Future President Chester A. Arthur as a young lawyer

Chester A. Arthur, born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. Before becoming president, Arthur had a varied career as a lawyer and a political figure. He was initially known for his association with the political machine in New York, especially as a member of the powerful Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, which was supportive of patronage and machine politics.

Arthur's rise to the presidency came unexpectedly. In 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by an assassin, and Arthur, who was serving as vice president at the time, assumed office after Garfield's death. Despite his early connections to patronage politics, Arthur surprised many by adopting a reformist agenda once in office.

One of his most significant actions as president was his support for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which aimed to end the spoils system of political patronage. The law required government jobs to be awarded based on merit rather than political connections, marking a significant step in the professionalization of the U.S. civil service.

Arthur also oversaw the modernization of the U.S. Navy, which was becoming more important in global affairs, and worked on reforms in areas such as immigration and the tariff system.

Though he initially struggled with the public’s perception due to his political background, Arthur’s presidency is often seen in a more favorable light today, particularly for his contributions to civil service reform. He did not seek re-election in 1884 and retired from politics after his term ended. Chester A. Arthur passed away on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57 from a stroke.