Chester A. Arthur Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Obituary, Children

Chester Alan Arthur, widely known as Chester A. Arthur, was a Republican lawyer from New York who became the 21st president of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885.

Before assuming the presidency, he served as the 20th vice president under President James A. Garfield, playing a largely ceremonial role in the administration.

However, following Garfield’s assassination in September 1881, Arthur was unexpectedly thrust into the nation’s highest office, where he worked to restore public confidence in the government.

Profile

• Full Name: Chester Alan Arthur
• Stage Name: Chester A. Arthur
• Born: 5, October 1829
• Date of death: November 18, 1886 (Aged: 57 years)
• Birthplace: Fairfield, Vermont, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: The 21st president of the United States
• Height: unknown
• Parent: William Arthur and Malvina Stone
• Siblings: Regina Arthur, Jane Arthur, Almeda Arthur, Ann Arthur, Malvina Arthur, William Arthur, George Arthur, and Mary Arthur
• Spouse: Ellen “Nell” Lewis Herndon (m. 1859-1880)
• Children: William Lewis Herndon Arthur, Chester Alan Arthur II, and Ellen Hansbrough Herndon “Nell” Arthur
• Relationship: Married
• Net WorthWorth: $1 million

Early Life And Education

Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, United States. He was the son of William Arthur and Malvina Stone and grew up in a large family with eight siblings: Regina, Jane, Almeda, Ann, Malvina, William, George, and Mary Arthur.

Arthur’s early education took place at home before he continued his studies at an academy in Union Village, New York. After completing his degree, Arthur balanced teaching with studying law, eventually pursuing a legal career.

Arthur came from a diverse ethnic background—his father was of Scots-Irish descent, while his mother’s ancestry was primarily English and Welsh. In terms of religion, he was a practicing Baptist, adhering to the faith traditions of his upbringing.

Career

Chester A. Arthur’s Professional Career

After graduating from Union College in 1848, Chester A. Arthur embarked on a dual path of teaching and studying law, using his earnings to fund his legal education.

His dedication to the field led to his admission to the New York Bar in 1854, after which he joined a law firm in New York City. As a lawyer, Arthur took on significant cases that advanced civil rights, most notably representing Lizzie Jennings, a Black woman who was forcibly removed from a segregated streetcar.

His successful litigation in that case contributed to the eventual passage of a New York law prohibiting discrimination in public transportation. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Arthur transitioned from law to military administration, receiving an appointment as quartermaster general for the New York Volunteers.

In this role, he was tasked with equipping, housing, and supplying troops, which he executed with exceptional efficiency. His organizational abilities and leadership earned him a promotion to brigadier general, though he did not see direct combat. Instead, his contributions were pivotal in ensuring the logistical readiness of Union forces.

After the war, Arthur resumed his legal career in New York City, but his growing political ambitions drew him deeper into the Republican Party. He formed a strong alliance with Senator Roscoe Conkling, an influential party leader, and became a key figure in New York’s political landscape.

His influence and party loyalty led to President Ulysses S. Grant’s appointment as the Port of New York customs collector. In this capacity, Arthur oversaw one of the most critical revenue-collecting agencies in the country, further solidifying his status as a prominent political figure.

Social Media

Chester A. Arthur does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

Chester A. Arthur married Ellen “Nell” Lewis Herndon, the daughter of a distinguished naval officer, William Lewis Herndon, on October 25, 1859. Their marriage was marked by deep affection and mutual support, with Ellen playing a significant role in Arthur’s personal and social life.

They had three children: William Lewis Herndon Arthur, Chester Alan Arthur II, and Ellen Hansbrough Herndon “Nell” Arthur. Tragically, Ellen passed away from pneumonia on January 12, 1880, just a year before Arthur assumed the presidency.

Though he never remarried, he honored her memory by maintaining a tribute to her in the presidential residence, ensuring fresh flowers were placed beside her daily portrait.

Net Worth

Chester A. Arthur’s peak net Worth was estimated to be less than $1 million, reflecting a career that, while financially comfortable, did not amass great personal wealth.

During his tenure as Collector of the Port of New York, he earned an annual salary exceeding $50,000, surpassing the salary of the sitting president.