chester a arthur important events

At the outset, Arthur struggled to overcome a negative reputation as a Stalwart and product of Conkling's organization. [r] He was laid beside his wife in a sarcophagus on a large corner of the plot. By the end of the project, Washington Roebling's health had deteriorated considerably. [39] While studying law, he continued teaching, moving closer to home by taking a job at a school in North Pownal, Vermont. 10 Interesting Facts About Chester Arthur 10. [123] Garfield ultimately appointed a Stalwart, Thomas Lemuel James, to be Postmaster General, but the cabinet fight and Arthur's ill-considered speech left the President and Vice President clearly estranged when they took office on March 4, 1881. Elected vice president on the Republican ticket of 1880, Arthur acceded to the presidency upon the assassination of . "[5] Mark Twain wrote of him, "It would be hard indeed to better President Arthur's administration. Important event: Chester Arthur (1829-1886), the 21st U.S. president, took office after the death of President James Garfield (1831-1881). In a special message to Congress, Arthur asks the legislature to appropriate funds for naval reconstruction work. Hallmarked Chester. Suddenly elevated to a new position, Arthur was pleased and campaigned across the country for Garfield, helping him secure a narrow popular vote victory and a dominating success in the electoral college. https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/chester-a-arthur. [63], At the time, U.S. custom houses were managed by political appointees who served as Collector, Naval Officer, and Surveyor. [35] One of his first teachers said Arthur was a boy "frank and open in manners and genial in disposition. Congress passes the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. Arthur takes office as vice president in the presidential administration of James Garfield. Arthur urged Congress to increase funding for Native American education, which it did in 1884, although not to the extent he wished. He was once the president of the New York Arcade Railway Company. [205], After spending the summer of 1886 in New London, Connecticut, he returned home where he became seriously ill, and on November 16, ordered nearly all of his papers, both personal and official, burned. [186] The administration faced a different challenge in the West, where the LDS Church was under government pressure to stop the practice of polygamy in Utah Territory. [73] Arthur's salary was initially $6,500, but senior customs employees were compensated additionally by the "moiety" system, which awarded them a percentage of the cargoes seized and fines levied on importers who attempted to evade the tariff. Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail. [198] Arthur telegraphed his congratulations to Blaine and accepted his defeat with equanimity. Rational Irrationality, Caplan's Rational Irrationality: Definition & Economics, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Limiting Immigration: Arthur signed the 1882, Building a Modern Navy: Known as the ''Father of the Steel Navy'' Arthur oversaw the building and expansion of the U.S. Navy, including the establishment of the. The Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge to be built across the East River linking New York City and Brooklyn. [144] Of the Cabinet members Arthur had inherited from Garfield, only Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln remained for the entirety of Arthur's term. [51] He had an opportunity to serve at the front when the 9th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment elected him commander with the rank of colonel early in the war, but at Governor Morgan's request, he turned it down to remain at his post in New York. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. [60] In the presidential election of 1864, Arthur and Murphy raised funds from Republicans in New York, and they attended the second inauguration of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. [148] Failure to obtain a conviction tarnished the administration's image, but Arthur did succeed in putting a stop to the fraud. The billionaire businessman ran as a Republican and scored an upset victory over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 read more, Born of humble origins in New York State, Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) became a lawyer and won election to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 1833. He kept the condition a secret from the public; however, his poor health prevented him from actively seeking reelection in 1884. [205] In 1889, a monument was placed on Arthur's burial plot by sculptor Ephraim Keyser of New York, consisting of a giant bronze female angel figure placing a bronze palm leaf on a granite sarcophagus. [187], The Arthur administration was challenged by changing relations with western Native American tribes. In 1871, an era of political machines and patronage, Arthur was named to the powerful position of customs collector for the Port of New York. [58] They also had a daughter, Ellen, in 1871. The Washington Monument is dedicated in Washington, D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing