She was a devoutly religious woman, always reserved and unpretentious in her manner, and she is often considered by historians and others to have had a strong influence on her son Ulysses, who shared similar qualities in character.

Hannah Simpson was born on her parents' farm on November 23, 1798, in Horsham, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,[1] where she grew up.

Hannah was described by friends as slender, above average height, handsome, but not beautiful, with a serious, reserved and steadfast personality.

Grant's step-grandmother Sarah Simpson, an educated woman who read French classical literature, also favored the name Ulysses.

However, Hannah, though always supportive, was not known as someone for a young boy to turn to for compassionate counsel in times of trouble, usually keeping her affections withdrawn.

While her husband Jesse often responded angrily with newspaper editorials, a devoutly religious Hannah remained calm and was confident with the idea that her son was protected by God in the business of saving the Union from what she regarded as a "terrible war".

Often met with inquiries about her famous son, Hannah remained virtually silent about anything to do with Ulysses or the family for the duration of her life.

"[25] Some ten years later Hannah died on May 11, 1883, at the age of 84, at 12:30 in the afternoon, at her home at 582 Pavonia Ave in Jersey City.

She continued to grow weak at an alarming rate, where her daughter, not knowing the seriousness of Hannah's condition, went for help a block away, and then sent a telegram notifying her sister, in Philadelphia.

The funeral was held in Hannah's home with the Reverend Richard from the Simpson Methodist Church conducting the service.

[21][26] At Hannah's funeral, not wanting to overshadow her memory with his fame, Ulysses advised the pastor that he should "speak of her only as a pure-minded simple-hearted, earnest, Methodist Christian ...", asking him to speak of her only, and to make no reference to himself, asserting his request by maintaining that Hannah had gained nothing by any position he had ever held.