My family is American, and has been for generations, in all its branches, direct and collateral . (Memoirs of U.S. Grant)

ULYSSES S. GRANT: Proud to be an American, Ulysses Grant rose from his Ohio roots to become the most successful general of the Civil War. West Point provided the education; the Mexican War provided the experience. Seven years of poverty, humiliation, and struggle to provide his family with the basic needs of life, prepared Grant for the hardships of campaigning during the Civil War.

Grant was one of the generals who understood the changing face of war. Learning from mistakes, he quickly adapted to his meteoric rise from Colonel to Lieutenant General. Using new technology such as the telegraph, the railroads, and improved weapons, he utilized these changes to take America into modern warfare. While other generals were concerned on their theater of war, Grant’s view was continental encompassing the whole of the country.

When elected president, he faced reconstruction, a divided Congress, recession, strained relations with England and Spain, and numerous scandals. Grant served two consecutive terms from 1869 to 1877 and nearly nominated for a third.

At his second inauguration, he said “I did not ask for place or position, and was entirely without influence or the acquaintance of persons of influence, but was resolved to perform my part in a struggle threatening the very existence of the nation. I performed a conscientious duty, without asking promotion or command, and without a revengeful feeling toward any section or individual…throughout the war, and from my candidacy for my present office in 1868 to the close of the last Presidential campaign, I have been the subject of abuse and slander scarcely ever equaled in political history, which to-day I feel that I can afford to disregard in view of your verdict, which I gratefully accept as my vindication.”

A true patriot who loved his country and served to the best of his ability. Ulysses Grant was the most popular American in the 19th Century.

JULIA BOGGS DENT: was born into a slave holding plantation outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Raised with the best education in her state, she set a standard many women strive for but fail to achieve. Her relationship with Ulysses Grant was one of unconditional love and devotion.

Julia moved from the comfortable life of a plantation to dreary army posts, endured long separation from her husband, and moved into a life of hardships. Not one to complain, she adapted quickly and provided a loving home that Ulysses longed to have. They were blessed with four children all of whom became successful in their lives.

Julia traveled to her husband many times during the Civil War, enduring many dangers to be with Ulysses. Once, Julia and her youngest son escaped capture just hours before the Confederate raiders arrived. Later in City Point, VA, during the Petersburg campaign,  Julia visited Ulysses many times and was present when he returned from the surrender of Lee’s army at Appomattox.

The next four years, Julia experienced the Washington, D.C. society. That exposure prepared her to become the First Lady when Ulysses was elected in 1868. She became the most popular First Lady since Dolly Madison decades earlier.

After Washington, she traveled with Ulysses around the world virtually visiting all the countries of Europe. Her knowledge of language and social skills charmed the royalty of Europe and Asia.

Returning home, Julia was with Ulysses during his final campaign against cancer and was at his side when he died in July, 1885. Her grief was so great, she was unable to attend his funeral.

For the next 17 years, Julia devoted herself to her family, writing her memoirs, campaigning for women’s rights, and established friendship with Varina Davis and Susan B. Anthony.

Perhaps the life of Julia Dent Grant can be best summed up in her memoirs. She described her life’s highs and lows but concludes with the final words, “Am I not a happy woman.” How many people can summerize their life so well in just a few words? Julia Dent Grant, wife, mother, First Lady, and writer. A woman for all times.

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