I feel like its a lifeline. Previously the 20th vice president,. 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. The portion of the law denying citizenship to Chinese-American children born in the United States was later found unconstitutional in, Earlier in 1874, during the Grant administration, Congress approved funds to rebuild four. [40] In 1852, Arthur moved again, to Cohoes, New York, to become the principal of a school at which his sister, Malvina, was a teacher. [74] Grant offered the position to John Augustus Griswold and William Orton, each of whom declined and recommended Arthur. [130] Twenty-nine days before his execution for shooting Garfield, Guiteau composed a lengthy, unpublished poem claiming that Arthur knew the assassination had saved "our land [the United States]". Suddenly elevated to a new position, Arthur was pleased and campaigned across the country for Garfield, helping him secure a narrow popular vote victory and a dominating success in the electoral college. [187] Garfield had believed polygamy was criminal behavior and was morally detrimental to family values, and Arthur's views were, for once, in line with his predecessor's. Facts about Chester A Arthur 2: in American civil war He previously served as the 20th vice president under President James A. Garfield.Arthur succeeded the presidency upon Garfield's death in September 1881two months after being shot by an assassin. [99] Conkling opposed the confirmation of Merritt and Burt when the Senate reconvened in February 1879, but Merritt was approved by a vote of 3125, as was Burt by 3119, giving Hayes his most significant civil service reform victory. "[154], With high revenue held over from wartime taxes, the federal government had collected more than it spent since 1866; by 1882 the surplus reached $145 million. In the early hours of September 20, Arthur was sworn in as president at his Manhattan brownstone at 123 Lexington Avenue by a New York state judge. 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 railways -- the Southern Pacific, the Northern Pacific, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. [217], In 1898, the Arthur memorial statuea fifteen-foot (4.6m), bronze figure of Arthur standing on a Barre Granite pedestalwas created by sculptor George Edwin Bissell and installed at Madison Square, in New York City. [182] He followed the same pattern in other Southern states, forging coalitions with independents and Greenback Party members. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. [73] Murphy's unpopularity only increased as he replaced workers loyal to Senator Reuben Fenton's faction of the Republican party with those loyal to Conkling's. [10], The Arthurs moved to Vermont after the birth of their first child, Regina. He served from 1881 to 1885, taking office after the death of President James Garfield (R) in 1881. Chester Alan Arthur (1829-1886) 1829, Oct. 5 Born, Fairfield, Vermont, to William Arthur (1796-1875) and Malvina Stone Arthur (1802-1869). Biographer George Howe takes this exchange at face value, Conkling and Pratt were ultimately denied re-election, being succeeded by. He served four terms in Congress but left in 1843 to mount an unsuccessful run for the governorship of New read more. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. After exiting the White House in March 1885, Arthur returned to New York City to resume his legal career. The Washington Monument is dedicated in Washington, D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing of public lands in the west. [216], Union College awarded Arthur the honorary degree of LL.D. Arthur vetoed the first version of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, arguing that its twenty-year ban on Chinese immigrants to the United States violated the Burlingame Treaty, but he signed a second version, which included a ten-year ban. In the Senate, Republicans take one seat and gain a 38-36 majority (with two seats filled by minor parties). portrait of chester alan arthur, 21st president of the united states - chester a. arthur stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images The Great Bridge - President Arthur and his Party Crossing the Suspended Highway, drawn by Schell & Hogan, Harper's Weekly, June 2, 1883. Why Did Zachary Taylor Oppose the Compromise of 1850? [197] Blaine led on the first ballot, and by the fourth ballot he had a majority. Son: Chester Alan Arthur, Jr. (socialite . 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. I have gained a better understanding of the American political system as well as the history of the system. [179] Democrats turned against the "New Navy" projects and, when they won control of the 48th Congress, refused to appropriate funds for seven more steel warships. During the Civil read more, Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), who served as the 22nd and 24th U.S. president, was known as a political reformer. 