PRESIDENT ARTHUR

Born: October 5, 1829 in Vermont (5th of 8 children)

Physical Description: 6’2” 225 pounds… wore huge sideburns & mustache. Great dresser (80 pair of pants), changed clothes for every occasion, would change clothes several times a day. Nickname was “Elegant Arthur”. Health was bad as President.

Personality: Easy-going, man of charm & grace. Very romantic & deeply emotional.

Recreation: Eating…Loved late night suppers and late night walks. Stayed up till 2 AM. Also loved to fish.

Early Childhood: Father was a Baptist preacher, Mother was deeply religious… Moved around a lot because of FatherEducation: Union College New York… 3rd in his class in 1848

Marriage: October 25, 1859 to Ellen “Nell” Lewis Herndon

He was 30, She was 22…

Nell dies on Jan. 12, 1880

Chester never recovers from her death… Had a fresh flower put in front of her picture daily at the White House…

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur had 2 children… son & daughter

Career before President:

Taught school (principal)Admitted to the Bar in 1854… Becomes a LawyerCivil War: helped equip & transport troops1871 President Grant appoints him collector of the Port of New York1878 President Hayes replaces him because of scandals1881 Elected Vice-President (1st elected office)On September 20, 1881 takes oath as President

President Arthur’s Administration:

1. Chinese Exclusion Act 1882: It put a restriction on Chinese immigration for 20 years… Arthur veto’s it. Congress comes back with a 10 year restriction, this time Pres. Arthur signs it.2. River & Harbor Act of 1882: Congress gives $19 million for improvements… Passed over President Arthur’s veto 3. Pendleton Act of 1883: This created the modern Civil Service System…It put an end to the spoils system. Created because of Garfield’s assassination. This law created a 3 man Civil Service Commission to over see the system. It called for open exams, stopped political contributions for jobs, stopped alcoholics, and curbed nepotism…

4. Mongrel Tariff of 1883: It reduced tariffs by 1.5%...It satisfied no one. Tariff will now be fought along party lines… Rep.= Party of protection Dem.= Champions of free trade

President Arthur in retirement:

Because of conversion to government reform which upset the Stalwarts, he is denied the Republican nomination in 1884 He goes back to being a lawyer in New York City.

Dies on November 18, 1886 (from kidney problems & cerebral hemorrhage)

Pres. Arthur grave In Albany, New York

Rating as President: #32