1882 5¢ Garfield - U.S. #205

U.S. #205
1882 5¢ Garfield

Earliest Known Use: February 18, 1882
Quantity issued: 170,894,020 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Yellow brown

Birth of President Garfield

James A. Garfield, the last of the “log cabin presidents,” was born on November 19, 1831, near Cleveland, Ohio, to impoverished farmers.

The youngest of five children, Garfield lost his father just two years later and spent much of his childhood working on the family farm to support his near-penniless mother.

Despite his humble beginnings, Garfield found a love for learning and teaching. He worked as a carpenter and part-time teacher while attending the Geauga Academy, discovering his passion for education. Later, he studied at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, now Hiram College, where he graduated with honors in 1856.

Garfield's career path led him into politics, where he served as the Ohio State Senate's youngest member in 1859. As an abolitionist, he strongly opposed the spread of slavery into Western territories. When the Civil War erupted, Garfield organized the 42nd Ohio Infantry and earned promotions for his valor in battles such as Middle Creek, Shiloh, Corinth, and Chickamauga.

After his military service, Garfield entered the House of Representatives, where he served nine terms. He gained expertise in financial matters and held influential positions on various committees.

In 1880, Garfield secured the Republican presidential nomination after a deadlock at the convention. He won a closely contested election with Chester A. Arthur as his running mate, becoming the only person elected directly from the House of Representatives to the presidency.

Garfield's presidency was marked by efforts to reform civil service and reduce government spending. Despite facing challenges in Congress, he advocated for universal education for African Americans, although his proposals were not immediately realized.

Tragically, Garfield's presidency was cut short when he was assassinated just six months into his term. However, his legacy endured through reforms initiated during his brief tenure, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act passed under his successor, Chester Arthur.