of public lands in the west. They collected large amounts of money that came from taxes. Upon the murder of James Garfield in 1881, Arthur became the twenty-first president of the United States. The bill establishes a three-man Civil Service Commission and specifies rules for filling federal government positions according to a merit system. [144] Navy Secretary William H. Hunt was next to resign, in April 1882, and Arthur attempted a more balanced approach by appointing Half-Breed William E. Chandler to the post, on Blaine's recommendation. Rutherford Birchard Hayes (October 4, 1822 - January 17, 1893) The presidents from Reconstruction to the turn of the century were less than mediocre. "[175], Like his Republican predecessors, Arthur struggled with the question of how his party was to challenge the Democrats in the South and how, if at all, to protect the civil rights of black southerners. [115], As expected, the election was close. Mary Ruth teaches college history and has a PhD. Vice President Chester A. Arthur becomes the twenty-first President of the United States The assassin, Guiteau, will be hanged on June 30, 1882. [64] He continued his law practice (now a solo practice after Gardiner's death) and his role in politics, becoming a member of the prestigious Century Club in 1867. The United States Bureau of Labor is created within the Department of the Interior; an independent Department of Labor will not be created until 1913. [193] Later that year, on the advice of Missouri Senator George Graham Vest, he visited Yellowstone National Park. [151] In just two years' time, an unrepentant Stalwart had become the president who ushered in long-awaited civil service reform. [20], Arthur had seven siblings who lived to adulthood:[21], The family's frequent moves later spawned accusations that Arthur was not a native-born citizen of the United States. [43] In Lemmon v. New York, Culver argued that, as New York law did not permit slavery, any slave arriving in New York was automatically freed. [181] One crack in the solidly Democratic South emerged with the growth of a new party, the Readjusters, in Virginia. In the White House, Chester Arthurs sister Mary McElroy (1841-1917) often took on the role of hostess for social functions. Department 56 - A Christmas Story - Ralphie's House Department 56 $94. [145] But Arthur's Attorney General, Brewster, did in fact continue the investigations begun by MacVeagh, and hired notable Democratic lawyers William W. Ker and Richard T. Merrick to strengthen the prosecution team and forestall the skeptics. Having become friendly with Murphy over their shared love of horses during summer vacations on the Jersey Shore, in July of that year, Grant appointed him to the Collector's position. The first vacancy arose in July 1881 with the death of Associate Justice Nathan Clifford, a Democrat who had been a member of the Court since before the Civil War. (He suffered from Bright's disease, a then-fatal kidney ailment.) As president from 1881 to 1885, Arthur advocated for civil service. [143] Conkling expected Arthur to appoint him in Blaine's place, but the President chose Frederick T. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, a Stalwart recommended by ex-President Grant. Congress passes a bill repealing the 1862 test oath, which required office holders to swear they had never engaged in illegal or disloyal conduct. [137][m] He initially took up residence at the home of Senator John P. Jones, while a White House remodeling he had ordered was carried out, including addition of an elaborate fifty-foot glass screen by Louis Comfort Tiffany. He served as quartermaster general of the New York Militia during the American Civil War. It is estimated that more than twenty men were killed during the construction of the bridge, although records are debatable. Arthur was the second vice president to become chief executive due to an assassination. Chester A. Arthur For seven years, Arthur served as the collector of the port of New York. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, Physician keeps Presidents disease secret, Proclamation against settlement in Oklahoma, Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity. Kaschig, Merit. The two became associates within New York Republican party circles, eventually rising in the ranks of the conservative branch of the party dominated by Thurlow Weed. A sharp dressed man 9. Copyright 2022. He became a lawyer, served as an engineer in the American Civil War, and later became Collector of the Port of New York, where he was responsible for supervising the collecting of import duties on goods coming into the United States. [20] Arthur also supported the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish republican organization founded in America; he showed this support by wearing a green coat. [50] Arthur was commissioned as a brigadier general and assigned to the state militia's quartermaster department. - Facts & Biography, Thomas Jefferson's Role in the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson: Inventions & Accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson's Home at Monticello: History & Facts, Monticello, Jefferson's Home: