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Biography: Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His family moved to Georgetown, Ohio, when he was about a year and a half old, making Georgetown more of his "hometown". From an early age, he showed great aptitude with horses, which was a particularly useful skill in a farming community. He received a basic education in Georgetown, like most boys at that time would have. In Grant's case, however, he was destined for greater things, starting with his higher education. Grant's father, Jesse Grant, made the decision that his son would attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. When a local boy failed out of West Point, Jesse Grant took advantage of the situation and secured an appointment for his son, who was called Ulysses by those who knew him. Grant did not want to go West Point, but followed his father's instructions. Interestingly, his appointment to West Point was what caused Grant to change his name. His appointment to West Point was made out in error to "U.S. Grant." The Congressman who made the appointment knew that he was called Ulysses, and assumed that his middle name was Simpson, which was his mother's maiden name. Since the appointment papers were for U.S. Grant, the young man adopted the new name, ultimately becoming known as Ulysses S. Grant. The S, however, stood for nothing. After graduating from West Point, Grant went on to serve in the Army for some time. He was stationed in St. Louis for a few years, where he met his future wife, Julia Dent. When the United States entered the Mexican War, Grant went along with the rest of the Army to Mexico. After his return from Mexico, he and Julia were married, having gotten engaged just before he left. Grant's next major assignment was on the West Coast, at Vancouver Barracks. In order to get to the West Coast, the Army transported soldiers across the Isthmus of Panama, a dangerous proposition due to the risk of cholera. Wisely, Grant left his pregnant wife behind, along with their first son, Frederick Dent Grant. Many of the women and children who accompanied their husbands across the Isthmus of Panama died during the journey. During his time on the West Coast, Grant missed his family, particularly his second son, whom he had never met. Rumors of Grant's drinking first surfaced while he was stationed on the West Coast. Though these rumors cannot be substantiated by the historical evidence, it does seem plausible that Grant may have taken to drinking to soothe his loneliness. Grant retired from the military while he was stationed on the West Coast, and returned to the St. Louis area to be with his family. He did not have much financial success in St. Louis, however, and soon moved to Galena, Illinois, where his family had opened a store. Again, Grant was not financially successful, but he did have a more stable income in Galena than he did in St. Louis. When the Civil War broke out, Grant joined the volunteer army. His previous military experience, coupled with his duty to his country, compelled him to fight for the Union Army. He began as a Lieutenant, but as the war progressed, and his military skill was recognized, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Union's top General. To talk about all of the memorable battles in which Grant commanded the Union Army would take up another entire article. Suffice it to say that after initial difficulties, the Union Army prevailed, and the Union was restored. Grant was exceptionally popular after the Civil War, so it was no wonder that the Republican Party chose him as their Presidential candidate in 1868. Grant was elected to his first term in 1868, and to a second term in 1872, to high popular acclaim. There was talk of having Grant run for a third term in 1876, but he declined this idea. Grant's presidency was beset with problems and scandals, leading many to claim that he was one of the worst U.S. Presidents. Despite the scandals of his Presidency, Grant did help to reform the civil service system and acquire some rights for African Americans. After Grant's Presidency ended, he and his family spent a few years traveling the globe, spending much time in Europe, Africa, and Asia. When he returned in 1879, the American public celebrated him from San Francisco all the way to the East Coast. In 1880, there was serious talk of having Grant run for a third term, and Grant himself gave some consideration to this idea, but ultimately James A. Garfield received the nomination in his place. After 1880, Grant enjoyed a few years of relative peace and quiet before he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Grant had always been a regular cigar smoker, and his habit took its toll on his health. On rocky financial footing after the collapse of a business into which Grant had invested much of his money, and with the knowledge that he would not survive to support his family, Grant turned to writing his memoirs for publication. He finished only a few weeks before his death on July 22, 1885. He accomplished his goal, however, as the publication of The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant became a best seller in their time, and ensured that his widow had sufficient money to live out the remainder of her life. |
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