New Netflix Series Turns Vermont’s “Genial and Elegant” Chester A. Arthur Into a Pugilistic “Vomiting Stovepipe of a Man”
How Arthur's portrayal compares with the historical record and what Vermonters may want to keep in mind while watching the series.
Why Chester A. Arthur Is Back in the Spotlight
The release of the Netflix limited series Death by Lightning, created by Mike Makowsky and based on Candice Millard’s narrative history Destiny of the Republic, has renewed national attention on the assassination of President James A. Garfield — and on Vermont-born Chester Alan Arthur, who succeeded him.
A review from The Guardian describes the series as a “gripping” dramatization of the era’s political tensions, including the role of the Republican Party’s Stalwart faction.
Arthur’s portrayal has been especially striking for Vermonters. Historically, Arthur is remembered in Fairfield and across Vermont as a polished and unexpectedly reform-minded president. The White House Historical Association notes that contemporaries often described him as “elegant,” fashion-conscious, and socially refined.
In contrast, Death by Lightning presents a version of Arthur who is physically imposing, crude, and often grotesque, with early scenes depicting him as a “roaring boor” and “vomiting stovepipe of a man,” according to The Guardian’s television review. This article explains how that portrayal compares with the historical record and what Vermonters may want to keep in mind while watching the series.
How the Netflix Series Constructs Its Version of Arthur
A. Use of a Fat Suit and Exaggerated Physicality
Actor Nick Offerman has discussed the production’s use of an “incredible fat suit” in interviews with People Magazine. He noted that he gained weight and relied on prosthetics to create the show’s imposing silhouette, emphasizing bloated excess as a visual metaphor for corruption. This choice aligns with the series’ stylized approach to Gilded Age politics rather than with Arthur’s documented physical appearance.
B. Emphasis on Loud, Boorish Behavior
Reviews in The Guardian and other outlets describe Arthur as an aggressive, shouting, appetite-driven political boss. Lines such as “Music! Fighting! Sausages!” underline this depiction. These character traits are not present in historical documentation but fit the show’s heightened portrayal of the political spoils system.
C. Repeated Vomiting Scenes
The recurring vomiting motif is one of the most dramatic elements in the early episodes. While the show initially presents this as a sign of indulgence, Arthur actually suffered from Bright’s Disease, a form of chronic kidney failure. A historical medical review published through Thieme notes that the disease caused nausea, swelling, and significant fatigue. The series’ early framing may lead viewers to misinterpret these symptoms.
What the Historical Record Shows
A. Appearance and Public Conduct
Historical accounts emphasize Arthur’s polished personal style. He stood 6’2”, wore tailored clothing, and cultivated a refined public image. The White House Historical Association notes his reputation for elegance, and contemporary descriptions portray him as dignified rather than disorderly.
B. Role in the Spoils System
Arthur’s political career was closely tied to the New York Republican machine led by Roscoe Conkling. As Collector of the Port of New York — then one of the most powerful federal posts — Arthur enforced patronage practices that required political loyalty from federal employees. The Miller Center’s biographical analysis describes him as an effective administrator rather than a physical intimidator.
C. Vermont Roots and Early Life
Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, a fact documented by the Vermont Historical Society. During the 1880 election, opponents falsely claimed he had been born in Canada, an early example of a “birther” conspiracy. Census records, family documents, and church records verify his Vermont birthplace.
D. Medical History
Arthur’s Bright’s Disease diagnosis was kept secret during his presidency. A medical analysis published via Thieme Connect outlines how the disease contributed to significant physical decline, including vomiting, swelling, and fatigue. While the Netflix portrayal exaggerates some of these symptoms, the underlying condition was real and serious.
Garfield’s Assassination and Arthur’s Transformation
Charles Guiteau shot President Garfield in July 1881. According to an American Experience documentary by PBS, Guiteau shouted, “I am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts, and Arthur will be President!” The remark shocked the nation and cast suspicion on Arthur.
During the 79 days Garfield lingered before his death, Arthur experienced visible emotional and physical strain. Historical reports describe him as exhausted and overwhelmed — a contrast to the boisterous figure shown in early episodes of Death by Lightning.
Julia Sand’s Influence
One of the most important influences on Arthur during this period was Julia Sand, a bedridden New York woman who wrote letters urging him to rise above partisan expectations. The Library of Congress preserves their correspondence. Sand challenged Arthur to prove he was more than a party operative, and biographers credit her with helping shape his later reform decisions.
Civil Service Reform
In 1883, Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which created merit-based hiring for federal positions. This marked a major break from the patronage system he once helped administer. The shift is widely viewed by historians as the defining achievement of his presidency.
Key Historical vs. Fictional Divergences
How Vermonters Can Interpret the Series
A. The Bully Persona Is Symbolic
The show uses Arthur as a stand-in for the brutality of machine politics, not as a literal depiction of his adult behavior.
B. The Vomiting Scenes Have a Medical Basis
Although exaggerated and reframed early in the series, Bright’s Disease provides real historical context for Arthur’s physical decline.
C. Vermont’s Role Is Underrepresented
Arthur’s Fairfield origins, early life, and family background shaped his values but appear only briefly in the dramatization.
D. His Redemption Arc Mirrors Real History
Arthur did distance himself from the Stalwart machine and champion civil service reform, reflecting a genuine shift documented across multiple historical sources.
What Happens Next
As Death by Lightning continues to reach large audiences, Vermonters may see renewed interest in their only native-born president. This could lead to:
Increased visitation to the Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site in Fairfield
New educational programming about Arthur in Vermont schools
Broader public discussions about historical accuracy in dramatized series
Continued reassessment of Arthur’s presidency based on modern scholarship
The Netflix series may dramatize his flaws, but the historical record shows a more complex figure: a Vermont-born president who rose through a partisan machine, faced a national crisis, and ultimately helped transform federal government reform.