James Garfield Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth & Untold Facts
James Abram Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, remembered for his remarkable rise from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest office. Known for his intelligence, eloquence, and dedication to civil service reform, Garfield’s presidency, though tragically short-lived, left a lasting mark on American history. His life story remains a timeless tale of perseverance, leadership, and patriotism.
| Full Name | James Abram Garfield |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Politician, Lawyer, Military Officer |
| Birth Date | November 19, 1831 |
| Age (at Death) | 49 years (Died September 19, 1881) |
| Birth Place | Moreland Hills, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Serving as the 20th President of the United States |
| Known For | Civil service reform and leadership during Reconstruction |
| Ethnicity | White (European descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Height & Weight | 6 ft (1.83 m), 79 kg (175 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Education | Williams College |
| Religion | Christian (Disciples of Christ) |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married to Lucretia Rudolph Garfield (1858–1881) |
| Children | 7 (Including James R. Garfield) |
| Relatives | Grandson Newell Garfield |
| Hobbies | Reading, writing, horseback riding |
| Employer / Organization | U.S. Government |
| Years Active | 1859–1881 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $1 million (approx., inflation-adjusted) |
Early Life & Education
James Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Moreland Hills, Ohio. His father passed away when he was just two years old, leaving his mother, Eliza Ballou Garfield, to raise him in poverty. Despite these hardships, Garfield’s determination to learn and improve his life set him apart.
He attended local schools and later enrolled at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College). Garfield went on to graduate from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1856, earning a reputation as a brilliant scholar. His early education shaped his character, emphasizing discipline, moral integrity, and hard work.
Career Journey
Early Career and Military Service
After graduation, Garfield returned to Hiram College as a teacher and later became its president. His leadership skills and oratory talent soon drew him into politics. When the American Civil War broke out, Garfield enlisted in the Union Army and rose to the rank of Major General, earning respect for his bravery and strategic mind.
Political Rise
Garfield entered politics as a Republican, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly two decades. His intelligence and integrity made him one of the most respected lawmakers of his time. He played a key role in Reconstruction policies and advocated for education and civil rights.
Presidency (1881)
In 1880, Garfield was unexpectedly nominated as the Republican presidential candidate and won the election, becoming the 20th President of the United States. His presidency focused on civil service reform, modernization of the government, and strengthening national unity.
Tragically, his term was cut short when he was assassinated in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau. Despite serving only 200 days, Garfield’s dedication to reform left a significant impact on future administrations.
Personal Life
James Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph in 1858. The couple had seven children, and their marriage was known for its intellectual and emotional strength. Garfield was a family-oriented man who cherished reading, writing, and discussing philosophy. He was also deeply religious and active in his church community.
Awards & Achievements
- 20th President of the United States (1881)
- Major General, Union Army (Civil War)
- Advocate for Civil Service Reform
- Instrumental in post-Civil War Reconstruction efforts
- Williams College Alumni of Distinction
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 79 kg (175 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Build | Athletic (in youth) |
Quotes
“A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a Devil.”
“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
Controversies
Garfield’s presidency was short, but he faced political factionalism within the Republican Party, notably between the Stalwarts and Half-Breeds. His assassination was politically motivated, rooted in the spoils system he sought to reform.
Salary & Net Worth
During his presidency, Garfield earned an annual salary of $50,000 (equivalent to around $1.5 million in 2025). His net worth at the time of death, when adjusted for modern inflation, is estimated to be around $1 million. Most of his wealth came from his government service and modest property holdings in Ohio.
Interesting Facts
- Garfield was the last president born in a log cabin.
- He could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other simultaneously.
- He was the only sitting member of the U.S. House elected to the presidency.
- His assassination led to major civil service reforms, culminating in the Pendleton Act of 1883.
Social Media Links
(Historical figure — no official social media accounts)
However, educational and historical institutions preserve his legacy through:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was James Garfield?
A1: James Abram Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March to September 1881 before his assassination.
Q2: What was James Garfield known for?
A2: He was known for his leadership during Reconstruction and his commitment to civil service reform.
Q3: How did James Garfield die?
A3: He was shot by Charles J. Guiteau in July 1881 and died from infection on September 19, 1881.
Q4: Where was James Garfield born?
A4: He was born in Moreland Hills, Ohio, USA.
Q5: What was his educational background?
A5: Garfield graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1856.
Q6: What is James Garfield’s legacy today?
A6: His dedication to reform and education continues to influence American governance and history.
Conclusion
James A. Garfield’s life story is one of resilience, intellect, and service. From humble beginnings to the presidency, he embodied the American dream and inspired generations of leaders. Though his time in office was brief, his vision for a fair and educated nation lives on.
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