President James A. Garfield on his deathbed, 1881. After President James A. Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, he lived for 80 days while doctors tried to save his life. Valet Daniel Spriggs (far left) remained at Garfield’s bedside for most of this time. Spriggs later served in the home of Garfield’s daughter, Mollie, and subsequently worked at the Government Printing Office.