He never sought the presidency

Known as one of the most interesting facts about James Garfield has he never pursued presidential office. Garfield believed that his purpose in being present at the 1880 Republican National Convention was to advocate for Treasury Secretary John Sherman, the party's nominee for president. Tall, bearded, personable, and eloquent Garfield led fellow Ohioan Sherman's campaign and won over many with his entirely impromptu nominating speech, which made him the center of attention rather than the candidate.

The unit rule, which allowed a majority of delegates from a state to cast the state's full vote, was repealed under the leadership of Garfield, the chairman of the Ohio delegation, and a group of anti-Grant delegates. Grant's campaign was doomed by this triumph, which increased Garfield's notoriety. Grant held a 35-vote advantage over the competition but was unable to secure a majority. On the 36th ballot, a dark horse named Garfield received the nomination; nevertheless, he was still attempting to withdraw his name from consideration as the bandwagon gained momentum.

In all of our history, "no man ever started so low and accomplished so much", observed former president Rutherford B. Hayes of Garfield. He was the only sitting House member to be elected president, defeating Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock in the race. Garfield once told friends that he was surprised by the entire process "This accolade was not sought after by me. Not even for a day have I ever experienced presidential fever."