Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885)

He was preceded in the Presidency by Andrew Johnson and after serving two terms in office for the Republican Party he was succeeded in 1877 by Rutherford B. Hayes. During his first term his Vice-President was Schuyler Colfax and Henry Wilson served for his second term. He was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and graduated from the Military Academy at West Point in 1843, serving in the Mexican-American War where he learned how wars could be won or lost by factors beyond the battlefield. The 1850s saw him return to civilian life during which time he struggled with alcohol issues. The Civil War transformed Grant's fortunes. Starting as a Colonel of Illinois volunteers, he quickly rose through Union ranks with decisive victories at Fort Donelson and Vicksburg. His willingness to engage Confederate forces aggressively earned him Lincoln's trust, leading to his appointment as General-in-Chief in 1864. His relentless campaigns ultimately forced Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox in April 1865.

Grant's military success propelled him to the presidency in 1868. His two terms (1869-1877) achieved notable successes in Reconstruction and civil rights, including the 15th Amendment and legislation protecting African-American voting rights. However, his administration was plagued by economic turmoil, including the Panic of 1873, and numerous corruption scandals involving his appointees, though Grant himself remained personally honest. After leaving office, Grant faced financial ruin due to poor investments. He spent his final years writing his memoirs while battling throat cancer, completing them just days before his death in 1885. The memoirs became a literary and commercial success, securing his family's financial future. In 1848, he married Julia Dent and they had four children, all of whom lived to adulthood. He is the only American President to become the grandfather of a European princess: Julia, Princess Cantacuzène.