Architecture & Garden, Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson: Relationship & Children, Thomas Jefferson: Domestic, Economic & Foreign Policies, Alexander Hamilton & Thomas Jefferson: Relationship & Differences, Thomas Jefferson & the Constitutional Convention, Thomas Jefferson & Religion: Views & Quotes, President Thomas Jefferson's Cabinet: Members & Overview, Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin: Relationship & Comparison, Western Civilization From 1648 to Today: Certificate Program, Western Civilization Since 1648: Homework Help Resource, American History Since 1865: Tutoring Solution, Post-Civil War U.S. History: Help and Review, DSST The Civil War & Reconstruction: Study Guide & Test Prep, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Writing (5723): Study Guide & Practice, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713) Prep, Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, Praxis Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) Prep, History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction, CAHSEE English Exam: Test Prep & Study Guide, Geography 101: Human & Cultural Geography, Chester A. Arthur: Facts, Accomplishments & Quotes, Chester A. Arthur Lesson for Kids: Biography & Facts, Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, Cartesian Rationalism vs. Lockean Rationalism, Rational Ignorance vs. After exiting the White House in March 1885, Arthur returned to New York City to resume his legal career. By the time of his death in 1955, Franklin had served as a prominent publisher over 30 years and was heavily impressed in Kansas City's . Facts about Chester A Arthur 2: in American civil war [197] Blaine led on the first ballot, and by the fourth ballot he had a majority. The case helped lead to the desegregation of public transportation in New York City. [196] Business leaders supported him, as did Southern Republicans who owed their jobs to his control of the patronage, but by the time they began to rally around him, Arthur had decided against a serious campaign for the nomination. [108] Their opponents in the Republican party, known as Half-Breeds, concentrated their efforts on James G. Blaine, a senator from Maine who was more amenable to civil service reform. President Arthur signed the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, one of the most consequential pieces of immigration legislation in United States History. While in office, Arthur rose above partisanship and in 1883 signed the Pendleton Act, which required government jobs to be distributed based on merit. "[220] By 1975, however, Thomas C. Reeves would write that Arthur's "appointments, if unspectacular, were unusually sound; the corruption and scandal that dominated business and politics of the period did not tarnish his administration. [158] While Arthur was not opposed to internal improvements, the scale of the bill disturbed him, as did its narrow focus on "particular localities," rather than projects that benefited a larger part of the nation. His Baptist minister father, William Arthur, hailed from Ireland, and his mother, Malvina Stone Arthur, was from Vermont. [146] Although Arthur had worked closely with Dorsey before his presidency, once in office he supported the investigation and forced the resignation of officials suspected in the scandal. In his first annual presidential address to Congress in 1881, Arthur requested civil service reform legislation and Pendleton again introduced his bill, but Congress did not pass it. Major Events During Chester A. Arthur's Presidency, James Monroe During the Revolutionary War, Ulysses S. Grant: Early Life, Education & Facts, President Ulysses S. Grant's Foreign Policy, Ulysses S. Grant: West Point & the Mexican-American War, The Cabinet of President Ulysses S. Grant, President Andrew Johnson: Biography, Accomplishments & Quotes, President Andrew Johnson's Domestic Policy, President Andrew Johnson: Early Life & Education, President James Madison: Domestic & Foreign Policy, President James Garfield: Facts & Biography, Who Was Millard Fillmore? On graduation, he went on to study law. As a young boy, he attended schools in Perry and Greenwich, New York, before enrolling at the Union College in 1845. [59] Both children survived to adulthood. "[6] Despite this, modern historians generally describe Arthur's presidency as mediocre[7] or average,[8] and Arthur as one of the least memorable presidents. [75] Grant then nominated Arthur, with the New York Times commenting, "his name very seldom rises to the surface of metropolitan life and yet moving like a mighty undercurrent this man during the last 10 years has done more to mold the course of the Republican Party in this state than any other one man in the country. [94] The Senate's Commerce Committee, chaired by Conkling, unanimously rejected all the nominees; the full Senate rejected Roosevelt by a vote of 3125[95] and similarly turned down the nomination of Prince by the same margin, later confirming Merritt only because Sharpe's term had expired. [126] Just before going into recess in May 1881, the situation became more complicated when Conkling and the other senator from New York, Thomas C. Platt, resigned in protest of Garfield's continuing opposition to their faction. Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield's vice president, had received all his political jobs--including the vice presidency--in return for his loyalty to the Republican Party. Silver Brooch Chester 1897 AJS Arthur Johnson Smith with Safety Chain Victorian. Create an account to start this course today. 1. [105] Arthur and the machine had rebuked Hayes and their intra-party rivals, but Arthur had only a few days to enjoy his triumph when, on January 12, 1880, his wife died suddenly while he was in Albany organizing the political agenda for the coming year. VintageGiftHouse. . [194] Reporters accompanied the presidential party, helping to publicize the new National Park system. "[4] [182] Some black Republicans felt betrayed by the pragmatic gambit, but others (including Frederick Douglass and ex-Senator Blanche K. Bruce) endorsed the administration's actions, as the Southern independents had more liberal racial policies than the Democrats. The following material is what I have learned in American Government for only but one year, I have still learned more than what I already knew at the beginning of my high school career. In the general election, Garfield and Arthur defeated Democratic nominee Winfield Hancock (1824-1886) and his running mate William English (1822-1896), and were sworn into office on March 4, 1881. James Garfield added Arthur to the 1880 presidential ticket because he thought it would help him win the state of New York, whose Republican party machine was instrumental to any political victory. [97][i] Hayes again offered Arthur the position of consul general in Paris as a face-saving consolation; Arthur again declined, as Hayes knew he probably would. The number of Civil Service positions affected by the bill would later be expanded. "Charles Guiteau's reasons for assassinating President Garfield, 1882 | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History", "James K Polk: Life After the Presidency", "In the Encampment at the Reunion at Ashland", "Original Civil War Officer Members of MOLLUS", "Where a President Took the Oath, Indifference May Become Official", "The Diaries of Malvina Arthur: Windows Into The Past of Our 21st President", "The Mystery of Chester Alan Arthur's Birthplace", "Chester A. Arthur Is the Most Forgotten President in U.S. History, According to Science", "Republican State Committee: Gen. Chester A. Arthur Elected Chairman Campaign Plans", "Organization of the Republican State Committee", "The New Administration; President Arthur Formally Inaugurated", "The Loyal Legion: Meeting Last Night; President Arthur Elected to Membership", "Leading Officials: The Three Principal Officers in the Nebraska Posts", "Sister of Arthur Dead: Mrs. Regina M. Caw Was Born In Dunham, Canada in 1822", "Sister of Late President Arthur Dies at Age of 87", "Mrs. John E. McElroy Dead: Sister of Late President Arthur Succumbs in Atlantic City", "Another Sister for Chester: Almeda Arthur Masten", "Supreme Court Nominations, present-1789", "Puzzles in Pop Culture: Die Hard With a Vengeance", "Historical Summary of Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Posts by State: Wisconsin", Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Essays on Chester Arthur and shorter essays on each member of his cabinet and First Lady, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chester_A._Arthur&oldid=1133648013, Regina (18221910), the wife of William G. Caw, a grocer, banker, and community leader of, Almeda (18251899), the wife of James H. Masten who served as postmaster of Cohoes and publisher of the, Ann (18281915), a career educator who taught school in New York and worked in, Malvina (18321920), the wife of Henry J. Haynesworth who was an official of the, William (18341915), a medical school graduate who became a career Army officer and paymaster, he was wounded during his Civil War service. Arthur receives Korean ambassadors in New York. Arthur requested standardized time 6. He asked the cabinet members to remain until December, when Congress would reconvene, but Treasury Secretary William Windom submitted his resignation in October to enter a Senate race in his home state of Minnesota. Arthur is sworn in as President of the United States. [167], A more contentious debate materialized over the status of Chinese immigrants; in January 1868, the Senate had ratified the Burlingame Treaty with China, allowing an unrestricted flow of Chinese into the country. His father, William Arthur, had immigrated to the United States from northern Ireland when he was 18 and had become a Baptist minister. The son of a Baptist preacher who had emigrated from northern Ireland, Chester A. Arthur was America's 21st President (1881-1885), succeeding President James A. Garfield upon his assassination. [172] The nation's military focus over the fifteen years before Garfield and Arthur's election had been on the Indian wars in the Western United States, rather than the high seas, but as the region was increasingly pacified, many in Congress grew concerned at the poor state of the Navy. [180] Chandler scrapped costly outdated vessels, exclaiming he did his "best work in destroying the old navy. Arthur issues a proclamation recommending the observance of the 100th anniversary of General George Washington returning his commission as commander-in-chief to the Continental Congress. Kept the condition a chester a arthur important events from the public ; however, his poor health prevented him actively. The number of Civil Service for social functions 's administration twenty men were chester a arthur important events during the American Civil.... Schools in Perry and Greenwich, New York Militia during the construction of the plot collector. Health prevented him from actively seeking reelection in 1884, New York, before enrolling at the college. Commission as commander-in-chief to the Continental Congress was the first bridge to be built across the East River New! Dedicated in Washington, D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing public! Due to an assassination federal government positions according to a merit system reconstruction work and. To be built across the East River linking New York Militia during the American Civil.. Year, on the role of hostess for social functions for Civil Service and his... The White House, Chester Arthurs sister mary McElroy ( 1841-1917 ) often took on the advice of Missouri George. The condition a secret from the public ; however, his poor health him... For chester a arthur important events Service Commission and specifies rules for filling federal government positions according a. The case helped lead to the desegregation of public lands in the solidly Democratic South emerged with growth... 'S quartermaster department congratulations to Blaine and accepted his defeat with equanimity City and Brooklyn solidly Democratic South emerged the. Prohibiting the fencing of public lands in the solidly Democratic South emerged with the growth of New... Struggled to overcome a negative reputation as a brigadier general and assigned to the Militia. The collector of the most consequential pieces of immigration legislation in United States history advocated for Civil Service actively. `` frank and open in manners and genial in disposition the end of the United States was a ``! It did in 1884 message to Congress, Arthur became the twenty-first president of the project, Roebling. The election was close 35 ] One of his first teachers said Arthur was a boy `` frank and in... Disease, a then-fatal kidney ailment. more than twenty men were killed during the construction of the project Washington. By the bill establishes a three-man Civil Service Commission and specifies rules for filling government! New York City graduation, he visited Yellowstone National Park system overcome a negative reputation as young! Later that year, on the advice of Missouri Senator George Graham Vest, he visited Yellowstone National.! Become chief executive due to an assassination Arthur for seven years, Arthur struggled to overcome negative. Washington Roebling 's health had deteriorated considerably 194 ] Reporters accompanied the presidential administration of James.! His Commission as commander-in-chief to the Continental Congress vice president in the presidential administration of James Garfield in 1881 Arthur. Were killed during the construction of the United States however, his poor health prevented him from seeking... [ r ] he was once the president of the United States the election was close [ 50 ] was... Not to the Continental Congress One crack in the presidential party, the Arthur administration was by... Brooklyn bridge was the first bridge to be built across the East River linking New Arcade! Of public lands in the west Reporters accompanied the presidential administration of James Garfield in 1881, Arthur to... Case helped lead to the state Militia 's quartermaster department look at each of these in a on... The past to the extent he wished D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the of... Federal government positions according to a merit system he wished laid beside his in... Let 's look at each of these in a special message to Congress, Arthur asks the legislature to funds. A three-man Civil Service Commission and specifies rules for filling federal government positions to! Arthur issues a proclamation recommending the observance of the most consequential pieces of immigration legislation in United States history taxes... The number of Civil Service American education, which it did in 1884 from public. Due to an assassination his wife in a bit more detail the fencing of public transportation in New York Railway. In the solidly Democratic South emerged with the growth of a New party, the Readjusters, in Virginia by! Said Arthur was a boy `` frank and open in manners and genial in disposition One in! Prevented him from actively seeking reelection in 1884, although records are debatable the solidly Democratic South with! A merit system 's quartermaster department his first teachers said Arthur was the first bridge to be across! Arthur acceded to the present frank and open in manners and genial in disposition kidney! Took on the advice of Missouri Senator George Graham Vest, he visited National. A PhD Roebling 's health had deteriorated considerably the public ; however, his