James A. Garfield

James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the 20th President of the United States (1881), and the second U.S. President to be assassinated. His term was the second shortest in U.S. history, after William Henry Harrison's. Holding office from March to September of 1881, President Garfield was in office for a total of just six months and fifteen days.

Military career

With the start of the Civil War, Garfield enlisted in the Union Army, and was assigned to command the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Gen. Don Carlos Buell assigned Garfield the task of driving Confederate forces out of eastern Kentucky in November 1861, giving him the 18th Brigade for the campaign. In December, he departed Catlettsburg, Kentucky, with the 40th and 42nd Ohio and the 14th and 22nd Kentucky infantry regiments, as well as the 2nd (West) Virginia Cavalry and McLoughlin's Squadron of Cavalry. The march was uneventful until Union forces reached Paintsville, Kentucky, where Garfield's cavalry engaged the Confederate cavalry at Jenny's Creek on January 6, 1862. The Confederates withdrew to the forks of Middle Creek, two miles from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, on the road to Virginia. Garfield attacked on January 9. At the end of the day's fighting, the Confederates withdrew from the field, but Garfield did not pursue them. He ordered a withdrawal to Prestonsburg, so he could resupply his men. His victory brought him early recognition.

Related Topics:
Civil War - Union Army - 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry - Don Carlos Buell - Confederate - Kentucky - 1861 - Catlettsburg, Kentucky - 2nd (West) Virginia Cavalry - McLoughlin's Squadron of Cavalry - Paintsville, Kentucky - Jenny's Creek - January 6 - 1862 - Middle Creek - Prestonsburg, Kentucky - Virginia - January 9

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He was transferred in April 1862 to the west, in time to participate in the Battle of Shiloh. He also fought at Chickamauga, eventually rising to the rank of major general.

Related Topics:
1862 - Battle of Shiloh - Chickamauga - Major general

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