At The 1888 Republican Convention

ALGER FOR PRESIDENT

[Source]

At the republican national convention of 1888, General Alger was one of the most prominent of the presidential candidates, and with the continuous balloting he increased his strength in the convention to one hundred and forty three votes. In the sixth ballot, however, a break was made in the ranks of his followers and General Harrison, then second choice, was brought forward and received the nomination. [Source]  Other candidates, according to Wikipedia, included Robert Todd Lincoln, Frederick Dent Grant and Frederick Douglass.

In nominating General Alger at the convention of 1888, Robert B. Fraser of Detroit said Gen. Alger will supply to you strength from all quarters of the union. [Source]

General Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, won the nomination and also won the election.

Russell A. Alger's wife was my grandkids' first cousin, 5x removed.  President Benjamin Harrison's opponent in 1888 was Grover Cleveland; my grandkids share Cleveland ancestors with him.

A newspaper account:

It is very gratifying and indeed significant, that Gen. Alger is receiving from the public press, east and west, testimonials of the most complimentary character, and it is equally gratifying to know that they are all fully merited.  The sentiment in his favor has been rapidly spreading and taking deeper root in all directions.  Republicans everywhere recognize him as an available candidate for the presidency one who possesses elements of strength and popularity seldom combined in one man.
That the Republican sentiment of Michigan is decidedly for Gen. Alger there is no room to doubt, and it is to be hoped that this sentiment will be only reflected and respected when the district conventions shall meed to elect delegates to the National Republican conventions.  A solid and enthusiastic Michigan delegation for Gen. Alger would place Michigan in the best possible position before the convention, a position which would at once command as well as deserve recognition.
Occasionally someone is heard to say: "Michigan will not get the nomination because Michigan will go Republican anyway."  That is not the point.  Michigan's candidate would be a stronger man in New York than any New York man today.  And he would be stronger in some other states where jealousy exists between factions or rival candidates.
He would be stronger before the people than almost any man named who has been long in public life.  The reason is plain.  As the Republican nominee he would go before the people with a record not only absolutely unassailable but extraordinarily strong in its winning points.  These are facts which the Republican press east and west has recognized and emphasized already.  And these are facts which count--and count for votes--in a political campaign.
Gen. Alger is a winner.  Nominate him for president and Grover Cleveland will stick to his letter of acceptance and serve only one term.  Let Michigan do her duty and go to Chicago solid and enthusiastic for Gen. Alger.--[Detroit Tribune.]   Isabella County Enterprise, April 20, 1888