Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), a native of Ohio, graduated from West Point in 1843 and served during the Mexican War. He then left the army and tried farming and other pursuits.

He was asked by the Illinois governor to train troops for Civil War service, then led troops in the Western Theater. Grant's successes led to Lincoln naming him lieutenant general and commanding general of the Union armies. His victory at Petersburg brought the defeat of the Confederacy and the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Grant was elected president in 1868 and served two terms.