Born in Fairfield, Vermont, Chester A. Arthur was a graduate of Union College and an educator at several local schools. As an attorney, he helped represent Elizabeth Jennings Graham, an African-American teacher, in the 1854 case to desegregate New York City streetcars. During the Civil War, he served as Quartermaster General of the New York State Militia.
He was elected Vice-President of the United States in 1880 and, following the assassination of James A. Garfield, Arthur became the 21st President. During his time in office, he signed the Pendleton Act which prohibited the solicitation of federal employees for political contributions, and created the Civil Service Commission (now the Office of Personnel Management). He also presided over the dedication of the Washington Monument and the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge.
After his term ended, Arthur did not seek reelection but returned to private legal practice. He died on November 18, 1886, and was interred beside his wife, Ellen Herndon, in his family’s plot. His monument, designed by sculptor Ephraim Keyser, was dedicated in 1889.
The Albany Rural Cemetery will hold their annual presidential wreath laying ceremony to honor Chester A. Arthur, on Tuesday, October 5th. In keeping with decades of tradition, a wreath sent by the White House will be laid at the gravesite by representatives of the military.
This year, the New York Air National Guard, led by Major General Timothy J. LaBarge, will present the wreath. Historical remarks will be made by Paula Lemire, Director of Historical Development for Albany Rural Cemetery.
This event will begin at 10 am and is free and open to the public. The Arthur family plot is located at Lot 8, Section 24, in the Albany Rural Cemetery.
I recently found out that President Arthur’s father attending the October 21 & 22, 1835 founding meeting of the New York Anti-Slavery Society held in Utica, disrupted by a mob and finished the following day in Peterboro New York. Do you know where his papers are held? I wonder if there is more to know about the father. Well there is always more to know.