Chester Arthur dies in New York
On this day in 1886 former President Chester Alan Arthur succumbs to complications from a debilitating and fatal kidney ailment known as Brights Disease.In the words of former President Rutherford B.Hayes Arthurs term as president was most notable for liquor snobbery and worse.
Although he had been ambitious as a young man he was considered by many of his contemporaries to have been a lazy and foppish president.The precocious and bright young Arthur wanted to become a lawyer and enrolled in Union College in New York at the age of 15.He later supported himself by teaching school while he earned his law degree.In 1848 he went to work as a lawyer in New York City.
During the Civil War he served as quartermaster general for the state of New York overseeing the purchase of supplies for the states military depots.His political career began when Ulysses S.Grant appointed him port collector for New Yorks harbors in 1871.
Arthurs penchant for staffing his office with Republican political cronies resulted in his firing by President Rutherford B.Hayes in 1878.After being chosen as James Garfields vice-presidential running mate in 1880 Arthur decided to straighten up his act and denounced the political patronage system.
The campaign was successful.That same year Arthurs beloved wife Ellen became ill and lapsed into a coma.Arthur was away in upstate New York when he was notified of her illness but had returned to be by her side by the time of her death.In March 1881 Arthurs close friend and boss President James Garfield was shot by a crazed assassin named Charles Guiteau.
Garfield lingered for four months leaving Arthurs political role in limbo.Just as Garfield appeared to be on the verge of recovery though he took a turn for the worse finally succumbing to his wounds on September 2 and thrusting Arthur into presidency.Some historians have suggested that the lethargy Arthur displayed as president was in fact the result of his struggle with Brights Disease.Also called nephritis the disease causes the degeneration of kidney cells swelling high blood pressure and eventually kidney failure.
It can be brought on by infection.(Arthur had reportedly picked up a case of malaria while vacationing in Florida in 1882.) His doctors diagnosed the disease in 1882 but kept it secret since it was not in an advanced stage.In addition to being considered a lazy administrator Arthurs lifestyle apart from politics was perceived by many as frivolous.It was suggested in some social circles that Arthurs heavy drinking and eating was his way of alleviating his heartbreak over his wifes death.
Arthur served only one term from 1881 to 1885 and upon retirement returned to his home in New York.He never remarried.After leaving the White House his battle with Brights Disease turned critical.
He passed away on November 18 1886.
