President James A. Garfield. By the time of Garfield's assassination, most political observers thought that Arthur had lost any power or influence that he did have with the president. His father, William Arthur, had immigrated to the United States from northern Ireland when he was 18 and had become a Baptist minister. [123] Garfield ultimately appointed a Stalwart, Thomas Lemuel James, to be Postmaster General, but the cabinet fight and Arthur's ill-considered speech left the President and Vice President clearly estranged when they took office on March 4, 1881. These restraints distinguished him sharply from the stereotype politician. [116] As Republicans had done since the end of the Civil War, Garfield and Arthur initially focused their campaign on the "bloody shirt"the idea that returning Democrats to office would undo the victory of the Civil War and reward secessionists. After Rutherford Hayes became president, he ousted Arthur from the job in 1878 in an attempt to reform the New York Custom House and spoils system. [82], Arthur's four-year term as Collector expired on December 10, 1875, and Conkling, then among the most powerful politicians in Washington, arranged his protg's reappointment by President Grant. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, Physician keeps Presidents disease secret, Proclamation against settlement in Oklahoma, Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity. "[159] Congress overrode his veto the next day[158] and the new law reduced the surplus by $19 million. [45] The two were soon engaged to be married. After the American Civil War, the U.S. Navy had faced serious challenges and by the 1880s was in disrepair. He died in 1883. [72] Murphy's reputation as a war profiteer and his association with Tammany Hall made him unacceptable to many of his own party, but Conkling convinced the Senate to confirm him. Late night strolls 7. The act also forbade workers from being fired for political reasons and prohibited compulsory political donations from employees. When the war broke out on July 27, 1862, three weeks after President Lincoln's call for 300,000 more men, Arthur was appointed quartermaster-general and oversaw the construction of a huge tent city in City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, where thousands of men gathered, were provisioned, and sent to war. [179] Even without the additional ships, the state of the Navy improved when, after several construction delays, the last of the new ships entered service in 1889. His Baptist minister father, William Arthur, hailed from Ireland, and his mother, Malvina Stone Arthur, was from Vermont. Secretary of State James G. Blaine resigns due to political differences between himself and President Arthur. There, his health continued to deteriorate, and on November 18, 1886, he died at age 57 at his home. But, with one assassin's bullet, Arthur instead became the president, any questions of losing power forgotten. Congress passes the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. Prior to the Brooklyn Bridge opening celebration, President Arthur's health had been deteriorating. One presidential oath was administered by a state court judge, also in New York City by a New York State judge: Arthur first offered the post to Edwin D. Morgan, who had been his patron in New York; Morgan was confirmed by the Senate, but declined on the grounds of age. [200] The Senate confirmed the nomination but, as expected, Conkling declined it,[200] the last time a confirmed nominee declined an appointment. As president from 1881 to 1885, Arthur advocated for civil service reform. Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. Although Chester Arthur had risen to power through machine politics, once in the White House he surprised Americans (and alienated Conkling and other supporters) by moving past partisanship. [10] William Arthur also spent a brief time studying law, but while still in Waterville, he departed from both his legal studies and his Presbyterian upbringing to join the Free Will Baptists; he spent the rest of his life as a minister in that sect. [149] This legislation greatly expanded similar civil service reforms attempted by President Franklin Pierce 30 years earlier. Chester A. Arthur The 21st President of the United States Presidents George Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Madison James Monroe John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren. Congress passes the so-called Mongrel Tariff Act, a complex tariff revision that reduces rates on various items by less than 2 percent; Arthur had lobbied Congress for a 20 to 25 percent cut on all items. [58] They also had a daughter, Ellen, in 1871. [190] During Arthur's presidency, settlers and cattle ranchers continued to encroach on Native American territory. They collected large amounts of money that came from taxes. [205] On November 22, a private funeral was held at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City, attended by President Cleveland and