#26: James A. Garfield in 1881

James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, served for just 200 days before his assassination. Despite his brief tenure, Garfield advocated for civil service reform to end the spoils system. He also supported African American civil rights and sought to stabilize the currency. His assassination led to public outcry and spurred the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.

He was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally unstable lawyer, on July 2, 1881. Guiteau believed he deserved a political appointment and was angered when he was repeatedly denied. He viewed Garfield’s presidency as obstructing his ambitions and saw the assassination as a means to elevate himself politically. Garfield’s assassination shocked the nation and highlighted the need for improved security measures for public officials.