Was there a president in 1869?

Russia did not have a president in 1869. Up until 1917 Russia was known as the Russian Empire, ruled by a monarch; the tsar. In 1869 Russia was ruled by Tsar Aleksandr II (reign 1855-1881).

Andrew Johnson was president until March 4, 1869 when Ulysses Grant took office for the rest of the year (and until March 4, 1877)

This year of 1869 was not an election year. Grant was elected in the year 1868 and took office in 1869. So there's your answer

Grant became President on 4 March 1869 however the Election was held in 1868.

1869 was a year in which the president changed (election). The 17th President was Andrew Johnson left officer and the 18th President, U.S. Grant assumed the office.