James Longstreet was born on January 8, 1821 in the Edgefield District in South Carolina, to Mary Ann Dent (cousin of President U.S. Grant's wife), and James Longstreet. James's Grandfather was from New Jersey and of Dutch descent. James was raised to learn the love of working outdoors and soon acquired the physique that came along with the hard work. He was known for his athleticism and build. Before his bushy beard that he was known for during his military career, he was considered to be very handsome. James's father died when he was twelve years old and this changed the outcome of James's future. James's mother moved to Augusta and then to Alabama with her children, with the exception of James. James was left in the care of his Uncle Judge Augustus Baldwin Longstreet. His uncle was not only a Judge, but a Lawyer, Clergyman, and cartoonist who created depictions of Georgia. His works are so well known they are still able to be viewed today. A cousin in Alabama, who happened to be a member of Congress, was able to get an appointment for James to the Military Academy at West Point. Upon his arrival at West Point, James was very disheartened to find that his riches would not help him here. He had to keep up his own room and shine his own boots without the help of slaves to keep up his responsibilities. James was not a smart man, by any means, and often was close to being released from school. However, his athleticism helped him remain and succeed in graduating. He graduated in 1842, 54th out of 56 students, only a couple places ahead of Ulysses S. Grant (the future President). Because of their failure to get to a higher ranking he and Grant were unable to choose their next assignment and were then placed into the Fourth Infantry at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Longstreet and Grant became good friends over the years together in school and now at their new post. Longstreet had a cousin, on his mother's side, close to St. Louis and soo