Chester A. Arthur

Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the 21st president of the United States from 1881 to 1885. Before becoming president, he was most noted as the Collector of Customs for the Port of New York, a job he got from his political friendships. Arthur was the first president of the United States to take oath of office at his own house.^[1]

Arthur was a lawyer in New York City. Two of his cases were famous. One confirmed that any slave brought to New York State was automatically set free. The other ended the racial segregation of streetcars in the city.

After President James A. Garfield was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau, Vice-President Arthur replaced him. Guiteau expected the new president to pardon him. That did not happen, and Guiteau was executed.

During Arthur's term, a major problem was that politicians were appointing their friends such as himself to high political offices, instead of the best-qualified people. The problem was solved after he promoted the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. It required people to pass tests before they could be appointed to many civil service jobs.

• Arthur's White House biography Archived 2009-01-17 at the Wayback Machine