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Comemmorating the Life and Assassination of the 20th President of the United States

This lithographic print, titled From the Cradle to the Grave: Scenes and Incidents in the Life of James A. Garfield, provides a biographical and visual summary of the life of the 20th President of the United States, James Abram Garfield. It narrates his journey from humble beginnings to his tragic assassination, using a series of engraved illustrations arranged around a central portrait. 

At the center is a formal portrait of James A. Garfield, accompanied by his signature and the title "20th President of the United States." Below the portrait, a brief epitaph notes his birth in Orange, Ohio, on November 19, 1831, and his death in Elberon, New Jersey, on September 19, 1881, following his assassination. 

The surrounding illustrations chronologically depict key moments and themes from Garfield’s life:

1. Early Life: Scenes of his modest beginnings, including "The Birthplace of Garfield," "Young Garfield on the Tow Path," and "At the Age of 17," highlight his early struggles and hard work as a laborer to support his family.
2. Education: "Hiram College" depicts the institution where Garfield studied and later taught, showcasing his dedication to education and intellectual growth.
3. Family: Portraits of Garfield's family members, including his wife, Lucretia Garfield, his mother, Eliza Garfield, and his children, emphasize his role as a family man.
4. Military Service: Illustrations such as "Where He Won His Spurs—The Battle of Chickamauga" reflect his service as a Union general during the Civil War, a significant chapter in his public life.
5. Political Career: Scenes such as "Garfield Addressing the Convention of 1880" and "Inaugural Address" commemorate his rise to political prominence and his brief presidency.
6. Assassination and Death: Garfield’s assassination is shown in "The Fatal Shot," while "His Last Hours" captures the president on his deathbed, attended by his family. The image of "Mourning at the Nation's Capital" reflects the public grief following his death.

The print seeks to memorialize Garfield as a figure of perseverance, patriotism, and sacrifice. By highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to the presidency and ultimately to martyrdom, the composition reinforces Garfield’s legacy as a self-made man and a national hero. 

Published shortly after Garfield's assassination in 1881, the print serves as both a tribute to the fallen president and a piece of visual propaganda that underscores themes of American resilience and progress. Its arrangement of biographical details in a narrative format offers an accessible and emotionally compelling portrayal of Garfield's life for a grieving public.