Famous Horses in History – Cincinnati with giveaway by Donna Schlachter

From Civil War Monitor site -- Cincinnati with Grant

This soldier didn’t wear a uniform. He didn’t give commands. And yet, in some of the most defining moments of the American Civil War, he carried a man who did.

His name was Cincinnati—a powerful, steady thoroughbred whose quiet strength helped shape the course of history. And friend, when you lean in close to his story, you begin to see something deeper than war… you see faithfulness in motion.

Cincinnati came into the life of Ulysses S. Grant as a gift during the war, not long after the Battle of Chattanooga. From the beginning, Grant recognized that this wasn’t just any horse—he came from a remarkable lineage. His sire was Lexington, one of the fastest thoroughbreds in the nation, and that strength and elegance showed in this colt.

Grant astride Cincinnati -- Wikipedia

In fact, he would later call Cincinnati “the finest horse that he had ever seen.”

And that’s saying something from a man who knew horses like few others.

What made Cincinnati remarkable wasn’t just his strength—it was his spirit.

He was calm under pressure, even-tempered in the chaos of battle, yet responsive and alive when the moment called for courage. Through the Overland Campaign and the last confrontations with Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Cincinnati carried Grant faithfully. And perhaps most notably, he was the horse beneath Grant as he rode to Appomattox Court House to accept Lee’s surrender—one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

Even President Abraham Lincoln rode Cincinnati during a visit near the war’s end—a rare honor, as Grant seldom allowed others to ride him.

When the war ended, Cincinnati didn’t fade into obscurity. Grant valued him so deeply that he refused an offer of $10,000 for the horse—a staggering sum at the time. Instead, Cincinnati remained with him, even living in the White House stables during Grant’s presidency.

Nearly every statue and artistic rendering of Grant shows him seated atop Cincinnati.

That’s not accidental—that’s legacy.

Grant astride Cincinnati -- mural at Grant's Tomb

Cincinnati lived out his final years in quiet retirement and died in 1878 on a farm in Maryland.

Cincinnati’s life whispers a truth we still need today: Faithfulness positions us for purpose. And sometimes, the greatest impact you’ll ever make…is simply carrying well what God has placed beneath you.

Enter to win:
Leave a comment, and I will randomly draw one winner’s name to receive a free print book of Hollow Hearts, book 2 in the Hearts of the Pony Express series. Cleverly disguise your email so the ‘bots don’t find you, but I can. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com

About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story.

Connect online:
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Need a writing coach? Or want to write your family or personal story? www.ThePurposeFullWriter.com


Resources:

https://www.civilwarmonitor.com/grants-war-horse-cincinnati/

https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/ulysses-s-grants-cincinnati/#google_vignette

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsemanship_of_Ulysses_S._Grant

https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/famous-civil-war-horses/






Leave a comment, and I will randomly draw one winner’s name to receive a free print book of Hollow Hearts, book 2 in the Hearts of the Pony Express series. Cleverly disguise your email so the ‘bots don’t find you, but I can. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com



A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story.



www.DonnaSchlachter.com

Newsletter: https://www.thepurposefullwriter.com/newslettersignup

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Schlachter/author/B01180A2EE

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116621.Donna_Schlachter

The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

Need a writing coach? Or want to write your family or personal story? www.ThePurposeFullWriter.com













Resources:

https://www.civilwarmonitor.com/grants-war-horse-cincinnati/

https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/ulysses-s-grants-cincinnati/#google_vignette

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsemanship_of_Ulysses_S._Grant

https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/famous-civil-war-horses/

Getting Around in the 19th Century

by Kimberly Keagan 

Before automobiles filled city streets and trolleys buzzed through town squares, the sound of carriage wheels and the gentle clip-clop of horses signaled the approach of both the fashionable and the practical. In the 1800s, carriages weren’t just transportation. They were a reflection of status, lifestyle, and region. Whether one was heading to church, calling on a neighbor, making deliveries, or arriving at a formal event, the chosen carriage spoke volumes. 

Carriages of Refinement and Leisure 

The Barouche

Elegant and spacious, the barouche was ideal for formal occasions and typically drawn by two horses. With two double seats facing each other and a collapsible hood, it was often used by families of means for church outings, weddings, and seasonal drives.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org.uk, www.horseyhooves.com, www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/hampton)

 

The Brougham

 

A four-wheeled, enclosed carriage designed by Lord Brougham, this practical vehicle offered privacy and protection from the weather. Drawn by a single horse, it became a favorite among city dwellers needing reliable personal transportation.

