author
Chester Alan Arthur
1829–1886
A polished political operator who unexpectedly became president after James Garfield’s assassination, he surprised many critics by backing civil service reform. His years in office also helped modernize the U.S. Navy and left a more independent record than party insiders had expected.
1 Audiobook
State of the Union Addresses
by Chester Alan Arthur
About the author
Born in Vermont in 1829, he grew up in a religious, reform-minded family led by a Baptist minister who had emigrated from Ireland. After attending Union College, he became a lawyer in New York and built a successful career, including work on civil rights cases and later on the powerful New York Custom House.
Arthur entered national office through Republican machine politics and was elected vice president in 1880. When President James A. Garfield died in September 1881 after being shot, Arthur took office as the 21st president of the United States. Though many expected him to serve party bosses, he earned respect for supporting the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which began shifting federal jobs away from the old patronage system.
His presidency also saw steps toward strengthening the navy, and he was known personally for his dignified style and interest in elegant dress and entertaining. In poor health by the end of his term, he did not win renomination in 1884 and died in 1886, not long after leaving office.