Leaders & Politicians · 19th Century
James A. Garfield’s Last Words
“The people whom I have served, may God bless them.”— James A. Garfield, September 19, 1881
Who Was James A. Garfield?
James A. Garfield was the 20th President who was shot by a disappointed office seeker. He lingered for 79 days before dying, primarily from infections caused by his doctors' unsanitary probing.
The Final Moments
Garfield was shot at a Washington train station by Charles Guiteau. Doctors probed his wound repeatedly with unsterilized fingers and instruments, causing fatal infection.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple attendants reported this statement during his prolonged dying process. Some sources cite other phrases as his final words, reflecting the difficulty of determining the last coherent statement.
Sources
- firsthand Physician and family accounts
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper coverage 1881
Legacy
Garfield's death led directly to civil service reform. He might have survived if his doctors had simply left the wound alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were James A. Garfield’s last words?
“The people whom I have served, may God bless them.”
How did James A. Garfield die?
James A. Garfield died on September 19, 1881 at the age of 49. Cause of death: Assassination — gunshot wound and subsequent medical malpractice.
Were James A. Garfield’s last words documented?
Multiple attendants reported this statement during his prolonged dying process. Some sources cite other phrases as his final words, reflecting the difficulty of determining the last coherent statement.
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