Buckeye Reporter

On Sep. 28th, House Bill 61, proposing the designation of November 19th as "James A. Garfield Day" in Ohio, has received unanimous support from the Ohio Senate with a 31-0 vote. Sponsored by State Reps. Callender and Troy, the bill aims to recognize James A. Garfield, a distinguished Ohioan who served as President, an educator, public servant, and legislator. The bill is now awaiting the Governor's signature and would formalize the commemoration of James A. Garfield's contributions to Ohio and the nation.

State Rep Daniel Troy, who sponsored the bill, said, "James A. Garfield was a true son of Northeast Ohio who rose to the highest office in our nation. He had such promise, as someone who knew how to compromise and reach common ground on the important issues of his day." Troy emphasized Garfield's efforts to end political patronage practices and his untimely death from an assassin's bullet, stating, "I think it’s fitting that we formally declare November 19th as James A. Garfield Day in Ohio."

The designation of November 19th as "James A. Garfield Day" in Ohio is a significant recognition of Garfield's achievements. In recent times, Garfield's legacy in Northeast Ohio has gained renewed attention, marked by the creation of a leadership award in his name and the passage of House Bill 61. Historian C.W. Goodyear's book, "President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier," further highlights Garfield's remarkable life and political complexity. Goodyear conducted extensive research, including visits to Ohio archives and Hiram College, where Garfield had significant ties, in order to shed light on Garfield's often overlooked legacy and the nuanced nature of his political career.

James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, rose from humble beginnings, overcoming adversity to become a respected academic, congressman, and military leader. Born in Ohio in 1831, he pursued education despite early hardships and eventually became president of what is now Hiram College. A staunch Republican, Garfield entered politics, serving in the Ohio Senate and then in Congress for 18 years. In 1880, he emerged as the surprise presidential nominee and won a close election. Garfield's presidency saw efforts to combat political corruption and assert federal authority over the New York Customs House. Tragically, his promising term was cut short when he was assassinated in 1881, marking his legacy as a leader who confronted challenges with determination and integrity.

Following his death, James A. Garfield was laid to rest in Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery. A grand monument was erected in his honor, featuring a 180-foot-high circular tower made of Ohio sandstone. The monument includes bas-relief panels depicting Garfield's life and death, along with a striking interior space known as Memorial Hall. In the crypt beneath Memorial Hall, the bronze caskets of President Garfield and his wife, Lucretia Garfield, rest.

If signed into law by the Governor, House Bill 61 will officially establish November 19th as "James A. Garfield Day" in Ohio, providing a formal recognition of Garfield's contributions to the state and the nation. The designation will serve as a reminder of Garfield's remarkable journey from rural poverty to the presidency and his enduring impact on American history.