Arthur, Chester Alan

Chester Alan (1830-1886), the twenty-first president of the United States. Born at Fairfield, Vermont, October 5, 1830. Died in New York City, November 18, 1886. He was a graduate of Union College, and a practicing lawyer in New York. During the Civil War he was a quartermaster general. In politics he was a supporter of the Stalwarts and Roscoe Conkling. In 1880 he was nominated and elected vice-president, and upon Garfield's assassination took oath of office for the presidency. President Arthur was a candidate for the nomination in 1884, but was defeated by Mr. Blaine. His administration was eminently respectable, intelligent, and free from partisanship. See Garfield; Presidents