Garfield with his daughter Mollie, photo by Mathew Brady, 1865. James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 - September 19, 1881) was the 20th President of the US. He worked at many jobs to finance his education at Williams College, where he graduated in 1856. In 1860 was admitted to practice law while serving as an Ohio State Senator (1859-61). He opposed Confederate secession and served as a Major General in the Union Army. He was first elected to Congress in 1862 and served nine consecutive terms. His accomplishments as President included a controversial resurgence of Presidential authority above Senatorial courtesy in executive appointments, energizing US naval power, and purging corruption in the Post Office. He appointed several African-Americans to prominent federal positions. He advocated a bi-metal monetary system, agricultural technology, an educated electorate, civil rights for African-Americans, and proposed substantial civil service reform. His presidency lasted just 200 days, from March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. Garfield suffered a massive heart attack and a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, following blood poisoning and bronchial pneumonia. He was 49 years old.