CHAPTER L.

THE LIFE AND CAREER OF JAMES A. GARFIELD, THE MARTYRED PRESIDENT.

The National Republican Convention of 1880—Nomination of James A. Garfield as President Hayes’s successor—The History of His Life—His Humble Home—Death of His Father—Hardship and Privations of Pioneer Life—Struggles of His Mother to Support the Family—Splitting Fence Rails with her own Hands—The Future President’s Early School Days—Working as a Carpenter—Chopping Wood for a Living—Leaving Home—Life as a Canal Boat Boy—Narrow Escapes—Beginning His Education in Earnest—School Life at Chester—How He Paid His Own Way—First Meeting with His Future Wife—Early Religious Experience—Enters Williams College—Professor and President—His First Appearance in Politics—His Brilliant Military Record—His Services at Shiloh, Corinth, and Chickamauga—His Congressional Career—Republican Leader of the House of Representatives—He is Elected to the United States Senate—His Appearance as the Leader of the Sherman Forces at the Chicago Convention—He is Himself Nominated amid the Wildest Enthusiasm—An Exciting Campaign—His Triumphant Election, 588