African Americans Pioneers Artists Business Characters Cultural Figures Inventors Politicians Scientists Sports Women Writers

Chester Arthur (1830)close

The son of a Baptist clergyman and abolitionist, Chester A. Arthur, was born in the Green Mountain country of Vermont. He became a successful lawyer in New York City, served as the state's quartermaster general during the Civil War, and was appointed collector of customs at the port of New York by President Grant in 1871.

Arthur was named James A. Garfield's presidential running mate at the Republican National Convention in 1880 and served as Vice President from March 4 to September 19, 1881. He became the 21st President of the United States (1881-1885) after Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office-seeker.

Click on any of the names below to find out more...

Looking for a famous American?

This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.

Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.