ocr: ames A.Garfield 20th.Prsdncy.(Mar. 4-Sept. 19, 1881) Garfield is the last president to be bomin: a log cabin. After serving 18 years in Congress, Garfield becomes the 20th president in. March1881. During his brief presidency, the American Red Cross is formed. Garfield attempts to reform civil service jobs, requiring applicants to take written tests. Disgruntled office seeker Charles Guiteau shoots Garfield in the back. Garfield lingers for 2 months before dying of his wounds on September 18, 1881. Garfield's assassin is hanged.