Chester A. Arthur

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Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was an American attorney and politician who served as the 21st President of the United States from 1881 to 1885. He succeeded James A. Garfield upon the latter's assassination.

Early Life and Education

Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, to William Arthur and Malvina Stone Arthur. He attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he graduated in 1848. After college, he became a schoolteacher before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1854.

Legal and Political Career

Arthur practiced law in New York City and became involved in Republican politics. He was appointed to the position of Collector of the Port of New York by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1871, a position he held until 1878. His tenure was marked by his enforcement of the Spoils System, which later became a point of contention.

Vice Presidency and Presidency

Arthur was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate alongside James A. Garfield in the 1880 election. They won the election, and Arthur became Vice President of the United States. Following Garfield's assassination in 1881, Arthur assumed the presidency.

As president, Arthur advocated for civil service reform, signing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act into law in 1883. This act aimed to curb the Spoils System and establish a merit-based system for federal employment. Arthur also modernized the United States Navy and vetoed the Chinese Exclusion Act, although Congress later overrode his veto.

Later Life and Death

After his presidency, Arthur retired to New York City. He suffered from Bright's disease, a kidney ailment, and his health declined rapidly. He died on November 18, 1886, and was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York.

Legacy

Arthur's presidency is often remembered for his efforts in civil service reform and his unexpected rise to the presidency. Despite initial doubts about his capabilities, he earned respect for his administration's integrity and effectiveness.

Related Pages

• James A. Garfield
• Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
• Spoils System
• United States Navy
• Chinese Exclusion Act
• Albany Rural Cemetery