John A. Logan
John A. Logan United States Senator from Illinois In office March 4, 1871 – March 4, 1877 Preceded by Richard Yates Succeeded by David Davis In office March 4, 1879 – December 26, 1886 Preceded by Richard James Oglesby Succeeded by Charles B. Farwell Member of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois's at-large congressional district In office March 4, 1867 – March 4, 1871 Preceded by Samuel W. Moulton Succeeded by John Lourie Beveridge Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 9th district In office March 4, 1859 – April 2, 1862 Preceded by Samuel S. Marshall Succeeded by William J. Allen Illinois State Senator In office 1853–54 and 1857 Personal details Born John Alexander Logan (1826-02-09)February 9, 1826 Murphysboro, Illinois, U.S. Died December 26, 1886(1886-12-26) (aged 60) Washington, D.C. Nationality American Political party Democrat, Republican Alma mater Shiloh College University of Louisville Signature Military service Nickname(s) "Blackjack" Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Army Union Army Years of service 1847-48, 1861–65 Rank Major General Commands XV Corps Battles/wars Mexican-American War American Civil War John Alexander Logan (February 9, 1826 – December 26, 1886) was an American soldier and political leader. He served in the Mexican-American War and was a General in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He served the state of Illinois as a State Senator, a Congressman, and a U.S. Senator and was an unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States with James G. Blaine in the election of 1884. As the 3rd Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) as an official holiday. His likeness appears on a statue at the center of Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.. He is also honored with a statue in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois. He is the honoree of Logan County, Kansas; Logan County, Oklahoma; Logan County, Colorado; Logan County, North Dakota; and Logan Square, Chicago, which is the neighborhood chosen to mark Illinois' centennial. Logan is one of only three people mentioned by name in the Illinois state song. Upon his death, he lay in state in the United States Capitol rotunda. He is the father of U.S. Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient John Alexander Logan, Jr. (1865–99).