Chester A. Arthur was the 21st president of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885 following the assassination of James A. Garfield. Born in Fairfield, Vermont on October 5, 1829, he was a lawyer and politician, serving as New York Customs Collector and vice president under Garfield. As president, Arthur advocated civil service reform, signing the Pendleton Civil Service Act to reduce patronage and corruption. He also modernized the U.S. Navy and supported immigration restrictions. After leaving office, Arthur retired from public life and died in New York City in 1886.