Museum Collections

James Garfield was one of the smartest generals to come out of Ohio during the Civil War. He was committed to anti-slavery activities, taught college, and was an articulate spokesman for the rights of black Americans. He was a surprise choice for the presidency. When he won, he seemed committed to reducing the spoils system of political appointment. He was assassinated by a disappointed officer seeker, who believed he had been denied an appointment promised during the campaign. The cane was a widely distributed campaign piece given to supporters. The pewter head was a common style, used by many presidential candidates during the period.