Nov. 18, 1886: Chester Arthur died. He was the 21st president, serving between 1881 and 1885. Arthur had been vice president for just six months when he became POTUS after the assassination of President James Garfield. He was also known for his long mutton chop sideburns. Of Arthur it was said, "No man ever entered the presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted — and no one ever retired more generally respected." Even Mark Twain, who was deeply cynical about politicians, said: "It would be hard indeed to better President Arthur's administration."
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