Chester A. Arthur

Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was an American politician who served as 21st President of the United States. Arthur was a member of the Republican Party and worked as a lawyer before becoming the 20th Vice President in the administration of James Garfield. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, on July 2, 1881. Garfield died on September 19, and Arthur became President, serving until 1885.

Related Topics:
October 5 - 1829 - November 18 - 1886 - American politician - President of the United States - Republican Party - Lawyer - Vice President - James Garfield - Charles Guiteau - July 2 - 1881 - September 19 - 1885

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Before entering national politics, Arthur had been Collector of Customs for the Port of New York. He was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant but was fired by Grant's successor, Rutherford B. Hayes, under (false) suspicion of bribery and corruption because he was part of the Tammany Hall political machine. His notable achievements in office as President included civil service reform and the passage of the Pendleton Act. Arthur is also remembered as one of the most society-conscious presidents, earning the nickname "the Gentleman Boss" for his style of dress and courtly manner, and was widely popular by the time he left office; in fact, not one but four young women (ignorant of Arthur's pronouncement that he would never marry again) proposed to him on the day he left office. He was also sometimes called "Elegant Arthur" for his commitment to fashionable attire. He kept 80 pairs of pants in his wardrobe, and changed pants several times a day. He was called "Chet" by family and friends. Interestingly, Arthur pronounced his middle name, Alan, with the stress on the second syllable -- "Al-AN."

Related Topics:
Collector of Customs - Port of New York - Ulysses S. Grant - Rutherford B. Hayes - Bribery - Corruption - Tammany Hall - Civil service - Pendleton Act

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Arthur suffered from Bright's Disease and died of a cerebral hemorrhage, most likely related to a history of hypertension, approximately twenty-four hours after being found unconscious by his nurse.

Related Topics:
Bright's Disease - Cerebral hemorrhage - Hypertension - Nurse

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