Garfield, James Abram - 1881

President Garfield, the nation’s patient, who was at the point of death the latter part of last week, has again improved and last accounts are that there is increasing hope.  All the symptoms are encouraging and there is no apprehension of relapse.  There is talk of moving him to other and more healthy quarters, but that cannot well be done.
~ The Lititz Record, 02-Sept-1881, Page 2, Column 1


The President Dead
After Eighty Days Of Severe Suffering President James A. Garfield Passes Away

At thirty-five minutes after ten on Monday night, September 91, President James A. Garfield breathed his last.  He died at Long Branch, where he had been taken several weeks before his death.  It was supposed that by taking him to that place it would be for the better, but all was in vain.  He sunk slowly and it was evident that the end was drawing nigh.

On Monday morning he had another severe chill which greatly weakened him.  Toward noon, however, he rallied and throughout the afternoon he rested and slept.  During the day he called for a looking-glass, and, having gazed into it, observed that it was strange that he could look so bright and be so weak.  In the evening, he died.  The news of his death, though not unexpected, was received throughout the country with the greatest sympathy.

President Garfield was born in the village of Orange, near Cleveland, Ohio, November 19, 1831.  His parents were both of New England extraction.  His father, Abraham Garfield, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., but his family had lived in Massachusetts for generations.  James was the youngest of four sons, and his father died in 1833, when the deceased President was scarcely two years old, leaving his children dependent solely on the mother.

The President’s remains were removed to Washington on Wednesday, where they lie in state in the rotunda of the Capitol until Friday.  A religious service will be held previous to the departure to the West.  A special train bearing the President’s family will leave for Cleveland, O., to-day. (Friday) and the funeral and interment will take place on Monday next.  He will be buried in Lake View Cemetery.
~ The Lititz Record, 23-Sept-1881, Page 2, Column 2


Manheim Times.--
Never in the history of Manheim, has there been a time of such universal sorrow and lamentation as the week intervening between the death and burial of our President James A. Garfield.  Our business places were draped in mourning, flags floated at half-mast and everything partook of the solemnity of the occasion.  On Monday last business was generally suspended.

In the afternoon the bells were tolled and the people repaired to the Reformed Church, where a memorial service was held.  The meeting was addressed by Rev. P. A. Bowman, of the U. B. Church, followed by Rev. Jos. Specht, of the Evangelical, in the German language.  Both gentlemen dwelt principally upon the good character of the President, the great loss the country has sustained in the death of the Warrior, Statesman and Christian.

They were followed by Rev. L. F. Zinkham, of the Reformed Church, who after dwelling upon the case of the President, drew a number of lessons from his life: I, “God was in all his thoughts”.  II, “His faith in prayer”.  III, “His indomitable energy and integrity of purpose”.  IV, “His consistent Christian career”. All spoke very ably and were listened to with marked attention by the large audience.
~ The Lititz Record, 30-Sept-1881, Page 2, Column 2

You can visit the memorial page for James Abram Garfield.