James Garfield, 1877 Quotes

A collection of quotes by James Garfield, 1877.

James Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March to September 1881. He was born on November 19, 1831, in Orange Township, Ohio. Garfield's early life was marked by poverty, and he worked on a farm and as a janitor and carpenter to fund his education. He demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and attended Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now known as Hiram College) and later Williams College.

Garfield then pursued a career in education and became a professor of languages at Hiram College. However, his passion for politics led him to run for various political positions. In 1862, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 17 years. During his time in Congress, he became renowned for his integrity and eloquent speeches.

In 1880, Garfield reluctantly accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination and went on to win the general election against Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. However, his presidency was short-lived. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau and suffered from complications for several months before passing away on September 19, 1881.

Although his presidential tenure was brief, Garfield is remembered for his progressive stance on civil rights, education, and tariff reform. His assassination and the subsequent calls for civil service reform spurred reforms in the U.S. government. James Garfield's contributions to politics and education continue to be celebrated, making him a prominent figure in American history.