c) James A. Garfield

James A. Garfield, the second U.S. President to be assassinated, was known for his intellectual prowess, including a myth of being ambidextrous and able to write in Greek and Latin simultaneously. Garfield’s assassination in 1881, just months into his presidency, shocked the nation and led to significant reforms in the civil service system. His death underscored the dangers of political patronage and the need for reform. Garfield’s academic talents and his tragic end left a lasting impact on American history, both in terms of his personal legacy and the subsequent changes to federal governance.