12. Ulysses S. Grant
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant Ohio. At the age of 17, Grant’s father arranged for him to be enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point. A clerical error at the time of his enrollment at the Military Academy led to Grant changing his name to Ulysses S. Grant to ensure his admission. Despite his later military triumphs, Grant showed little in the way of potential as a future military leader during his time at the Military Academy. His grades were average and he received “several demerits for slovenly dress and tardiness.” Grant graduated 21st out of 39 and fully intended to resign after serving his mandatory four years of duty.
Grant served in the Mexican-American War, initially as a quartermaster but later led a company into combat and was lauded for his “bravery under fire.” Grant left the military and tried to make a living in the civilian world. After a number of unsuccessful business ventures Grant resorted to selling firewood on a St. Louis Street just to make ends meet. Eventually, Grant returned to the family tannery business and worked as a clerk under the supervision of his two younger brothers. It was a humbling time for Grant who little could have imagined the heights he would ultimately reach.
Following the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War in 1861 Grant returned to the military. He ultimately rose through the ranks and became lieutenant-general of the Union Army. After the Union victory and end of the Civil War, Grant was promoted to full general where he was in charge of the military during Reconstruction. In 1868, Grant ran for president of the United States. He won the election and became – at the time – the youngest ever president of the United States, aged 46.
Grant was re-elected again in 1872 but his presidency, unfortunately, is remembered by the scandals which surrounded members of his administration. After leaving office, Grant pursued another business venture where he and others were left ruined when Grant’s business partner Ferdinand Ward embezzled investors’ money, resulting in the company going bankrupt. Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer the same year. He hired author Mark Twain to write his memoirs which went on to sell over 300,000 copies, earning his family over $450,000. Just as his memoirs were being published, Grant passed away at the age of 63 on July 23, 1885.