Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Arthur, Chester Alan

ARTHUR, CHESTER ALAN, 21st President of the United States, born in Fairfield, Vt., Oct. 15, 1830; was the son of Scottish parents, his father being pastor of Baptist churches in Vermont and New York. He chose law as a profession, and practiced in New York. As a politician, he became a leader in the Republican party. During the Civil War he was energetic as quartermaster-general of New York in getting troops raised and equipped. He was afterward collector of customs for the port of New York. In 1880 he was elected Vice-President, succeeding as President on the death of James A. Garfield, in 1881, and in this office he gave general satisfaction. He died in New York City, Nov. 18, 1886.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR