James a garfield biography for kids

Please email or share this article!

Twentieth (20th) President of the United States

Years Served as President: 1881

Vice President: Chester A. Arthur

Party: Republican

Age at Inauguration: 49

Home State: Ohio

Date of Birth: November 19, 1831

Died: September 19, 1881

Married: Lucretia Rudolph

Children: James, Harry, Abram, Mary, Irvin

Nickname: Boatman Jim, Preacher President

What is James A.

Garfield known for?

James A. Garfield was assassinated only 200 days into his presidency. His assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, was a former supporter and American writer who was angry that Garfield had not appointed him to his administration.

Early Life

James A. Garfield was born in 1831 in a log cabin near Cleveland, Ohio.

After his father died less than two years, his mother Eliza raised James and his siblings while managing their small farm.

As a boy, James wanted to become a sailor. In his teenage years, he towed barges