President: Ulysses S. Grant

Wife: Julia Boggs Dent (1826-1902), on August 22, 1848

Kids: Grant (1855-1922); Jesse Root Grant (1858-1934)

Pets: horses named Jeff Davis, Julia, Jennie, Mary, Butcher Boy, Cincinnatus, Egypt, and St. Louis; ponies named Reb and Billy Button; pigs; dogs; a parrot; roosters

Bio: Ulysses Simpson Grant, (1822-1885), was an American General and the 18th President Of The United States. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, on April 27, 1822, and spent his boyhood in Georgetown, Ohio. In 1843 he graduated from West Point, was appointed to the 4th U. S. Infantry as a 2nd lieutenant, and sent to St. Louis, Mo. There he met his future wife, Julia Dent, sister of a West Point classmate.

Although Grant did not believe in the premise of the Mexican War, he served well. He was soon promoted to 1st lieutenant for his bravery, and then to captain. In 1861, he accepted the command of the 21st Illinois Regiment and fought for the Union.

After some miserable failures on the battlefield of the Civil War, he rose to national prominence when he forced the surrender of over 14,000 of Buckner’s men, and captured Forts Henry and Donelson. Major victories continued under his command and he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general commanding all the armies of the United States.

His popularity led to his nomination for Republican candidate in 1868 and he won the election easily. Unfortunately, Grant was not very politically savvy and really was not qualified to be president. He exerted virtually no influence over Congress, in effect allowing them full control over the country. His administration did endure its share of controversies and scandals, however, and Grant left office discredited.

During a world tour, after retirement with his wife and youngest son, he was received as the triumphant victor of the Civil War. Buoyed by a new confidence, he sought a third term upon his return, but was defeated by Garfield.

He died of throat cancer at Mount McGregor on July 23, 1885 and was buried in New York City overlooking the Hudson River.