Key Facts
- Term
- 1881--1881
- Party
- Republican
- Vice President
- Chester A. Arthur
- First Lady
- Lucretia Garfield
- Home State
- Ohio
- Born
- 1831
- Died
- 1881
Biography
Garfield was assassinated by a disappointed office-seeker in 1881.
Key Events & Accomplishments
- Assassinated by Charles Guiteau (1881)
- His death led to the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1883)
Election Results
| Year | Opponent | Electoral Vote | Popular Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | Winfield Hancock | 214-155 | +0.1% |
Notable Quotes
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
Did You Know?
- Garfield could simultaneously write in Latin with one hand and Greek with the other.