Merit system social mobility. After the fall of the Han Dynasty, the nine-rank system was established during the Three Kingdoms period. The concept of a merit system spread from China to British India during the 17th century, and then into continental Europe. The United States civil service began to run on the spoils system in 1829 when Andrew Jackson became president. The assassination of United States President James A. Garfield by a disappointed office seeker in 1881 proved its dangers. President Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau who believed that the president owed him a civil service position and in not
Charles J. Albright He served as member of the State board of charities in 1875. He served as president of the board of school examiners of the Cambridge Union School 1881-1883. He died in Cambridge, Ohio, October 21, 1883. He was interred in South Cemetery. Charles J. Albright Charles Jefferson Albright (May 9, 1816 – October 21, 1883) was a U.S. Representative from Ohio. Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Albright moved with his parents in 1824 to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He received a limited schooling. He was employed in a harness shop and as a clerk in a rural store. Apprenticed as a printer.