10. James Garfield –IQ score: 141.8
James A. Garfield, America’s 20th president (1881), had one of the shortest presidencies in history but a remarkable rise to power. From humble beginnings as a boat worker and carpenter, he worked his way through college and into the Ohio state Senate. Garfield’s standout speech at the 1880 Republican Convention unexpectedly catapulted him to the presidential nomination when no clear candidate emerged.
As president, Garfield fought corruption in the post office, pushed to strengthen the U.S. Navy, and championed civil rights for African-Americans. Tragically, his promising presidency was cut short when he was assassinated just six months into his term. Garfield’s brief time in office left a legacy of integrity and ambition, cut down before its full potential could be realized.
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