John Charles Black

Democrat Representative of Illinois

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 27, 1839 (76 years old)

Birthday

August 17, 1915

Death

Served as a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois from 1893 to 1895.
Awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Battle of Prairie Grove in the American Civil War.
Started military service as a private and rose to the rank of colonel, commanding the 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
Wounded multiple times during the Civil War, including at the Battle of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove.
Promoted to brevet brigadier general for gallant services in the assault on Fort Blakeley.
Held various legal and political positions, including U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and U.S. Commissioner of Pensions.
Served as the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans organization for Union Army veterans.
Led the United States Civil Service Commission from 1904 until 1913.
Practiced law after the Civil War and was involved in Democratic Party politics, including a candidacy for Chicago mayor.