John C. Black facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John C. Black
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Black in 1902
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| United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| In office January 12, 1895 – 1899 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland William McKinley |
| Preceded by | Sherwood Dixon |
| Succeeded by | Solomon H. Bethea |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's at-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1893 – January 12, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | Position Established |
| Succeeded by | Position Abolished |
| 15th United States Commissioner of Pensions | |
| In office March 19, 1885 – March 27, 1889 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Otis P. G. Clarke |
| Succeeded by | James R. Tanner |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Charles Black
January 27, 1839 Lexington, Mississippi, US |
| Died | August 17, 1915 (aged 76) Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Resting place | Spring Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum, Danville, Illinois |
| Profession | lawyer, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | |
| Unit |  11th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands |  37th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
John Charles Black (born January 27, 1839 – died August 17, 1915) was an important American figure. He was a Democrat who served as a U.S. Congressman. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award for bravery. He earned this honor for his actions as a leader in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Charles Black was born in Lexington, Mississippi, on January 27, 1839. When he was about eight years old, his family moved to Danville, Illinois, in 1847. His father was a minister in the Presbyterian Church. John Black went to Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. After finishing his studies, he decided to become a lawyer.
A Hero in the Civil War
Joining the Army
The American Civil War began in 1861. John Black and his brother, William P. Black, joined the Union Army on April 14, 1861. John started as a private, which is the lowest rank. Soon after, on April 25, 1861, he was promoted to sergeant major.
After three months, their first period of service ended. The brothers then helped create a new group called Company "K" for the 37th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. John Black became a major in this regiment on September 5, 1861.
Bravery at Prairie Grove
John Black was wounded in his right arm during the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas on March 7, 1862. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. On July 12, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then became the commander of the 37th Illinois Infantry.
On December 7, 1862, Black led his regiment in the Battle of Prairie Grove in Arkansas. They attacked a strong position held by the Confederate soldiers. His unit faced many challenges and suffered heavy losses. John Black himself was seriously wounded during this brave attack.
Years later, in 1896, his actions at Prairie Grove were reviewed. As a result, John Black was awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery. His brother, William, also received the Medal of Honor. This made them the first pair of brothers to both earn this very special award.
Rising Through the Ranks
On December 31, 1862, Black was promoted again to colonel of the 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He sometimes took temporary command of larger groups of soldiers. These commands included brigades within the XIII Corps.
John Black left the volunteer service on August 15, 1865. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored him further. He nominated Black to be a brevet brigadier general. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion given for brave service. This honor was for his gallant actions during the attack on Fort Blakeley, Alabama, on April 9, 1865. The U.S. Senate approved this appointment on March 12, 1866.
Life After the War
Serving the Public
After the war, John Black became a lawyer. He also served the public in several important roles. He became the United States District Attorney in Chicago. From 1885 to 1889, he was the U.S. Commissioner of Pensions. This role involved managing pensions for veterans.
Running as a Democrat, he was elected to the Fifty-third United States Congress. He served as a U.S. Congressman from 1893 to 1895.
Leading Veterans
In 1903, John Black received another great honor. He was chosen as the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a large organization for veterans who had fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. He held this position from 1903 to 1904. From 1904 to 1913, he also served as the president of the United States Civil Service Commission. This commission helps manage government jobs.
His Final Years
John C. Black passed away on August 17, 1915, in Chicago, Illinois. He was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum in Danville, Illinois.
