Born: 19 November 1831 · Died: 19 September 1881 · Age: 49
20th US President, a former Union general, who was shot by an assassin months into his term in 1881
Did you know?He was the first ambidextrous president and was reportedly able to write in Greek with one hand and Latin with the other.
Quick facts
Date of birth19 November 1831
Date of death19 September 1881
Age at death49
Cause of deathAneurysm, gunshot wound
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceMoreland Hills, United States
Occupationpolitician, lawyer, statesperson
Editor's Take:
Garfield's rise from poverty to the presidency is one of America's great self-made stories. Born in a log cabin, he became a teacher, college president, Civil War general and congressman. He was elected president in 1880 but served only months. He was shot by a disappointed office-seeker and died after weeks of poor medical care. His death helped spur reform of the federal civil service.
Key Milestones
1857: Hiram College – becomes principal
1863: Major general – Civil War service
1863: Congress – elected to the House
James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the 20th president of the United States, serving from March 1881 until his death in September that year after being shot in July.
James A. Garfield's birthday is November 19. He was born on November 19, 1831 in Moreland Hills, United States.
How old was James A. Garfield when he died?
James A. Garfield died on September 19, 1881, aged 49.
Who shares a birthday with James A. Garfield?
Famous people who share James A. Garfield's November 19 birthday include Indira Gandhi, Jodie Foster, Charles I of England, Mikhail Lomonosov and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
