 In early 1833 , Abram and Eliza Garfield joined the Disciples of Christ , a decision that would help shape their youngest son 's life . Abram Garfield died later that year ; his son was raised in poverty in a household led by the strong @-@ willed Eliza . James was her favorite child , and the two remained close for the rest of her life . Eliza Garfield remarried in 1842 , but soon left her second husband , Warren Belden ( possibly Alfred Belden ) , and a then @-@ scandalous divorce was awarded against her in 1850 . James took his mother 's side and when Belden died in 1880 , noted the fact in his diary with satisfaction . Garfield enjoyed his mother 's stories about his ancestry , especially his Welsh great @-@ great @-@ grandfathers and his ancestor who served as a knight of Caerffili Castle . 
