All nine defendants are found not guilty. 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. [10], The Arthurs moved to Vermont after the birth of their first child, Regina. They existed from the 1870s until Arthur became president in 1881, at which point Conkling was no longer a force, and Arthur had reformed the Civil Service. [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. Arthur pronounced his middle name with the accent on the second syllable. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. 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 Illustration published in The New Eclectic History of the United States by M. E . [167], A more contentious debate materialized over the status of Chinese immigrants; in January 1868, the Senate had ratified the Burlingame Treaty with China, allowing an unrestricted flow of Chinese into the country. [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. In 1859, Arthur married Ellen Nell Lewis Herndon (1837-1880), the Virginia-born daughter of a U.S. naval officer. Less than four months later, on July 2, Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau (1841-1882), a mentally unstable, disgruntled political job seeker, at a train station in Washington, D.C. [110] Levi P. Morton, the first choice of Garfield's supporters, consulted with Conkling, who advised him to decline, which he did. [43] In Lemmon v. New York, Culver argued that, as New York law did not permit slavery, any slave arriving in New York was automatically freed. [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. The Presidency of Chester Arthur spanned the period in United States history that encompasses the events of the Maturation Era or the Gilded Age. Arthur, in turn, gave government jobs to Conklings supporters, who contributed part of their salaries to the Republican Party. [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. [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. Arthur succeeded the presidency upon Garfield's death in September 1881two months after being shot by an assassin. [200] Blatchford accepted, and his nomination was approved by the Senate within two weeks. William's mother was born Eliza McHarg and she married Alan Arthur. The United States recognizes the independence of Korea, although Korea's future is uncertain because of Chinese, Russian, and Japanese manipulations. [144] Navy Secretary William H. Hunt was next to resign, in April 1882, and Arthur attempted a more balanced approach by appointing Half-Breed William E. Chandler to the post, on Blaine's recommendation. In a special message to Congress, Arthur asks the legislature to appropriate funds for naval reconstruction work. Chester A. Arthur's Civil War Service Before the Civil War Arthur joined the state militia in 1858 as a means of forming political connections. [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. Silver Brooch Chester 1897 AJS Arthur Johnson Smith with Safety Chain Victorian. [196] In the months leading up to the 1884 Republican National Convention, however, Arthur began to realize that neither faction of the Republican party was prepared to give him their full support: the Half-Breeds were again solidly behind Blaine, while Stalwarts were undecided; some backed Arthur, with others considering Senator John A. Logan of Illinois. 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. An Ohio native, Grant graduated from West Point and fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). [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. [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. In 1855, he successfully represented Elizabeth Jennings Graham (1830-1901), a black woman who had been denied a seat on a Manhattan streetcar due to her race. Nicknamed the Gentleman Boss and Elegant Arthur, he reportedly owned 80 pairs of pants. [47] The rough frontier life did not agree with the genteel New Yorkers; after three or four months the two young lawyers returned to New York City, where Arthur comforted his fiance after her father was lost at sea in the wreck of the SS Central America. Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution establishes the Executive Branch read more, The Republican William Howard Taft worked as a judge in Ohio Superior Court and in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals before accepting a post as the first civilian governor of the Philippines in 1900. [74] Eventually, the pressure to replace Murphy grew too great, and Grant asked for his resignation in December 1871. [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. [152] To their surprise, he acted quickly to appoint the members of the Civil Service Commission that the law created, naming reformers Dorman Bridgman Eaton, John Milton Gregory, and Leroy D. Thoman as commissioners. [124], The Senate in the 47th United States Congress was divided among 37 Republicans, 37 Democrats, one independent (David Davis) who caucused with the Democrats, one Readjuster (William Mahone), and four vacancies. [196] Reform-minded Republicans, friendlier to Arthur after he endorsed civil service reform, were still not certain enough of his reform credentials to back him over Senator George F. Edmunds of Vermont, who had long favored their cause. 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. 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. $50,000 in 1871 is equal to $1.13million in present terms. [166] He also signed in August of that year the Immigration Act of 1882, which levied a 50-cent tax on immigrants to the United States, and excluded from entry the mentally ill, the intellectually disabled, criminals, or any other person potentially dependent upon public assistance. [205] He managed a few public appearances until the end of 1885. [85] Sherman ordered a commission led by John Jay to investigate the New York Custom House. [182] Having won an election in that state on a platform of more education funding (for black and white schools alike) and abolition of the poll tax and the whipping post, many northern Republicans saw the Readjusters as a more viable ally in the South than the moribund southern Republican party. [160] Republicans considered the law a success at the time, but later concluded that it contributed to their loss of seats in the elections of 1882. Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. "[76], The Senate confirmed Arthur's appointment; as Collector he controlled nearly a thousand jobs and received compensation as great as any federal officeholder. When Arthur was nominated for vice president in 1880, a New York attorney and political opponent, Arthur P. Hinman, initially speculated that Arthur was born in Ireland and did not come to the United States until he was fourteen years old. [31][d][32][e][33] When Hinman's original story did not take root, he spread a new rumor that Arthur was born in Canada. Kaschig, Merit. [192] To rejuvenate his health outside the confines of Washington, Arthur and some political friends traveled to Florida in April 1883. [207] Arthur was buried with his family members and ancestors in the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York. Chester A. Arthur was not supposed to be president. [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. This lesson will examine the major events of Chester A. Arthur's presidency. The family remained in Fairfield until 1832. Postal Service and pushed for the modernization of the U.S. Navy. [92] In September 1877, Hayes demanded the three men's resignations, which they refused to give. [190] During Arthur's presidency, settlers and cattle ranchers continued to encroach on Native American territory. [133] Judge John R. Brady of the New York Supreme Court administered the oath of office in Arthur's home at 2:15a.m. on September 20. Arthur, a Republican, had been vice president for 199 days when he succeeded to the presidency. The family finally settled in the Schenectady, New York area. His father, William Arthur, had immigrated to the United States from northern Ireland when he was 18 and had become a Baptist minister. [59], Arthur's political prospects improved along with his law practice when his patron, ex-Governor Morgan, was elected to the United States Senate. The original designer, John Roebling, died of an infection caused by an injury he received only days after having secured permission to begin his project. The territory had been ceded to the United States by Russia in an 1867 treaty. In 1854, he was admitted to the New York bar and began practicing law in New York City. [96], Arthur's job was spared only until July 1878, when Hayes took advantage of a Congressional recess to fire him and Cornell, replacing them with the recess appointment of Merritt and Silas W. [122] The running mates, never close, detached as Garfield continued to freeze out the Stalwarts from his patronage. [205] In 1889, a monument was placed on Arthur's burial plot by sculptor Ephraim Keyser of New York, consisting of a giant bronze female angel figure placing a bronze palm leaf on a granite sarcophagus. The Democratic nominee, General Winfield Scott Hancock was popular and having avoided taking definitive positions on most issues of the day, he had not offended any pivotal constituencies. In the federal presidential election, Grover Cleveland defeats James G. Blaine. Arthur first nominated his old political boss, Roscoe Conkling; he doubted that Conkling would accept, but felt obligated to offer a high office to his former patron. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. As president from 1881 to 1885, Arthur advocated for civil service. [149] This legislation greatly expanded similar civil service reforms attempted by President Franklin Pierce 30 years earlier. After the American Civil War, the U.S. Navy had faced serious challenges and by the 1880s was in disrepair. It remains a symbol of engineering prowess. Typically, these jobs were dispensed to adherents of the political machine responsible for appointing the Collector. More About Chester A. Arthur. [184], Other federal action on behalf of blacks was equally ineffective: when the Supreme Court struck down the Civil Rights Act of 1875 in the Civil Rights Cases (1883), Arthur expressed his disagreement with the decision in a message to Congress, but was unable to persuade Congress to pass any new legislation in its place. An 1848 graduate of Union College, Arthur was admitted to the New York City bar in 1851, and he established a legal practice in New York City that same year. in 1883. He joined other young Whigs in support of Henry Clay, even participating in a brawl against students who supported James K. Polk during the 1844 United States presidential election. [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. Congress passes a bill mandating the use of the census for determining congressional representation, a move which increases the number of representatives in Congress to 325. 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. Blaine was defeated by Democrat Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) in the general election. [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 Arthurs had four daughters when Chester was born. 238 lessons. [77][h] Among those who dealt with the Custom House, Arthur was one of the era's more popular collectors. [111] They next approached Arthur, and Conkling advised him to also reject the nomination, believing the Republicans would lose. [209], Arthur's post-presidency was the second-shortest of all presidents who lived past their presidencies, after that of James K. Polk who died just three months after leaving office. PDF. When the Brooklyn Bridge opened, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and one of the most revolutionary structures of the era. Chester A. Arthur 1881-1885 Dignified, tall, and handsome, with clean-shaven chin and side-whiskers, Chester A. Arthur looked like a president. Critics have long contended that Twain's Puddin' Head Wilson is based on Arthur's reforming of the Civil Service. [9], Chester Alan Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont. He previously served as the 20th vice president under President James A. Garfield. At the outset, Arthur struggled to overcome a negative reputation as a Stalwart and product of Conkling's organization. [195], As the 1884 presidential election approached, James G. Blaine was considered the favorite for the Republican nomination, but Arthur, too, contemplated a run for a full term as president. 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. [44] In another civil rights case in 1854, Arthur was the lead attorney representing Elizabeth Jennings Graham after she was denied a seat on a streetcar because she was black. [101] In September 1879 Arthur became Chairman of the New York State Republican Executive Committee, a post in which he served until October 1881. He proclaimed to onlookers: "I am a Stalwart, and Arthur will be President! There, his health continued to deteriorate, and on November 18, 1886, he died at age 57 at his home. [223] Since 1944 it has been the location of Kalustyan's Spice Emporium. 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) Chester A. Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in North Fairfield, Vermont. [161], During the Garfield administration, Secretary of State James G. Blaine attempted to invigorate United States diplomacy in Latin America, urging reciprocal trade agreements and offering to mediate disputes among the Latin American nations. [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. Chester Alan Arthur was born October 5, 1830, in Fairfield, Vermont. [62] Arthur rarely articulated his own political ideas during his time as a part of the machine; as was common at the time, loyalty and hard work on the machine's behalf was more important than actual political positions. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. [142] Blaine, nemesis of the Stalwart faction, remained Secretary of State until Congress reconvened and then departed immediately. [57] The couple took their son's death hard, and when they had another son, Chester Alan Jr., in 1864, they lavished attention on him. [94] The Senate's Commerce Committee, chaired by Conkling, unanimously rejected all the nominees; the full Senate rejected Roosevelt by a vote of 3125[95] and similarly turned down the nomination of Prince by the same margin, later confirming Merritt only because Sharpe's term had expired. It is estimated that more than twenty men were killed during the construction of the bridge, although records are debatable. 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