(Photo credits: www.johnnybrunt.com, www.gailthornton.co.uk, www.pinterest.com)

 

The Landau

 

With its dual folding hoods and ample seating, the landau was often reserved for formal events. Drawn by four horses, it balanced luxury and visibility, making it a popular choice for parades, weddings, and state occasions.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.horsedrawnoccasions.co.uk, www.pinterest.com)

 

The Phaeton

 

A phaeton is a form of sporty open carriage popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. This lightweight, open carriage was often used for leisure rides in the country. Drawn by one or two horses, it was known for its speed and stylish appearance. It could be driven by either men or women and suggested a measure of independence and confidence.

(Photo credits: www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.pinterest.com)
 

The Victoria

 

Named after Queen Victoria, this fashionable open carriage featured a low body, a forward-facing seat for passengers, and a raised driver’s seat. Ideal for pleasant drives in good weather, it was a common sight in parks and boulevards. The folding top offered shade while still allowing visibility.

(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com, www.thecarriagefoundation.org, www.newheritagefarm.com)

Carriages for Hire: The Urban Workhorses

The Cabriolet

 

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Originating in France and later popularized in London and New York, the cabriolet was a light, two-wheeled vehicle with a folding hood and room for two passengers. It led to the term "cab" and was used widely for hire. Driven by a cabman and often accompanied by a small servant known as a "tiger" who stood on a platform in the back of the cab, the cabriolet was a stylish choice for well-off bachelors.

(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com, www.shannondonnelly.com, www.thecarriagefoundation.org)

The Hansom Cab 

Widely used in American and European cities, the hansom cab was a two-wheeled, covered carriage with the driver seated high in the rear. It replaced the cabriolet as the hired carriage of choice as it was safer and could carry more than one passenger. It offered quick, affordable transportation and was especially popular in bustling urban centers.

(Photo credits: www.vintage.es, www.horseyhooves.com)

The Omnibus

The omnibus carriage, also known as a horse-drawn omnibus, was a large, enclosed vehicle used for passenger transport in the 19th century before motor vehicles became common. It typically featured benches for passengers facing each other and was a popular means of public transportation in cities like Paris and London.

(Photo credits: www.flickr.com, www.pinterest.com)

Whether drawn by a single horse or a matched team of four, carriages in the 19th century reflected the values and necessities of their time. From the grand avenues of the city to the dusty roads of the frontier, these horse-drawn vehicles shaped how people connected, celebrated, and simply got around. Their graceful lines and rhythmic motion remain symbols of a bygone era—and the inspiration behind more than one romantic tale.

Former Slave to Union Spy by Cindy Regnier

 In war, it was not uncommon for women to want to have a part in the war effort, even before they could be included in the military. Many women actually became spies. They had the advantage of being beyond suspicion in the eyes of military men simply because they were women. Elizabeth Van Lew was one such woman. She became a Union espionage agent during the Civil War while living in the Confederate capital of Richmond. Her parents were Northeners that relocated to Richmond where her family lived in a mansion in an astute neighborhood and made every effort to assimilate fully into southern society, even acquiring as many as twenty-one slaves. But Elizabeth privately abhorred the notion of slavery and freed many of her slaves after the death of her parents. Van Lew, who never married, chose to stay in Richmond after the South seceded, believing that she could be of use to the Union army in her present position.

 At first, Van Lew secretly helped Union officers in the nearby Libby Prison, helping them to escape by bribing Confederate prison guards, but after Jefferson Davis imposed martial law, she could no longer visit the prisons. She’d have to find another way. Van Lew became a leader of the interracial spy network known as the Richmond Underground. In this capacity she helped Northern sympathizers flee the Confederacy and find refuge in the North by means of safe houses, disguises, secret guides and even made her family mansion into a safe house to protect   the fleeing fugitives.

Van Lew House

 But Van Lew’s most noted contribution   to the Union cause was her relationship with a black woman named Mary   Jane Richards, a former slave of the Van Lews, who  used the alias of Mary Bowser. Van Lew was able to get Mary Bowser a job as a servant   in the Confederate White House. In this capacity Mary saw and heard   confidential plans and information being discussed by Confederate officers as she meekly served tea and refreshments in the rooms where they met to discuss war plans. They all ignored her, presuming her to be an uneducated black woman, and giving her no credit for intelligence or her ability to memorize important documents she caught glimpses of in those meeting rooms. She opened cabinets in Davis’ office while he was absent and scrutinized his papers, uncovering military details of great use to the Union army.

Confederate White House

Mary passed information to Union army officials through Elizabeth and the Van Lew Spy network. Her work enabled General Grant to strike devastating blows at the Confederate army as well as providing valuable insights about the movement of Southern troops and supplies.

