Ulysses S. Grant - a brief bio

Ulysses S. Grant
April 27, 1822 - July 23, 1885

This carved emu egg features Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States.

Despite Hollywood caricatures, Grant is a man of contradictions, certainly deeper and more complex than we have room to discuss here. Born Hiram Ulysses Grant, he took the name Ulysses S. Grant when he went to West Point because there had been an error in the paperwork granting him the commission. It was easier to change his name than change the paperwork. Besides, if he didn't like the idea of being called "Hugs" by his fellow cadets. While a cadet, Grant showed some promise as a painter.

Grant's father, Jesse, was an abolitionist who worked at one time for Owen Brown, father of John Brown. Grant's best friend while growing up was another abolitionist, Daniel Ammen. Despite this background, Grant married Julia Dent, daughter of a slaveholder. During the course of their marriage Julia had at least 4 slaves, and at one time Grant was given a manservant as a gift by his father-in-law which he freed prior to the civil war. However, his wife kept her slaves until after the Emancipation Proclamation.

After serving as President from 1869-77, the Grants went on a world tour. His attempt to secure the Republican presidential nomination in 1880 was unsuccessful. In 1883 Grant fell and broke his hip - the rest of his life he had to use either crutches or a cane. In 1884 the brokerage firm in which he was a silent partner went under - the result of embezzlement by partner Ferdinand Ward - leaving the Grants penniless. That fall Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer. Grant contacted several publisher regarding sale of his memoirs. Publishers offered to purchase the memoirs outright, but only after they were completed and even then for next to nothing. Long time friend Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain) purchased the rights to publish the memoirs and his publishing company sold "subscriptions" of the two volume set to the American public. The books were ordered with whatever binding was affordable and then mailed to the purchaser. Grant worked feverishly on his memoirs - the original handwritten manuscript, complete with doodles, is in the national archives. Three days after completion, he died. Mrs. Grant received over $450,000.00 from the sales.

The Ulysses S. Grant carved egg comes with a hand turned wood egg stand and can become a personalized gift with an inscription on the back.

Because of the variations of color and texture inherent in the emu egg itself, each carved egg will be unique and make a distinctive addition to any decor or collection. If you are looking for a "different" housewarming gift, birthday present or other special occasion gift for an student of Civil War history or a re-enactor, this carved egg will delight them.

#173 Ulysses S. Grant Carved Emu Egg - $95.00

"Everyone marvels at a square egg,
but only the chicken understands the pain." Vinny Porcaro 1997