The 21st President of the United States who ascended to office following the assassination of President James A. Garfield.
His successful representation of Elizabeth Jennings Graham in her 1854 civil rights case against the New York City streetcar lines resulted in the desegregation of the city's streetcars.
He was diagnosed with the kidney ailment Bright's disease, later known as nephritis, soon after taking the oath of office, a condition that he attempted to keep private.
He married Ellen Lewis Herndon in October 1859, and the couple had three children together.
He was passionate in his support of Henry Clay's presidential bid while he was in school, occasionally leading to fisticuffs with James K. Polk supporters.
