1881 Chester Alan Arthur became the 21st President

Born Fairfield, Vermont; October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886. Vice President Arthur succeeded James Garfield upon the latter's assassination. Shortly after becoming President, Arthur was diagnosed with Bright's disease, a kidney ailment now referred to as nephritis. He attempted to keep his condition private, but by 1883 rumors of his illness began to circulate; he had become thinner and more aged in appearance, and struggled to keep the pace of the presidency.