Balling, Ole Peter Hansen, 1823-1906

Ole Peter Hansen Balling exhibited at the National Academy 1863-80 as H. Balling.

From the guide to the Ole Peter Hansen Balling receipts for paintings of US Civil War subjects, 1866(?), undated, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

Jesse Root Grant was born on January 23, 1794, near Greensburg, Pennsylvania. After the death of his mother in 1805, his family fell into poverty and Jesse was sent out to make his own way. He began working for George Tod of Youngstown, Ohio. He learned several important skills: reading, tanning, and farming. He moved to Maysville, Kentucky, and became an accomplished tanner, then to Point Pleasant, Ohio, where he was a partner in a tannery. He married Hannah Simpson Grant at the age of 27 and a year later their son, Hiram Grant (who would become known as Ulysses S. Grant), was born. Jesse Root Grant was a shrewd business man and a hard worker. When his son went to the White House, he enjoyed visiting and talking to the press, which often upset his son. Jesse Root Grant died in 1873 at the age of 79.

Ole Peter Hansen Balling (1823-1906) was a Norwegian-born artist. He served briefly in a New York Regiment during the Civil War, but returned to painting after being wounded. In 1864, he won the commission to paint General Ulysses S. Grant and 26 of his senior officers. Balling also painted other U.S. presidents including Chester A. Arthur and James A. Garfield.

From the description of Painting [realia] : Jesse Root Grant. 1873 circa. (Ohio Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 221322072