John Alexander “Black Jack” Logan (1826-1886)

Civil War Union Major General. In his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (a Civil War veterans organization) he issued General Order No. 11 of May 5, 1868 which established "Decoration Day," now known as "Memorial Day," as a national holiday. Born in Murphysboro, Illinois, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Mexican War (1846 to 1848) with the 1st Illinois Infantry; then completed a law degree at Louisville University and entered politics rising from county clerk to U.S. Congressman for Illinois; left Congress in 1862 and formed a Union Civil War unit, the 31st Illinois Volunteers, which he commanded as a colonel and then rose to major general fighting in eight major campaigns, finally commanding the entire Union forces at the Battle of Atlanta (considered by many to be the premier volunteer general of the Civl War); returned to Congress in 1867 until elected senator from Illinois in 1871, serving until his death. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States in 1884.

Bio by: Fred Beisser