This Day "Death By Lightning" and Chester Arthur's Rise (Some Sunday Context)
Nov 23, 2025
Nicole Hemmer, a historian specializing in late 19th-century politics, and Kellie Carter Jackson, an expert on political machines, delve into the unexpected rise of Chester Arthur. They explore Arthur's ascent from the corrupt New York Customs House to the presidency following Garfield's assassination. The discussion reveals how Arthur's political roots shaped his controversial tenure and his surprising shift toward civil service reform. They also touch on the moiety system's role in patronage and Arthur's legacy amid political turmoil.
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Unexpected Rise From Factional Politics
- Chester Arthur was widely seen as the least eligible man to be president when he took office in 1881.
- His rise exemplifies how factional party politics can elevate unexpected candidates into national power.
Customs House Power And Perks
- Arthur built his career in the New York machine and benefited from patronage and the lucrative Customs House post.
- That role paid well and included illicit gains from the moiety system tied to busting tariff evaders.
Compromise Tickets Win Conventions
- The 1880 Republican convention deadlock allowed a compromise nominee, James Garfield, to emerge unexpectedly.
- Arthur became VP chiefly to secure New York's machine support rather than by national merit.