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. Kaschig, Merit. [11] Her family was primarily of English and Welsh descent, and her maternal grandfather, Uriah Stone, had served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. American Presidents & Vice Presidents: Study Guide & Homework Help, Chester A. Arthur: Domestic & Foreign Policy, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, John Quincy Adams: Foreign & Domestic Policies, John Quincy Adams: Childhood & Early Life, Martin Van Buren: Presidential Election, Opponent & Campaign Slogan, Martin Van Buren's Early Life & Childhood, Martin Van Buren's Role in the Trail of Tears, Andrew Jackson & Martin Van Buren: Relationship & Comparison, Martin Van Buren's Inaugural Address: Summary & Quotes, President James K. Polk's Foreign & Domestic Policies, James K. Polk's Inaugural Address: Summary & Meaning, James K. Polk: Election & Campaign Slogan, James K. Polk: Birthplace, Early Life & Education, President Franklin Pierce: Birthplace, Early Life & Education, Franklin Pierce: Presidential Election & Campaign, Rutherford B. Hayes: Birthplace, Early Life & Education, President Hayes: Foreign & Domestic Policies, President William McKinley & the Spanish-American War, William McKinley: Birthplace & Early Life. Arthur vetoes the Carriage of Passengers at Sea Bill, a steamboat safety bill, claiming that it contains several major technical errors. He was once the president of the New York Arcade Railway Company. 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. A skilled fisherman After the American Civil War, the U.S. Navy had faced serious challenges and by the 1880s was in disrepair. Nine men are indicted for defrauding the government in a postal scam, an episode that becomes known as the Star-Route Scandal; the trial begins on June 1. Arthur issues a proclamation recommending the observance of the 100th anniversary of General George Washington returning his commission as commander-in-chief to the Continental Congress. General Chester Arthur's Civil War ended effective January 1, 1863. 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. A small number of Arthur's papers survived and passed to his grandson. [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. The act is designed to ban companies from importing immigrant workers to break strikes and drive down wages. [39] Coincidentally, future president James A. Garfield taught penmanship at the same school three years later, but the two did not cross paths during their teaching careers. The son of a Baptist preacher who had emigrated from northern Ireland, Arthur was born on October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. [50] Arthur was commissioned as a brigadier general and assigned to the state militia's quartermaster department. The act also forbade workers from being fired for political reasons and prohibited compulsory political donations from employees. Arthur takes office as vice president in the presidential administration of James Garfield. [41] When Arthur was admitted to the New York bar in 1854, he joined Culver's firm, which was subsequently renamed Culver, Parker, and Arthur. [172] The nation's military focus over the fifteen years before Garfield and Arthur's election had been on the Indian wars in the Western United States, rather than the high seas, but as the region was increasingly pacified, many in Congress grew concerned at the poor state of the Navy. Although Garfield initially survived the shooting, he battled infections and died two months later, at age 49, on September 19. As a young boy, he attended schools in Perry and Greenwich, New York, before enrolling at the Union College in 1845. Being obscure, he is not counted among the Presidents whom . In January 1883, he signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act, landmark legislation mandating that certain federal government jobs be distributed based on merit rather than political connections. He was a member of the ultra exclusive Restigouche Salmon Club. Having become friendly with Murphy over their shared love of horses during summer vacations on the Jersey Shore, in July of that year, Grant appointed him to the Collector's position. Chandler, an aggressive administrator, purged the Navy of wood-and-canvas warship supporters and created the Naval War College. Arthur vetoes the first Chinese Exclusion Act, which would have banned the immigration of Chinese laborers for twenty years and denied American citizenship to current Chinese residents; the veto greatly angers labor groups, who feel increasingly threatened by the influx of Chinese labor. [197] He kept up a token effort, believing that to drop out would cast doubt on his actions in office and raise questions about his health, but by the time the convention began in June, his defeat was assured. [121] The Electoral College result was more decisive214 to 155and Garfield and Arthur were elected. Facts about Chester an Arthur 1: the life span Chester A Arthur was born on 5th October 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont and died on 18 November 1886. 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. The son of a Baptist preacher who had emigrated from northern Ireland, Chester A. Arthur was America's 21st President (1881-85), succeeding President James Garfield upon his assassination. [169][170] The Chinese Exclusion Act attempted to stop all Chinese immigration into the United States for ten years, with exceptions for diplomats, teachers, students, merchants, and travelers. [58] They also had a daughter, Ellen, in 1871. He was raised in New York. [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. [149] This legislation greatly expanded similar civil service reforms attempted by President Franklin Pierce 30 years earlier. Did you know? President Arthur signed the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, one of the most consequential pieces of immigration legislation in United States History. Windup Teacher. [125] Immediately, the Democrats attempted to organize the Senate, knowing that the vacancies would soon be filled by Republicans. [88] Sherman was less enthusiastic about the reforms than Hayes and Jay, but he approved the commission's report and ordered Arthur to make the personnel reductions. The Arthurs had four daughters when Chester was born. The Presidency of Chester Arthur spanned the period in United States history that encompasses the events of the Maturation Era or the Gilded Age. 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. [156] In May of that year, Representative William D. Kelley of Pennsylvania introduced a bill to establish a tariff commission;[156] the bill passed and Arthur signed it into law but appointed mostly protectionists to the committee. [79] He was also popular within the Republican party as he efficiently collected campaign assessments from the staff and placed party leaders' friends in jobs as positions became available. [132] Arthur was reluctant to be seen acting as president while Garfield lived, and for the next two months there was a void of authority in the executive office, with Garfield too weak to carry out his duties, and Arthur reluctant to assume them. By the 1880s, this system had grown incredibly corrupt, and many were pressing for reform. In addition to civil service reform, Arthur triedwith limited successto lower tariffs. [158] On August 1, 1882, Arthur vetoed the bill to widespread popular acclaim;[158] in his veto message, his principal objection was that it appropriated funds for purposes "not for the common defense or general welfare, and which do not promote commerce among the States. [66] Arthur had a better reputation than Murphy, but reformers still criticized the patronage structure and the moiety system as corrupt. His father, William Arthur, had immigrated to the United States from northern Ireland when he was 18 and had become a Baptist minister. This man was Chester A. Arthur. [155] Opinions varied on how to balance the budget; the Democrats wished to lower tariffs, in order to reduce revenues and the cost of imported goods, while Republicans believed that high tariffs ensured high wages in manufacturing and mining. Blaine was defeated by Democrat Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) in the general election. Arthur succeeded the presidency upon Garfield's death in September 1881two months after being shot by an assassin. Chester, or Chet, as he was known, attended Union College in Schenectady, New York. [104] Arthur and Conkling campaigned vigorously for the Stalwart ticket and, owing partly to a splintering of the Democratic vote, were victorious. [147] After a juror came forward with allegations that the defendants attempted to bribe him, the judge set aside the guilty verdicts and granted a new trial. The territory had been ceded to the United States by Russia in an 1867 treaty. Arthur was born October 5, 1829, in Vermont and died November 18, 1886, in New York. [56] Even as his professional life improved, however, Arthur and his wife experienced a personal tragedy as their only child, William, died suddenly that year at the age of two. [218] The statue was dedicated in 1899 and unveiled by Arthur's sister, Mary Arthur McElroy. James Garfield added Arthur to the 1880 presidential ticket because he thought it would help him win the state of New York, whose Republican party machine was instrumental to any political victory. [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. The United States participates in an international conference establishing standard time. Chester A. Arthur: Impact and Legacy By Justus Doenecke Historians view the Chester Arthur presidency as an important surprise, one that no one would have expected. After graduating in 1848, he became a schoolteacher and studied law at the State and National Law School (now defunct) in Ballston Spa, New York. In 1904, Taft took on the role of secretary of war in the administration read more, New York City real estate developer and reality TV star Donald Trump (1946- ) served as Americas 45th president from January 2017-January 2021. He attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, graduating in 1848. Chester Arthur Franklin was a leading African