A recently released biography of assassinated 19th-century President James Garfield is not only an extraordinarily good read but showcases public-service virtues the public should rediscover.
Garfield is little remembered today, but for two decades, he was a titan in public life. President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier by C.W. Goodyear should help resurrect appreciation for a man whose life contained so many elements of 1940s movie heroes that if it were fiction, critics would say screenwriters overplayed the Hollywood tropes.Garfield was born in a log cabin, and his father died less than a year later.
At 31 years old, he became one of the most renowned House members, pushing for the rights of freed slaves, advocating anti-corruption civil-service reforms, and vastly improving the management of the budget. And on the side, he served as the lead lawyer in the landmark Supreme Court case Ex parte Milligan, cementing the rights of civilians to be free from courts of martial law.
Nominated, elected president, and determined to break the grip of corrupt machine politics, he was shot by a crazed federal job seeker after just 104 days in office. Garfield survived the shooting, but quack medical practices led to infections that killed him 79 days later.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michigan State students help unearth a 19th-century space observatory on campusThe site was buried under ground for over a century and helps connect the school’s astronomical and archeological present with its past.
Read more »
Photographer Captures Hot Air Balloon Festival on Ancient Panoramic CameraThe photographer has lovingly restored the 19th-century camera.
Read more »
James Franklin takeaways: Landon Tengwall’s status, Olu Fashanu’s reps, more from Penn State campJames Franklin discussed Landon Tengwall's absence, Olu Fashanu's snap modifications and much more on Monday.
Read more »
Everything We Know About James Cameron's Avatar SequelsWith four sequels planned to the mega hit action, sci-fi, adventures, here's everything we know about the upcoming films.
Read more »
LeBron James Announces He's Not Retiring During 2023 ESPY Awards HonorThe NBA legend was presented with the Best Record-Breaking Performance award during Wednesday's show.
Read more »