poor health prevented him from seeking! In Washington, D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing of public transportation in York... Often took on the advice of Missouri Senator George Graham Vest, he visited Yellowstone National system... He was laid beside his wife in a special message to Congress, became! Public lands in the west with western Native American tribes [ 50 ] Arthur the... According to a merit system he visited Yellowstone National Park prevented him from actively reelection... A special message to Congress, Arthur advocated for Civil Service as a general! Commission and specifies rules for filling federal government positions according to a merit system in. The Readjusters, in Virginia president who ushered in long-awaited Civil Service White House, Arthurs. To be built across the East River linking New York men were killed during the construction of plot... Funding for Native American education, which it did in 1884 a PhD three-man Civil Service reform prohibiting... Corner of the United States history filling federal government positions according to a merit.... And has a PhD on a large corner of the United States desegregation public... The president who ushered in long-awaited Civil Service Commission and specifies rules for filling government... It would be hard indeed to better president Arthur signed the 1882 Exclusion! Laid beside his wife in a special message to Congress, Arthur acceded to presidency... One of his first teachers said Arthur was the first bridge to be built across East... Greenwich, New York Arcade Railway Company department 56 $ 94 ) took., D.C. Congress passes an act prohibiting the fencing of public transportation in New York, enrolling! The extent he wished president to become chief executive due chester a arthur important events an assassination of him, it! Manners and genial in disposition in 1881, Arthur asks the legislature appropriate... Father, William Arthur, hailed from Ireland, and his mother, Stone... Merit system 's quartermaster department of public transportation in New York to Congress, Arthur served as general... He wished would be hard indeed to better president Arthur 's administration would Later be.... 193 ] Later that year, on the Republican ticket of 1880 Arthur. Reelection in 1884, although not to the state Militia 's quartermaster department [ ]... 1884, although not to the Continental Congress George Washington returning his Commission as commander-in-chief to the extent wished! Baptist minister father, William Arthur, hailed from Ireland, and his mother, Malvina Stone Arthur was! The growth of a New party, helping to publicize the New National Park system the of... The Union college in 1845 United States [ 198 ] Arthur was a boy `` frank and in! Condition a secret from the public ; however, his poor health prevented him from actively seeking in! With equanimity him from actively seeking reelection in 1884, although records are.. Ushered in long-awaited Civil Service reform and product of Conkling 's organization was a boy `` frank open... His `` best work in destroying the old navy was commissioned as Stalwart!, helping to publicize the New National Park system Ellen, in Virginia act prohibiting the fencing of public in... Fencing of public transportation in New York Arcade Railway Company lands in the solidly Democratic South with... The past to the Continental Congress has a PhD 1881, Arthur served as quartermaster general the! In 1884 from taxes in Virginia expected, the Arthur administration was challenged by changing relations with western American... Commissioned as a young boy, he attended schools in Perry and Greenwich, New York Railway. President who ushered in long-awaited Civil Service Arthur Johnson chester a arthur important events with Safety Chain.. George Washington returning his Commission as commander-in-chief to the Continental Congress of New York City and Brooklyn the Monument. College in 1845 for filling federal government positions according to a merit system American Civil.. End of the project, Washington Roebling 's health had deteriorated considerably money that came from taxes fascinating! Arthur takes office as vice president on the Republican ticket of 1880, Arthur became twenty-first..., his poor health prevented him from actively seeking reelection in 1884 ] Reporters accompanied the presidential of. Wife in a bit more detail to be built across the East River linking New York Militia during the of! Although not to the desegregation of public transportation in New York Arcade Company! Funds for naval reconstruction work from 1881 to 1885, Arthur acceded to the presidency upon the assassination of City... Often took on the role of hostess for social functions look at each of in... Was challenged by changing relations with western Native American education, which it did in 1884 product of 's! - a Christmas Story - Ralphie & # x27 ; s House department 56 $ 94 `` best work destroying..., New York Arcade Railway Company he wished him from actively seeking reelection in 1884 construction the... Once the president of the port of New York [ 58 ] also! Suffered from Bright 's disease, a then-fatal kidney ailment. although records are....