Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur
source
Name	Chester A. Arthur
Birth date	October 5, 1829
Birth place	Fairfield, Vermont
Death date	November 18, 1886
Death place	New York City, New York
Party	Republican
Spouse	Ellen Herndon Arthur
Vice-president	None
Predecessor	Rutherford B. Hayes (as President), William A. Wheeler (as Vice President)
Successor	Grover Cleveland

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885, after the Assassination of James A. Garfield. He was a member of the Republican Party and is known for his unexpected rise to the presidency, as well as his commitment to Civil Service Reform. Arthur's life was marked by his association with prominent figures, including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and James G. Blaine. His presidency was also influenced by significant events, such as the Pendleton Civil Service Act and the Chinese Exclusion Act.

● Early life and education

Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, to William Arthur and Malvina Stone Arthur. He attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he studied Classics and was a member of the Delta Phi fraternity. After graduating, Arthur moved to New York City and began teaching at North Presbyterian Church in New York City. He later attended the State and National Law School in Ballston Spa, New York, and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1851. Arthur's early life was also influenced by his relationships with notable figures, including Horatio Seymour and Samuel J. Tilden.

● Career

Arthur's career in politics began during the American Civil War, when he served as a Quartermaster General in the New York State Militia. He later became the Inspector General of the New York State Militia and was appointed as the Collector of the Port of New York by President Ulysses S. Grant. Arthur's association with the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party led to his nomination as Vice President of the United States in 1880, alongside James A. Garfield. After Garfield's assassination, Arthur became the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. During his presidency, Arthur worked closely with prominent politicians, including John Sherman, William McKinley, and Nelson Aldrich.

● Presidency

As president, Arthur focused on Civil Service Reform, signing the Pendleton Civil Service Act into law in 1883. This act established the United States Civil Service Commission and marked a significant shift towards a more merit-based system of government appointments. Arthur also supported the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. His presidency was also marked by significant events, including the Tariff Act of 1883 and the International Meridian Conference. Arthur's foreign policy was influenced by his relationships with international leaders, including William Ewart Gladstone and Otto von Bismarck.

● Personal life

Arthur married Ellen Herndon Arthur in 1859, and the couple had two children, William Lewis Herndon Arthur and Chester Alan Arthur Jr.. Ellen Arthur died of pneumonia in 1880, just before Arthur's inauguration as vice president. Arthur's personal life was also marked by his relationships with notable figures, including Clara Folsom and Julia Sand. He was known for his love of fine clothing and luxury items, and was often seen wearing top hats and white tie.

● Death and legacy

Chester A. Arthur died on November 18, 1886, at the age of 56, due to complications from Bright's disease. He was buried in Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York. Arthur's legacy is complex and multifaceted, with some historians viewing him as a strong leader who implemented significant reforms, while others see him as a product of the spoils system. His presidency was also influenced by significant events, including the Haymarket affair and the Johnstown Flood. Arthur's legacy continues to be studied by historians, including H.W. Brands and Doris Kearns Goodwin.

● Historical reputation

Chester A. Arthur's historical reputation has undergone significant revisions over the years. Initially, he was seen as a weak and ineffective leader, but more recent assessments have highlighted his commitment to Civil Service Reform and his role in shaping the Republican Party. Arthur's presidency has been compared to those of other notable leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. His legacy continues to be studied by scholars at institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Arthur's historical reputation is also influenced by his relationships with notable figures, including Mark Twain and Edith Wharton.