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Biography On Ulysses Grant
Ulysses Simpson Grant was born on April 27, 1822 in Clermont County, Ohio to Jesse and Hannah Simpson. He was the eldest child in large family of children. The Grant family was not rich and as a result Ulysses did not get the best of education as a child. |
Through the influence of a Congress member from the district, Ulysses received admission into the West Point Military Academy in 1839. This is how Grant entered the military to forge a military career that would make him one of the most famous men in the world.
After graduating from West Point, Grant was stationed in Missouri at the Jefferson Barracks. Then in 1846, war broke out between America and Mexico. Grant served in this war along with General Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. By the time the war was ending, Grant was promoted to a first lieutenant. He continued serving in the military until 1854, after which he tendered his resignation and went to do farming. However, Grant did not become a successful farmer and had to sell off his farm. He rejoined the military at the start of the Civil War and served until 1861.
During the Civil War, Grant was instrumental in capturing For Donelson at Tennessee. This was a major victory for the Union and led to Grant being promoted as a major general. Finally in March 1864, Grant was promoted to commander of all Union forces. He was the one to accept the surrender of Lee on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox, Virginia. Once the Civil War finished, Grant became the Secretary of War.
In 1868, Grant was chosen as the Republican presidential candidate. The Republicans were all for black freedom in the South and a not so comprehensive reconstruction plan that what was being pursued by Andrew Johnson. Grant ended up winning the presidential election against Horatio Seymour, the Democratic candidate. In 1872, Grant was once again nominated as the presidential candidate and won the election against Horace Greeley.
After Grant left the office, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Africa along with his wife. In 1880, Grant borrowed money to set up his son open a brokerage firm. However, the firm went bankrupt and Grant ended up losing all his money. As a result, Grant started writing his memoirs to make money. He died on July 23, 1885 from cancer of the throat.
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