Chester+A.+Arthur

__ Early Life: __ Chester Arthur was born October 5, 1829. Arthur was the son of William Arthur, who was a northern Irish emigrant. Coming from a family that moved around a lot, Arthur lived in several towns in the Vermont area. In 1844, Arthur was accepted into Union College as a sophomore in high school. Because his parents were tight on money, Arthur’s dad taught him on the long winter vacations. After graduating top of his class at age 18, Arthur joined the law office of Culver and Parker to continue his training in law, and was admitted into the bar in 1854. In 1856, Arthur formed his own law firm, and in 1859, married his wife Ellen Lewis Herndon.
 * __ Chester Arthur __**

__ Political Career: __  In 1860, Arthur began campaigning for Republican presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln. He also helped campaign for Edwin D. Morgan, and in return Morgan seeded him the job of quartermaster general of New York City. This job basically required Arthur to supply and equip the over 200,000 volunteers on duty. Arthur’s private life in the practice of law and support of the Republican Party made him a big part to the political machine of Senator Roscoe Conkling. Under President Grant, Arthur was given the job of collector of customs for the Port of New York. Arthur was fired though not to long after by President Hayes, who gave the job to someone else that the senate approved. In 1880, the Republican Part split into two groups: the stalwarts and half-breeds. Stalwarts were known for being loyal to their party, while half-breeds were focused on minor political reforms. After half-breed James Garfield was nominated as the Republican Presidential candidate, stalwarts remained influence by electing Arthur as the vice-president. When Garfield won the election, his appointments ignored Conkling’s political machine. Conkling resigned from the job of senator, never to return again. When President Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guiteau, a man seeking an office job, Arthur became president. People did not like how Arthur was very focused on party Patronage, but the inauguration speech he gave was simple and reassuring. During his time in office, Arthur did accomplish a few things. Arthur went against the main ideals of his party, and decided on lowering the tariff. He was big on civil service reform; one of his widely known laws was the Pendleton Act, which set up civil service examinations for office places. Arthur is also considered the Father of the modern American Navy, providing the first all-steel powered navy. Arthur was not reelected for a second term, and in 1886 died from Bright’s disease.

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