Horace Greeley

Probably the most lopsided election in American history occurred in 1872 when Greeley ran on the ‘Liberal Republican’ and Libertarian ticket.  Despite being endorsed by the Democrats, he lost by a landslide which was attributed to Grant's popularity and Greeley's eccentricities.  In the midst of the election for President, Greeley's wife Mary fell sick and Grant rushed to her side but she died from a “a severe attack of lung disease".  Distraught from that and the loss of the Tribune, he retired to Dr George Choate's sanatorium near Tarrytown, NY.  

His depression and / or the administration of the psychiatric drugs of the day caused his death after the popular votes were counted but before his 66 Electoral votes were applied causing his electors to decide to split their votes among the other four candidates, making him the only candidate for President to ever die between the election and the certification.   His funeral was held 5 days later on December 4th; about 50,000 viewers paid respects to his body at City Hall and the funeral was attended by .