Who was the 21st president?

Chester A. Arthur became the 21st president of the United States in 1881. He succeeded the presidency while serving as vice president to James Garfield, who was assassinated in office.

In 1880, after James Garfield won the presidency, Chester A. Arthur was nominated for the position of vice president. After only a few months as president, Garfield was assassinated, leaving Chester A. Arthur to fill the role.

Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vt. on Oct. 5, 1829, to a Baptist preacher from Ireland. Prior to becoming president, Chester A. Arthur practiced law in New York City. He served in the Union Army in the American Civil War. After the war was over, he devoted his time to Republican politics.