When an investigation was finally launched against Elizabeth Van Lew, it was found that she was unfriendly to the Southern government but that she’d never done anything to “infirm the cause" beyond "talking freely" of her opinions among her friends. No action was taken against her by men blinded to the idea that a frail spinster lady could be capable of significant disloyalty.

I have not included a picture of Mary (Bowser) Richards in this post as many images from the past are said to be Mary Bowser but most likely are not. She had so many aliases and disguises that Mary’s history is next to impossible to piece together. One fact is agreed upon however. Both Mary and Elizabeth had an important (and dangerous) roles as Union Spies and played a significant part in the ultimate victory of the Union armies over the Confederacy.

Scribbling in notebooks has been a habit of Cindy Regnier since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born and raised in Kansas, she writes stories of historical Kansas, especially the Flint Hills area where she spent much of her childhood. Her experiences with the Flint Hills setting, her natural love for history, farming and animals, along with her interest in genealogical research give her the background and passion to write heart-fluttering historical romance.

The Women of the U.S. Postage Stamp—Part 3

By Jennifer Uhlarik

 

Hello, Readers! Happy April. Wait, what? How are we nearly through FOUR months of this year already? Can you believe it?

 

I’m back again with Part 3 of my series on the ladies who have been featured on American postage stamps. So far, we’ve seen many interesting figures, from former First Ladies to foreign monarchs, social reformers, and more. So let’s dig in and see who else we might meet from past postage stamps.

 

This month, we’ll start with Mary Cassatt, who was featured on US postage three separate times—in 1966, 1988, and 2003. Born in 1844, Cassatt was one of seven children born to her stockbroker father and a well-educated mother. As part of her early education, she traveled abroad, learned several foreign languages, and was exposed to drawing and music. By age fifteen, she’d made the decision that art would become her career, and she began studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts against her parents’ wishes. During the years of the Civil War, she went to Europe and studied there. After years of struggle, she did finally find success with her paintings, in part due to a platonic friendship with renowned impressionist painter Edgar Degas. 

This Mary Cassatt Postage Stamp debuted in 1966

The 1988 Mary Cassatt stamp

Here is the 2003 Mary Cassatt stamp,
featuring some of her artwork.

 

Our next lady is Lucy Stone. Born in Massachusetts in 1818, she went on to become the first woman in the state to earn a college degree, which she attained in 1847. After seeing how she and other female teachers were paid a much lower rate than male teachers, she began fighting for equal pay for herself and other women. She both spoke publicly and published her thoughts on matters of slavery, women’s suffrage, and more, and ultimately influenced the likes of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton—two other well-known abolitionists and suffragists. The three together were known as the “Triumvirate” of Women’s Rights Reformers in the late 1800s. Lucy’s stamp debuted in 1968. 

Lucy Stone's stamp, circa 1968

Next on our list of famous ladies from the postage stamps is Anna Mary Robertson Moses. In 1860, Anna was born, the third of ten children of her farming parents. She attended school only briefly, where she was exposed to art. She’d fallen in love with painting, and her father would sometimes purchase her paper by the sheet so that she could create, using grape or orange juice, grass, and other natural substances as her paints. But by age twelve, Anna went to work for a neighboring farm family and continued to do so until she met and married her husband when she was twenty-seven. The pair had ten children together, five of whom survived past infancy. As a wife and mother, she decorated her home with embroidered or quilted items, as well as made such items as gifts for family and friends. After her husband’s death and her own retirement from farming, she continued with such folk-art activities until arthritis made quilting and embroidery too painful. Upon her sister’s suggestion, seventy-six-year-old Anna took up painting again. For nearly three full decades, she painted and sold her art, creating more than 1500 pieces in that time. When her art debuted to the public, the media dubbed Anna “Grandma Moses” despite the fact she wished to be known as Mrs. Moses. The name stuck. Her inspiring life should show everyone that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Her name and artwork was featured on a 6-cent postage stamp in 1969. 

Grandma Moses's stamp
debuted in 1969

 

The next two ladies are both writers. The first is Emily Dickinson, the prolific poet who wrote nearly 1800 poems in her brief fifty-five years. Dickinson never married and lived a large portion of her later life as a recluse. It was only after her death that her remaining siblings discovered her extensive writings. During her life, ten of her poems were published, but posthumously, her poetry has grown to be world-renowned and greatly respected. Dickinson was featured on her postage stamp in 1971. The second writer in this pair of wordsmiths is Willa Cather, who spent some of her early childhood in Nebraska, where she was exposed to the westward migration of many immigrant families. This inspired her many novels of the American west and the lives of immigrants in the American frontier. Her stamp debuted in 1973.

