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Famous Residents Elihu Washburne (1816-1887) Elihu Washburne moved to Galena and opened a law practice in 1840. In 1853, he was elected to the House of Representatives. He served as a representative until 1869 when he served as Secretary of State for Grant's administration. This was a brief position because Washburne became the Minister to France and served in this position for the remainder of Grant's administration until 1877. Washburne was probably best known for the interest he took in Grant. He was one of Grant's biggest supporters obtaining Grant's appointment to the Union Army. Ely Parker (1828-1895) A full-blooded Seneca Indian, Ely Parker was serving as Superintendent of Construction of Government Buildings in Galena at the outbreak of the Civil War. Befriended by Ulysses Grant, Parker became one of Grant's military secretaries. He drafted the Articles of Surrender General Robert E. Lee signed to end the Civil War. The remainder of Parker's life was devoted to furthering Indian affairs in Washington. Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) Ulysses S. Grant is undoubtedly Galena's most famous resident. Born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant moved to Galena in April 1860 after completing a successful military career. While in Galena, he worked as a clerk in his father's leather store. Leaving his wife and four children in Galena, Grant joined the Illinois Volunteers to fight in the Civil War. Grant proved his military prowess and after several successful battles and promotions he defeated General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army at Appomattox, Virginia in April of 1865. Grant returned to Galena after the war and lived there with his family until 1867. After he served as President from 1868-1876, he returned to Galena. He died of throat cancer in 1885. QuincyNet Home Copyright© 2000 by QuincyNet, a division of HCW Ltd. All Rights Reserved