Was James Garfield a freemason?
Yes, James A. Garfield was a Freemason.
He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on November 19, 1861, at Magnolia Lodge No. 20 in Columbus, Ohio. Due to his Civil War service, he was raised to Master Mason on November 22, 1864, at Columbus Lodge No. 30. He affiliated with several other lodges, including Garrettsville Lodge No. 246 (where he served as chaplain), and was a charter member of Pentalpha Lodge No. 23 in Washington, D.C. He also advanced in the York Rite (Knight Templar) and received Scottish Rite degrees up to the 14th from Albert Pike.
This is well-documented in Masonic records, his biographies, and lists of U.S. presidents who were brethren. No serious dispute exists on the matter.