James Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1881, until his assassination later that year. Born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Ohio, he rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent politician and military leader during the American Civil War. Garfield was a member of the Republican Party and had a strong commitment to civil rights and education. Garfield's presidency was cut short when he was shot by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, on July 2, 1881. He succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, making him one of the four U.S. presidents to be assassinated. Despite his brief time in office, Garfield is remembered for his advocacy for civil service reform and his efforts to modernize the federal government.