1881  –  September 19 , 1881 President James Garfield Preceded by William A. Wheeler Succeeded by Thomas A. Hendricks Born October 5 , 1829 ( 1829-10-05 ) Fairfield Died November 18 , 1886 (age 57) New York , New York Nationality American Political party Republican Spouse(s) Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur , niece of Matthew Fontaine