Poet Emily Dickinson's stamp

Novelist Willa Cather's stamp

 

The same year, the next lady graced a postage stamp. I have already written a blog post about Elizabeth Blackwell—also known as America’s first female doctor. Check her out here. 

First female doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell's
stamp.

 

Now let’s drop back in history to the American Revolution, as that’s where the next lady of the postage stamp is from. Sybil Ludington was born in 1761, the daughter of Colonel Henry Ludington. Sybil was honored on a stamp because of a Paul Revere-type ride she supposedly made on April 26, 1777. (I say supposedly, because there are questions whether the ride actually happened, and according to my resources, her descendants have been unable to provide documentation proof of her ride). But as the story goes, sixteen-year-old Sybil rode on horseback some forty miles from her hometown of Fredricksburg, New York (close to Danbury, CT), to alert her father and his 400 militia men that the British had attacked Danbury’s supply depot. Whether the ride actually happened, the United States Postal Service honored Sybil with her own stamp in 1975.

Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40
miles at night to warn her father and the militia
of a British attack.

 

The story behind our next woman is probably the saddest of the list thus far. Clara Maass was born in 1876 to a poor family and eventually went to nursing school to support herself and her family. After graduating school, she worked in her field, getting promoted to head nurse at Newark German Hospital in 1898. When the Spanish-American War broke out, she volunteered her services but was sent home after contracting dengue fever. She returned later and helped to nurse many soldiers—but not because of injury as much as the many illnesses they contracted, among them Yellow Fever. In 1900, the U.S. Army developed a Yellow Fever Commission to study how the illness was transmitted—whether through mosquito bites or through human contact. The Army asked humans to volunteer for the study, in which they would allow themselves to be bitten by infected mosquitoes in exchange for $100/bite (with inflation, this amount would be in the thousands today). While we don’t know her reasoning for this, Maass agreed and purposely allowed herself to be bitten by infected mosquitoes multiple times in the early part of 1901. The first time, she became mildly ill and recovered. Other times, she didn’t fall sick, leading those conducting the study to hope her first experience had immunized her. However, in mid-August of 1901, she endured her next infected bite and grew extremely ill quickly. She never recovered. Ten days after the fateful bug bite, she died at age 25. After this, human experimentation was discontinued, and on what would’ve been her 100^th birthday, Clara was featured on her own postage stamp.

This stamp was issued on what would
have been Clara Maass's 100th
birthday

 

The last lady of the postage stamp that we’ll look at for today is none other than Harriet Tubman, who was featured twice—once in 1978 and again in 1995. Born into slavery, she was originally named Araminta Ross in 1822. In 1849, she escaped her slave owner via the Underground Railroad and made it safely from Maryland to Philadelphia. However, she was not content, knowing that her family and friends were still enslaved. She quickly returned to Maryland and spirited family members safely away to the North. All told, she returned thirteen times and saved seventy people from enslavement, as well as served the Union Army as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later fought for women’s suffrage. Quite an inspiring woman!

The 1978 stamp commemorates
Harriet Tubman's work to free
slaves via the Underground
Railroad.

This 1995 stamp honors Tubman's 
Civil War service.

 

That’s it for now, but we’ll continue our look at these honorees next month. Until then…

 

It’s Your Turn: Which of the women who were honored with their own stamp do you find the most memorable, and why?

 

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered western novels at twelve when she swiped the only “horse” book from her brother’s bookshelf. Across the next decade, she devoured westerns and fell in love with the genre. While attaining a B.A. in writing from the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. She has finaled in and won numerous writing competitions and appeared on various best-seller lists. Besides writing, she’s been a business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, a historical researcher, a publisher, and a full-time homemaker. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband and fur children.

 

Available Now:

Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West

Romantic Mystery

 

Wanted: 

Family, Love, and Justice

One Old West Mystery Solved Throughout Three Short Romantic Stories

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

 

Youngest child, Callie, has pushed past her insecurities to pursue a career as a Pinkerton agent. Middle child, Andi, has spent years studying law under her adoptive father’s tutelage. And the eldest and only son, Rion, is a rough-and-tumble bounty hunter. 

 

When the hunt for a serial killer with a long history of murders reunites the brother and sisters in Cambria Springs, Colorado, they find themselves not only in a fight for justice, but also a fight to keep their newly reunited family intact. How will they navigate these challenges when further complicated by unexpected romances?