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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. -
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. -
He went to Geauga Academy in Chester, Ohio. While also working as a janitor. Then he went to Williams College for teaching. -
Before getting into politics, Garfield was a teacher. He taught at Hiram College, and in 1857 he became principal. -
Garfield's nickname was "Boatman Jim". He was nicknamed this because of his love for fishing. -
In 1858 Garfield got married to Lucretia Rudolph. They got married in the Rudolph home in Hiram. -
Garfield was never divorced he was married to Lucretia Rudolph. -
Before being president Garfield was a State senator and a U.S. representative from Ohio. -
James Garfield was a republican. He joined this party -
James and Lucretia had 7 kids. The first kid born was Eliza Arabella (1860-1863). -
Garfield was in the army. He served as a General of Volunteers and a Brigade General. He served from 1861-1863 -
Their second kid was born. Harry Augustus (1863-1942). -
James Rudolph (1865-1950), was born this was their third child. -
Mary (Mollie) (1867-1847) was born making this their fourth child. -
Their fith child was Irvin McDowell (1870-1951). -
Their sixth child was Abram (1872-1958). -
Their last kid was Edward Abram (1874- 1876). -
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. -
James A. Garfield strengthened Federal authority over the New York customs house. -
James' vice president was the 21st president Chester A. Arthur. -
James Garfield was inaugurated on March 4, 1881 at the United States Capitol. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
On September 19, 1881 James A. Garfield died. Causing him to leave office. -
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. -
Garfield had the 2nd shortest term in the presidency. Consisting of 199 days. -
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. -
Because of James Garfield’s death, congress decided to pursue the Pendleton Act, which was a merit-based federal civil service. -
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).