ex-President Hayes, among other notables. All Rights Reserved. [176] Based on the suggestions in the report, Congress appropriated funds, signed into law by Arthur, for the construction of three steel protected cruisers (Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago) and an armed dispatch-steamer (Dolphin), collectively known as the ABCD Ships or the Squadron of Evolution. July 14, 2017. The Washington Monument is dedicated in Washington, D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing of public lands in the west. The most important events of his administration were the passage of the Tariff Act of 1883 and of the "Edmunds Law" prohibiting polygamy in the territories, and the completion of three great transcontinental railwaysthe Southern Pacific, the Northern Pacific, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa F. Windup Teacher. [149] Both Democratic and Republican leaders realized that they could attract the votes of reformers by turning against the spoils system and, by 1882, a bipartisan effort began in favor of reform. Diseases And Disabilities. [133] Through the summer, Arthur refused to travel to Washington and was at his Lexington Avenue home when, on the night of September 19, he learned that Garfield had died. [39] While studying law, he continued teaching, moving closer to home by taking a job at a school in North Pownal, Vermont. 1051. [182] He followed the same pattern in other Southern states, forging coalitions with independents and Greenback Party members. The following material is what I have learned in American Government for only but one year, I have still learned more than what I already knew at the beginning of my high school career. Nicknamed the Gentleman Boss and Elegant Arthur, he reportedly owned 80 pairs of pants. Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. A skilled fisherman Department 56 - A Christmas Story - Ralphie's House Department 56 $94. He withdrew troops from the Reconstruction states in order to restore local control and good will, a decision that many perceived read more, Ulysses Grant (1822-1885) commanded the victorious Union army during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and served as the 18th U.S. president from 1869 to 1877. Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 - November 18, 1886) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 21st president of the United States from 1881 to 1885. [180] Chandler scrapped costly outdated vessels, exclaiming he did his "best work in destroying the old navy. $1.25. He graduated from Union College in 1848, taught school, was admitted to the bar and practiced law in New York City. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Author of "The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur," Greenberger provided an encyclopedic overview of the life and legacy of the country's 21st president. Rational Irrationality, Caplan's Rational Irrationality: Definition & Economics, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Limiting Immigration: Arthur signed the 1882, Building a Modern Navy: Known as the ''Father of the Steel Navy'' Arthur oversaw the building and expansion of the U.S. Navy, including the establishment of the. [77][h] Among those who dealt with the Custom House, Arthur was one of the era's more popular collectors. [10] William Arthur became an outspoken abolitionist, which often made him unpopular with some members of his congregations and contributed to the family's frequent moves. (5) $55.11. Arthur owned at least 80 pairs of pants. The couple had two children who survived to adulthood: Chester Arthur Jr. (1864-1937) and Ellen Herndon Arthur (1871-1915). [142] Despite Arthur's personal appeal to remain, MacVeagh resigned in December 1881 and Arthur replaced him with Benjamin H. Brewster, a Philadelphia lawyer and machine politician reputed to have reformist leanings. - Facts & Biography, Thomas Jefferson's Role in the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson: Inventions & Accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson's Home at Monticello: History & Facts, Monticello, Jefferson's Home: Architecture & Garden, Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson: Relationship & Children, Thomas Jefferson: Domestic, Economic & Foreign Policies, Alexander Hamilton & Thomas Jefferson: Relationship & Differences, Thomas Jefferson & the Constitutional Convention, Thomas Jefferson & Religion: Views & Quotes, President Thomas Jefferson's Cabinet: Members & Overview, Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin: Relationship & Comparison, Western Civilization From 1648 to Today: Certificate Program, Western Civilization Since 1648: Homework Help Resource, American History Since 1865: Tutoring Solution, Post-Civil War U.S. History: Help and Review, DSST The Civil War & Reconstruction: Study Guide & Test Prep, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Writing (5723): Study Guide & Practice, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713) Prep, Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, Praxis Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) Prep, History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction, CAHSEE English Exam: Test Prep & Study Guide, Geography 101: Human & Cultural Geography, Chester A. Arthur: Facts, Accomplishments & Quotes, Chester A. Arthur Lesson for Kids: Biography & Facts, Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, Cartesian Rationalism vs. Lockean Rationalism, Rational Ignorance vs. "[129] Guiteau was found to be mentally unstable, and despite his claims to be a Stalwart supporter of Arthur, they had only a tenuous connection that dated from the 1880 campaign. North Fairfield Baptist Church 5964 Duffy Hill Road, Fairfield, Vermont A sharp dressed man 9. [194] Reporters accompanied the presidential party, helping to publicize the new National Park system. Although Garfield initially survived the shooting, he battled infections and died two months later, at age 49, on September 19. [149] In 1880, Democratic Senator George H. Pendleton of Ohio introduced legislation that required selection of civil servants based on merit as determined by an examination. According to a purported eyewitness account by journalist William C. Hudson, Conkling and Arthur argued, with Arthur telling Conkling, "The office of the Vice-President is a greater honor than I ever dreamed of attaining. Chester A. Arthur 1881-1885 Dignified, tall, and handsome, with clean-shaven chin and side-whiskers, Chester A. Arthur looked like a president. His father, William Arthur, had immigrated to America from northern Ireland when he was 18 and had become a Baptist minister. [162] Blaine did not remain in office long enough to see the effort through, and when Frederick T. Frelinghuysen replaced him at the end of 1881, the conference efforts lapsed. Arthur urged Congress to increase funding for Native American education, which it did in 1884, although not to the extent he wished. [37] After completing his college preparation at the Lyceum of Union Village (now Greenwich) and a grammar school in Schenectady, Arthur enrolled at Union College there in 1845, where he studied the traditional classical curriculum. [146] Although Arthur had worked closely with Dorsey before his presidency, once in office he supported the investigation and forced the resignation of officials suspected in the scandal. Portrait of Chester Arthur, vice president to James Garfield. [214] On April 5, 1882, Arthur was elected to the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) as a Third Class Companion (insignia number 02430[215]), the honorary membership category for militia officers and civilians who made significant contributions to the war effort. "[221] As 2004 biographer Zachary Karabell wrote, although Arthur was "physically stretched and emotionally strained, he strove to do what was right for the country. [152] The chief examiner, Silas W. Burt, was a long-time reformer who had been Arthur's opponent when the two men worked at the New York Custom House. [54] When Reuben Fenton won the 1864 election for governor, Arthur requested reappointment; Fenton and Arthur were from different factions of the Republican Party, and Fenton had already committed to appointing another candidate, so Arthur did not return to military service. Employees were required to make political contributions (known as "assessments") back to the machine, which made the job a highly coveted political plum. Upon the murder of James Garfield in 1881, Arthur became the twenty-first president of the United States. The commission's recommendations were ignored, however, as the House Ways and Means Committee, dominated by protectionists, provided a 10% reduction. 0. It's evident that Arthur took both events hard, even though in his political activities he'd rarely been home, and in fact his wife almost left him. 1. During this time, Arthur joined the Republican Party, which was established by anti-slavery activists in 1854. [48] The couple had three children: After his marriage, Arthur devoted his efforts to building his law practice, but also found time to engage in Republican party politics. The bill passed both houses narrowly on March 3, 1883, the last full day of the 47th Congress; Arthur signed the measure into law, with no effect on the surplus. [205] He managed a few public appearances until the end of 1885. In 1866, Arthur unsuccessfully attempted to secure the position of Naval Officer at the New York Custom House, a lucrative job subordinate only to the Collector. Guiteau's poem also states he had (incorrectly) presumed that Arthur would pardon him for the assassination. Chester Arthur (1829-1886), the 21st U.S. president, took office after the death of President James Garfield (1831-1881). [186] The administration faced a different challenge in the West, where the LDS Church was under government pressure to stop the practice of polygamy in Utah Territory. 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