mistressesanonymous.com – James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, led a life that exemplified the American dream. Born into poverty and hardship, he rose to become one of the most respected leaders in American history. Garfield’s journey from a humble canal boy in rural Ohio to the highest office in the land is a story of perseverance, intellect, ambition, and unwavering dedication to public service. His life is not only a testament to his personal qualities but also to the potential for success in a nation that prized hard work, merit, and education.
This article explores Garfield’s remarkable life—from his childhood on the Ohio Canal to his rise through the ranks of military and political leadership, culminating in his brief but impactful presidency. Along the way, Garfield’s experiences as a student, soldier, congressman, and reformer shaped his character and his vision for the nation.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings and Hard Work
A Childhood of Struggle
James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a small log cabin in Orange Township, Ohio, to Abram and Eliza Garfield. He was the youngest of five children in a family of modest means. His father, Abram, was a farmer who died of an illness when James was only two years old, leaving his mother, Eliza, to raise the family on her own. Despite their impoverished circumstances, Eliza Garfield was determined to provide her children with an education and instilled in James a love for learning from a young age.
Garfield’s early years were marked by hard labor. He helped his mother with farm chores, working long hours to support the family. But even as a young boy, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a deep curiosity about the world around him. While his peers were playing outside, Garfield could often be found reading books by the light of a fire. His love for learning was nurtured by his mother, who, despite her lack of formal education, made sure her children were well-versed in the classics.
The Ohio Canal: A Turning Point
At the age of 16, Garfield left his family’s farm in search of work. He found employment as a mule driver on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal system was a crucial part of the region’s economy, and laborers like Garfield played an important role in transporting goods along the waterway. Though the work was physically demanding, it provided Garfield with an opportunity to earn money and gain experience.
It was during this time on the canal that Garfield’s life took a pivotal turn. Despite the grueling labor, he continued to study in his spare time, often reading by the dim light of a lantern. His time on the canal also led him to a broader understanding of the world, particularly the working class and their struggles. The experience of hard work and physical labor shaped Garfield’s sense of responsibility and social justice. He would later advocate for workers’ rights and support policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Americans.
Education: The Foundation of a Scholar
Western Reserve Eclectic Institute
After a few years working on the canal, Garfield’s thirst for knowledge led him to return to school. In 1851, he enrolled at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later known as Hiram College) in Hiram, Ohio. The institution, though small and relatively unknown at the time, would play a crucial role in Garfield’s intellectual development. Garfield quickly became known for his intellect and academic excellence, particularly in subjects like Latin and Greek.
During his time at the Eclectic Institute, Garfield worked part-time to support himself. He even served as a janitor at the school, cleaning classrooms in exchange for room and board. Garfield’s determination to succeed academically was evident in his tireless work ethic. His professors and fellow students alike recognized his intellectual promise, and he was soon elected as the president of the school’s literary society.
Garfield’s passion for learning extended beyond the classroom. He immersed himself in classical literature, philosophy, and history. His education laid the foundation for his future career as a scholar and leader. The values of discipline, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity that he developed during this period would stay with him throughout his life.
Williams College: Further Academic Pursuits
In 1854, Garfield transferred to Williams College in Massachusetts to continue his studies. Williams was one of the top institutions in the country, and its rigorous academic environment challenged Garfield to refine his intellectual abilities. While at Williams, Garfield excelled in his studies and quickly gained a reputation for his scholarly achievements. His most significant academic interests were in classical languages, particularly Greek and Latin, but he also had a keen interest in history, philosophy, and political theory.
Garfield’s time at Williams was a period of personal growth and intellectual development. He was introduced to new ideas and expanded his worldview. His college years were also marked by a growing interest in public service and politics. He became involved in the school’s debating society, where he honed his skills as an orator. Garfield’s ability to communicate persuasively and his passion for justice would serve him well in the years to come.
Garfield graduated from Williams College in 1856, at the age of 25, with high honors. He was invited to deliver the graduation address, a mark of the esteem in which he was held by his professors and classmates. Garfield’s academic achievements at Williams were a testament to his commitment to education, which would remain a central value throughout his life.
Military Service: From Scholar to Soldier
The Civil War and Garfield’s Early Military Career
As the United States plunged into the Civil War in 1861, Garfield felt a deep sense of duty to the Union cause. His background as a scholar and teacher had instilled in him a strong sense of moral responsibility, and he was eager to contribute to the preservation of the Union. Garfield initially offered his services as a military leader, despite having no formal training in the art of warfare.
In 1861, Garfield was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the Union Army. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership abilities and his intellectual approach to strategy. Garfield was a natural leader, able to inspire his troops and make sound decisions under pressure. He served in several key battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Middle Creek in Kentucky, where he played a crucial role in securing a Union victory. His military success earned him promotions, and by the end of the war, Garfield had risen to the rank of major general.
Garfield’s service in the Union Army was marked by his commitment to the cause of abolition and his belief in the importance of preserving the Union. His military career helped shape his views on leadership and governance, and it also provided him with the experience necessary to navigate the political landscape after the war.
Political Rise: From Congressman to President
A Member of Congress
After the Civil War, Garfield returned to Ohio, where his reputation as a military leader helped propel him into politics. In 1863, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he would serve for the next 17 years. Garfield’s time in Congress was marked by his commitment to civil rights, economic reform, and national unity. He was a strong advocate for the rights of freed African Americans and supported the Reconstruction policies of President Abraham Lincoln and his successor, Andrew Johnson.
Garfield’s political philosophy was grounded in the belief that government should be efficient, honest, and focused on serving the needs of the people. He was deeply critical of the corrupt patronage system that had long plagued American politics and became a champion of civil service reform. Throughout his time in Congress, Garfield earned a reputation as a thoughtful and principled legislator, willing to stand up for his beliefs even when they were unpopular.
The 1880 Presidential Election
Garfield’s political rise culminated in his election as the 20th President of the United States in 1880. The Republican Party was deeply divided at the time, with competing factions vying for control. Garfield, who had gained a reputation as a moderate and reform-minded leader, was selected as a compromise candidate. His election represented a victory for the forces of civil service reform and good governance.
Despite being a relative outsider in the race for the presidency, Garfield’s political skills and reputation for integrity made him an appealing candidate. He was elected with a narrow margin, defeating Democratic nominee Winfield Scott Hancock. Garfield’s victory was seen as a triumph of reform and a rejection of the corrupt political machines that had dominated American politics for so long.
The Presidency: A Promising Start
Garfield’s presidency, though tragically short, was marked by his commitment to reform. He immediately set out to challenge the patronage system and ensure that government jobs were filled based on merit rather than political loyalty. Garfield’s brief time in office was characterized by his efforts to modernize the federal government and address the pressing issues of the day, including civil rights, economic development, and foreign policy.
Tragically, Garfield’s presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, after a prolonged battle for his life. His death marked a devastating loss for the nation, but his legacy lived on through the reforms he championed and the example he set as a leader committed to integrity and justice.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Perseverance and Public Service
James A. Garfield’s journey from a poor canal boy to the President of the United States is a powerful story of determination, intellect, and dedication to public service. His life is a testament to the ideals of the American dream—where hard work, education, and perseverance can lead to great success. Although his presidency was brief, Garfield’s contributions to civil service reform and his commitment to the principles of justice and equality continue to inspire Americans today. His life reminds us that greatness is not determined by one’s starting point, but by the impact one makes in service to others.