American editor and publisher of the Kansas City Call, who used his newspaper platform to advocate for systemic change and equity, both for Kansas City's black community and for African Americans nationwide. He is the only president to date who served two non-consecutive terms, and also the only Democratic president to win election during the period of Republican read more, Departing from the monarchical tradition of Britain, the founding fathers of the United States created a system in which the American people had the power and responsibility to select their leader. [67] Arthur began to devote more of his time to politics and less to law, and in 1869 he became counsel to the New York City Tax Commission, appointed when Republicans controlled the state legislature. He died in 1883. [148] The second trial began in December 1882 and lasted until July 1883 and, again, did not result in a guilty verdict. 4, 1885 Political Party Republican Party (1854-1886), Whig Party (Before 1856) Personal Info Born Oct. 5, 1829 Died Nov. 18, 1886 (at age 57) Religion Episcopal School Union College State and National Law School Profession Arthur and Governor Cleveland walked across the bridge along with the 7th regiment as part of the celebration. David L. Anderson, "The Diplomacy of Discrimination: Chinese Exclusion, 18761882", New York State Republican Executive Committee, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, List of presidents of the United States by previous experience, Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, "Rating the Presidents: Washington to Clinton", "Top 10 Forgettable Presidents: Fail to the Chief; Chester A. Arthur", "Then Again: A Vermont politician faces the 'birthers'. He proclaimed to onlookers: "I am a Stalwart, and Arthur will be President! [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. 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. [78] He got along with his subordinates and, since Murphy had already filled the staff with Conkling's adherents, he had few occasions to fire anyone. Owing to the shock of Garfield's assassination and eventual death, Americans all over had started to grow fed up of Roscoe Conkling's machine. [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. The family remained in Fairfield until 1832. So too, as it turns out, is the New York City house in which Arthur was sworn in as president, and died just five . He will be convicted on January 25, 1882, and executed on June 30, 1882. Arthur attended high school and Union College in Schenectady, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. [182] Some black Republicans felt betrayed by the pragmatic gambit, but others (including Frederick Douglass and ex-Senator Blanche K. Bruce) endorsed the administration's actions, as the Southern independents had more liberal racial policies than the Democrats. [188] The American Indian Wars were winding down, and public sentiment was shifting toward more favorable treatment of Native Americans. He had no vice president during his term in office. "[112][j] Conkling eventually relented, and campaigned for the ticket. He previously served as the 20th vice president under President James A. Garfield. [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. [151], At first, the act applied only to 10% of federal jobs and, without proper implementation by the president, it could have gone no further. Chester A. Arthur 's tenure as the 21st president of the United States began on September 19, 1881, when he succeeded to the presidency upon the assassination of President James A. Garfield, and ended on March 4, 1885. Arthur urged Congress to increase funding for Native American education, which it did in 1884, although not to the extent he wished. During the process, more than 20 wagonloads of furnishings from previous presidential administrations were cleared out and auctioned off. Entering the territory by crossing the Missouri at St. Joseph, they came down to the west side of the river to Leavenworth, where they remained and investigated . "[222], Arthur's townhouse, the Chester A. Arthur Home, was sold to William Randolph Hearst. In 1871, an era of political machines and patronage, Arthur was named to the powerful position of customs collector for the Port of New York. "Charles Guiteau's reasons for assassinating President Garfield, 1882 | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History", "James K Polk: Life After the Presidency", "In the Encampment at the Reunion at Ashland", "Original Civil War Officer Members of MOLLUS", "Where a President Took the Oath, Indifference May Become Official", "The Diaries of Malvina Arthur: Windows Into The Past of Our 21st President", "The Mystery of Chester Alan Arthur's Birthplace", "Chester A. Arthur Is the Most Forgotten President in U.S. History, According to Science", "Republican State Committee: Gen. Chester A. Arthur Elected Chairman Campaign Plans", "Organization of the Republican State Committee", "The New Administration; President Arthur Formally Inaugurated", "The Loyal Legion: Meeting Last