James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving in 1881 until his untimely death the same year. Born on November 19, 1831, in Ohio, Garfield rose from humble beginnings to become a scholar, a Civil War hero, and a respected politician. He was the last president born in a log cabin and worked as a canal boatman before pursuing an education.Garfield was a strong advocate for the free-soil principles, opposing the extension of slavery, and was a key supporter of the Republican Party. His political career included being elected to the Ohio legislature and serving as a U.S. congressman and senator. During the Civil War, he helped recruit the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry and became its colonel.His presidency was tragically cut short when he was assassinated, leading to the second shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history. His death raised serious constitutional questions about presidential succession at the time.