Grant, Julia Dent (1826-1902), was the wife of Ulysses S. Grant, who served as president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. Mrs. Grant enjoyed the role of first lady. She held elaborate banquets and many other social functions in the White House. Her style and enthusiasm made the White House a lively place. The marriage of her daughter Nellie in a White House ceremony in 1874 attracted international attention. Julia Grant became a highly popular national figure.
Mrs. Grant was born at White Haven, her family’s farm near St. Louis, on Jan. 26, 1826. Her maiden name was Julia Dent. Her father had been a merchant in St. Louis, and later purchased the White Haven farm.
Julia Dent and Ulysses S. Grant met in 1844. Grant, then a United States Army lieutenant, had been a classmate of one of Julia’s brothers at the U.S. Military Academy. He was stationed near St. Louis when Julia met him. The couple married on Aug. 22, 1848. They had four children. The children were, in order of birth, Frederick Dent; Ulysses S., Jr.; Ellen (Nellie) Wrenshall; and Jesse Root, Jr.
Mrs. Grant was a devoted wife and mother. She did not take much interest in politics, but she gave her husband constant encouragement. Julia Grant died on Dec. 14, 1902.
See also Grant, Ulysses S .