Night; President Arthur Elected to Membership", "Leading Officials: The Three Principal Officers in the Nebraska Posts", "Sister of Arthur Dead: Mrs. Regina M. Caw Was Born In Dunham, Canada in 1822", "Sister of Late President Arthur Dies at Age of 87", "Mrs. John E. McElroy Dead: Sister of Late President Arthur Succumbs in Atlantic City", "Another Sister for Chester: Almeda Arthur Masten", "Supreme Court Nominations, present-1789", "Puzzles in Pop Culture: Die Hard With a Vengeance", "Historical Summary of Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Posts by State: Wisconsin", Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Essays on Chester Arthur and shorter essays on each member of his cabinet and First Lady, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chester_A._Arthur&oldid=1133648013, Regina (18221910), the wife of William G. Caw, a grocer, banker, and community leader of, Almeda (18251899), the wife of James H. Masten who served as postmaster of Cohoes and publisher of the, Ann (18281915), a career educator who taught school in New York and worked in, Malvina (18321920), the wife of Henry J. Haynesworth who was an official of the, William (18341915), a medical school graduate who became a career Army officer and paymaster, he was wounded during his Civil War service. [122] The running mates, never close, detached as Garfield continued to freeze out the Stalwarts from his patronage. 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. Create an account to start this course today. An Ohio native, Grant graduated from West Point and fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). [44] At that time, the state was the scene of a brutal struggle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces, and Arthur lined up firmly with the latter. Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. A revised version of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which reduces the period of non-immigration to ten years but maintains the ban on Chinese citizenship, becomes law. [118] Hancock did not help his own cause when, in an attempt to remain neutral on the tariff, he said that "[t]he tariff question is a local question", which only made him appear uninformed about an important issue. 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). [203] Instead, Arthur nominated Samuel Blatchford, who had been a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals for the prior four years. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, grew up in upstate New York and practiced law in New York City. Arthur was the second vice president to become chief executive due to an assassination. [180] Chandler scrapped costly outdated vessels, exclaiming he did his "best work in destroying the old navy. Twenty-first President, 1881-1885. Political opponent of the President and former secretary of state James G. Blaine defeats Arthur for the nomination; John A. Logan is selected as vice president. James Garfield dies from blood poisoning and complications after surgeons search endlessly to find the lost bullet in his back, lodged in his pancreas. He kept the condition a secret from the public; however, his poor health prevented him from actively seeking reelection in 1884. [9], Chester Alan Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont. Copyright 2022. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. [40] In 1853, after studying at State and National Law School in Ballston Spa, New York, and then saving enough money to relocate, Arthur moved to New York City to read law at the office of Erastus D. Culver, an abolitionist lawyer and family friend. [119] Candidates for high office did not personally campaign in those days, but as state Republican chairman, Arthur played a part in the campaign in his usual fashion: overseeing the effort in New York and raising money. Prior to the Brooklyn Bridge opening celebration, President Arthur's health had been deteriorating. The President Chester Arthur Timeline provides a brief record of events in the order of their occurrence. [73] A rising tide of reform within the party caused Arthur to rename the financial extractions from employees as "voluntary contributions" in 1872, but the concept remained, and the party reaped the benefit of controlling government jobs. Summary of President Chester Arthur for Kids: "Walrus" Summary: Chester Arthur (1829-1886), nicknamed the "Walrus" or "The Dude President", was the 21st American President and served in office from 1881-1885. Chester Alan Arthur: 5th President of the United States. [165], The 47th Congress spent a great deal of time on immigration, and at times was in accord with Arthur. They collected large amounts of money that came from taxes. The billionaire businessman ran as a Republican and scored an upset victory over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 read more, Born of humble origins in New York State, Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) became a lawyer and won election to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 1833.