A Beard, A Blue Uniform, and a Divided America: U.S. Grant, born 1822 April 27th

Hiram Ulysses Grant was born April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, the first child of Jesse and Hannah Grant. When Ulysses was one year old, his family moved to the nearby town of Georgetown.

For much of his life, Ulysses S. Grant failed at every occupation he tried. But in the United States Army, his remarkable talents as a soldier and leader saved his country from falling apart. To some folks, General Grant was a hero whose military skills saved the Union, and overcame Confederate slavery. To other people, he was a butcher who sacrificed the lives of his soldiers and overlooked discrimination in his army.

When Grant, the war hero, became president in 1869, he ran the government much like he ran the army. Unfortunately, the men in whom Grant placed his trust were not as honorable and honest as he himself always was. Scandal marred his administration. Even after he left the White House, a business partner betrayed him, and he lost his fortune.

With the encouragement of his friend Mark Twain, Grant began to write his memoirs. He raced against throat cancer, which was taking his life. He finished his book just a week before his death in July 1885. The money from its sales provided for his family.

U.S. GRANT PLAYLIST TOP-5:

“Talking Old Soldiesr” ~~ Elton John

“See See Rider”

“Ten Feet Tall and Bulletprook” ~~ Travis Tritt

“Goat Whiskers’ ~~ R.J. Mischo

“ Union Showdown” ~~ Bob Dylan