Early Life

Chester A. Arthur was born on February 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, but grew up in Schenectady and other towns in New York. He was the fifth of nine children. His father, a converted Baptist minister, was a strong abolitionist. In 1845, Arthur enrolled at Union College, where he became president of the debate society while also working as a schoolteacher. In 1853, he moved to New York City to study law. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1854 and joined a law firm that became Culver, Parker, and Arthur. The firm won several important cases involving the rights of enslaved people.

Political Rise

In 1859, Arthur married Ellen Herndon, and together they had three children, two of whom survived childhood. During the Civil War, he served as Quartermaster General for the New York State militia. In 1863, he returned to private practice, but his clients included many linked to New York’s Republican political machine. His ties to these influential figures pulled him further into politics, and Arthur soon became a trusted insider in New York’s Republican circles, despite their reputation for corruption.

Vice President

In 1871, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Arthur as Collector of the Customs House of the Port of New York, one of the most powerful and profitable political positions in the country. In the 1880 election, Republican candidate James A. Garfield chose Arthur as his running mate to secure backing from New York’s political machine. Garfield and Arthur won narrowly, with the highest voter turnout in American history (78.4%). When Garfield was assassinated in July 1881, Arthur became the 21st President of the United States.

President

Nicknamed the “Gentleman Boss,” Arthur surprised many by pushing for reforms rather than corruption. His greatest achievement was the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which required government jobs to be awarded based on merit instead of political favoritism. He also vetoed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which would have banned Chinese immigration for 20 years. Although Congress overrode his veto and passed a 10-year restriction, Arthur showed unexpected independence. His reformist positions weakened his support within the Republican Party, which refused to nominate him for a second term. By then, Arthur was suffering from kidney disease and was too ill to continue. He left office in 1885 and died on November 18, 1886.

Most Famous Quote

“Men may die, but the fabrics of our free institutions remain unshaken.” – Chester A. Arthur

Timeline of Chester A. Arthur’s Life

• 1829 – Born in Fairfield, Vermont
• 1845 – Enrolled at Union College
• 1853 – Moved to New York City to study law
• 1854 – Admitted to the New York State Bar
• 1859 – Married Ellen Herndon
• 1861–1863 – Served as Quartermaster General of New York’s militia during the Civil War
• 1871 – Appointed Collector of the Customs House, Port of New York
• 1880 – Elected Vice President of the United States
• 1881 – Became President after Garfield’s assassination
• 1883 – Signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
• 1882 – Vetoed the Chinese Exclusion Act (later modified and passed)
• 1884 – Republican Party refused to nominate him for reelection
• 1885 – Left office
• 1886 – Died of kidney disease on November 18

Interesting Facts

• Arthur was known for his impeccable style and reportedly owned over 80 pairs of pants.
• He redecorated the White House with elegant furniture and style, making it a fashionable place once again.
• Despite his ties to corruption before becoming president, he earned respect as a reformer once in office.
• Arthur rarely gave speeches but was admired for his quiet dignity as president.
• He was one of the few presidents never elected to the presidency in his own right.

Glossary

• Abolitionist – A person who supported ending slavery in the United States.
• Political Machine – A powerful organization that influences votes and controls political appointments, often linked with corruption.
• Quartermaster General – A military officer in charge of supplying troops with food, equipment, and transportation.
• Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act – A law requiring government jobs to be awarded based on ability rather than political connections.
• Customs House – A government office where taxes are collected on imported goods.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Chester A. Arthur’s early experiences as a lawyer influence his political views?
2. Why do you think Arthur surprised people by supporting reforms instead of corruption as president?
3. What was the importance of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in shaping modern government?
4. How might Arthur’s health have influenced his decisions during his presidency?