The Life and Work of James A. Garfield, Twentieth President of the United States / Embracing an Account of the Scenes and Incidents of His Boyhood; the Struggles of His Youth; the Might of His Early Manhood; His Valor As a Soldier; His Career As a Statesman; His Election to the Presidency; and the Tragic Story of His Death.

by John Clark Ridpath

A mighty people where the ages go!

Take then thy station, O illustrious dead!

And place, Immortal Fame, the garland on his head!

—Horace: B. iii., Ode xxx.

LIFE AND WORK

OF

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.

Genius delights in hatching her offspring in out-of-the-way places.—Irving.

When some great work is waiting to be done,