James R. Slack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James R. Slack
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| Born | September 28, 1818 Bucks County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | July 28, 1881 (aged 62) Chicago, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Mt. Hope Cemetery, Huntington, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 47th Indiana Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | lawyer, Indiana legislator |
James Richard Slack (born September 28, 1818 – died July 28, 1881) was an important person from Indiana. He was a politician and a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Career
James Slack was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1818. His family moved to Indiana in 1837. There, he helped on his father's farm.
He also taught school and studied law. By 1840, he became a lawyer. He moved to Huntington, Indiana, and got involved in politics. He worked as a county auditor and later became a member of the Indiana State Senate.
Military Service in the Civil War
On December 13, 1861, James Slack became a Colonel in the 47th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Soon after, he led a group of soldiers called a brigade. This was part of the Army of the Mississippi.
During the Battle of Island Number Ten, he commanded the 1st Brigade. After this battle, he led his regiment on many trips along the Mississippi River.
In 1863, he again led a brigade during the Vicksburg Campaign. He was part of the XIII Corps. During the siege of Vicksburg, he continued to lead his brigade. He also commanded this brigade during the Red River campaign.
In late 1864, he led another brigade. On November 10, 1864, he was promoted to brigadier general. President Abraham Lincoln officially nominated him. The United States Senate approved his promotion in February 1865.
By the end of the war, General Slack commanded the 1st Brigade. He led them at the Battle of Fort Blakely. After the war, he was in charge of a base in Texas. He then returned to Indiana with his regiment. He left the army on January 15, 1866.
Later, in July 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him for another promotion. He became a brevet major general. This promotion was approved by the United States Senate.
Life After the War
After the war, General Slack went back to Huntington, Indiana. He continued his work as a lawyer. He was appointed to serve as a judge in the 28th Judicial Circuit.
In 1881, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress but did not win. James Slack died in 1881 while visiting Chicago. He was buried in Huntington, Indiana.
Images for kids
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Bronze relief portrait of Slack at Vicksburg National Military Park
