More on Fostoria 1880
From R/t Sept. 11, 2003
Article by Gene Kinn
From the book "The Surprise Election and Political Murder
of President James A. Garfield,"
By Kenneth Ackerman
These excepts from the book revealed the role of one of Fostoria's
leading citizens. Governor Charles Foster, in the nomination
of General Garfield, at the 1880 Republican National Convention
in Chicago.
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Forced to pick a New York running mate, Garfield had a clear
favorite, Levi P. Morton, respected financier.
Garfield sent Foster to grab Morton on the spot on the convention
floor, and make the offer then and there.
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After a few minutes, someone led William Dennison and Governor
Foster into the room and they confirmed Ohio's offer of "substantial
support" of New York's choice for a second spot on the
ticket under Garfield (Chester Alan Arthur).
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A huge crowd came to Chicago's Dearborn railway depot to see
Garfield off and large crowds met his special train all along
the route
At Toledo, 100 guns saluted Garfield's train from atop a bluff
on the Maumee River, and Governor Foster harangued over 2,000
people at the depot.
"The great Senator Roscoe Conkling, of New York, a few
days ago said that nothing buy an act of God would prevent the
nomination of General Grant," he bellowed. "The act
of God has come and General Garfield has become your candidate."
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On July 2, the Republican National Committee met again, this
time in New York City at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, to pick it's
leaders.
Ohio Governor Charles Foster represented Garfield carrying the
party nominees list of four moderates for the top post.
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As a candidate, Garfield reluctantly agreed to follow tradition
and not campaign directly.
"It is against all precedent for a Presidential candidate
to take the stump in person." Governor Foster told reporters,
announcing the decision and adding "His friends will look
out for him."
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Many thousands of dollars were raised for Garfield's campaign.
Governor Foster hit Ohio businessmen for another $50,000
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Once in the White House, Garfield was visited by former President
Grant and his wife, Julia.
"James and Lucretia Garfield hosted the Grant's t an informal
breakfast, along with a few other houseguest, General Lionel
Sheldon and his wife, a Miss Mason, from Cleveland, and Ohio
Governor Foster, who had dropped in that morning."
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Local author and historian, Mel Murray, in his book, "Charles
Foster: Ohio's Master Politician," details how Foster aided
Rutherford Hayes in his quest for the presidency, but also contains
numerous reference to Foster and Garfield and the Governor's
involvement in the 1880 convention.
Local Kaubisch Memorial Public Library has a display, which
includes Foster's congressional desk and an ornate cane presented
to Foster for his role in planning Garfield's funeral, following
his assassination in 1881, just three months into his presidency
"Dark Horse" is available at the local library
