War between the States
Hiram Ulysses Simpson Grant

Ulysses S. Grant, as he is known in history, was born 1822 in Point Pleasant Ohio, the son of Jessie Root Grant and Hannah Simpson Grant.   He graduated West Point Military Academy in 1843 and served a brilliant military career. The commanding general of the Union Army was thought to be an American Scot. He served under General Taylor in the war with Mexico in 1846, up to the capture of Monterey. His regiment was then transferred to the expedition under General Scott taking part in every action from Vera Cruz to Mexico and was brevetted first lieutenant and captain for meritorious conduct at Milino del Rey and Chapultepec.  In 1852, he served in Oregon but in 1854, resigned his commission and settled in Saint Louis Mo when in 1860 he removed to Galena Ill, and engaged in the leather trade.

At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, Grant volunteered his services and was appointed colonel of an Illinois regiment.  In August, he was appointed brigadier general commanding the important post of Cairo, occupied Paducah and led an expedition on the Mississippi.  In February 1862, he distinguished himself in the capture of Fort Donelson on the Tennessee River and was made major general.

General Grant succeeded General Halleck in the west commanding the land forces and in conjunction with the navy captured Vicksburg..   General Grant proved himself a great leader throughout the War between the States.   He was elected president in 1869 and was instrumental in founding the National Parks Service.  Upon his death in 1885, he stood as one of America's foremost heroes,   his funeral in New York City was attended by more than a million people.