Hiram Ulysses Grant
"Although a soldier by profession, I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace."
Ulysses S. Grant was born in April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His middle name "S" actually has no meaning and his real name is Hiram Ulysses Grant. His famous nickname U.S. Grant came when he joined the military. He was the first son of Jesse Root Grant who was a tanner and businessman, and Hannah Simpson Grant. Grant describes his childhood as "uneventful". He was actually a shy and reserved boy and when he was 17, he entered a West Point. He received many demerits for his bad dressing habits and tardiness. He excelled in horsemanship and in 1843, graduated 21st out of 39. Grant failed in a real estate venture and was denied employment as an engineer. His spark of patriotism finally showed, and with the aid of an Illinois congressman, he was appointed to command the Twenty-first Illinois volunteer regiment. After many victories with his men despite his drunkenness, he was given command to all of the Union army.
Key Facts
- He was the U.s. general and commander of the Union armies on the second half of the war and he helped lead the Union army to victory.
- His nickname was "Unconditional Surrender Grant" because of the surrender at Appomatox.
- Despite being shy as a child, Grant was very strong during the war.
- He had many problems with alcohol and suffered headaches due to the stress.
- After the war and a few years, he became the 18th president of the United States.
- He died in Mount McGregor, New York on July 23, 1885.