Chester Arthur was the 21st president and belonged to the republican party. He was in office from September 19, 1881 until March 4, 1885. Interesting fact, he was originally the Vice President to James Garfield but Garfield was assassinated so he had to take over as President. Although, there was no 25th amendment (Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.) so Arthur was forced to serve his term without a vice president.