The Early Years

John Charles Black was born on 27 Jan 1839 in Lexington, Holmes County, Mississippi, United States, son of John Black (1809–1847) and Josephine L. Culbertson (1813–1887).

In 1850, John (Charles), age twelve, resided with his stepfather Dr. William Fithian, the head of household and Physician in Danville Township, Vermilion, Illinois, United States. His mother, Josephine Louise (aka J.L.) managed the home and also raised Mary, LaRose (aka Lakose), and William.  By 1860, John, age twenty-one, still resided with his stepfather Dr. William Fithian, the head of household and Physician in Danville Township, Vermilion, Illinois. His mother, Josephine Louise (aka J.L.) managed the home and raised Josephine. In addition, his adult siblings Mary and William were also residents of the household.

The Civil War

John Charles Black, a student of twenty-two, joined the Union Army for three months on 14 Apr 1861 as a Sergeant Major. At the time of enlistment, he resided in Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana, United States, and attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Montgomery, Indiana, United States, and didn't finish his education until he resigned his commission in 1865.

On 25 Apr 1861, he was assigned to Field and Staff, 11th Regiment, Indiana Infantry. Sergeant Major Black was mustered out on 4 Aug 1861 at Indianapolis, Indiana. On 5 Sep 1861, Sergeant Major Black received his commission and rank of Major and was assigned to Field and Staff, 37th Regiment, Illinois Infantry.

On 7 Mar 1862, Major Black was severely wounded in the right arm at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. On 12 Jul 1862, John Black was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and became commander of the 37th Illinois Infantry. On 7 Dec 1862, while participating in the Battle of Prairie Grove in Arkansas, Lieutenant Colonel Black was again severely wounded. The 37th was forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

Major Black would receive two more commissions before his discharge. On 1 Feb 1863, he received the rank of Colonel and finally on 13 Mar 1865, Colonel Black received the rank of Brevet Brevet (military) Brigadier General by President Johnson on 9 Apr 1865.

General Black resigned his commission on 15 Aug 1865. Post Civil War, General Black, his wife Addie L. Griggs and their family moved to Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States. General Black was a Member of GAR Post # 5 (George H. Thomas) in Chicago, IL and held GAR offices: Dept Commander; National Commander-in-Chief for 1903.

In 1898, during a review of his military record, Brevet Brigadier General Black was nominated for the Medal of Honor, specifically his actions at the Battle of Prairie Grove. His brother William B. Black also received the Medal of Honor making them one of five sets of brothers to receive the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. General Black received his medal on 31 Oct 1893.  John was in a pension record in 1868 in Pennsylvania, United States.

Civil War Engagements with the 11th Indiana Zouaves, 11th Regiment, Indiana Infantry (Organized: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States on 21 Apr 1861; Mustered out: 4 Aug 1861):

Romney, West Virginia, in the Civil War  13 Jun 1861, Romney, Virginia (now West Virginia)

Battle of Pea Ridge, (aka Battle of Elkhorn Tavern), 7-8 Mar 1862, Near Leetown, northeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States, Union Victory

Battle of Prairie Grove, 7 Dec 1862, Washington, Arkansas, United States, Union Victory, for the battlefield, see Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.

Siege of Petersburg, (aka Richmond–Petersburg campaign), was a series of battles, 8 Jun 1864-25 Mar 1865, Petersburg, Virginia, United States, Union victory

Lieutenant Colonel John Charles Black led and fought in the American Civil War. Colonel Black received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his extraordinary heroism and action during the Battle of Prarie Grove on 7 Dec 1862 in Prarie Grove, Arkansas.

President Grover Cleveland of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, took pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel John Charles Black, United States Army, on 31 Oct 1893 for gallantry Colonel Black gallantly charged the position capturing a battery 7 Dec 1862 and was severely wounded while serving with the 37th Regiment, Illinois Infantry.

Of interest is General Black is one of five sets of brothers that received the highest award, the Medal of Honor.  His brother William P. Black also received the award in 1893.

Later Years

John (27) married Adaline Livona Griggs (1866) in 1867 in Urbana, Illinois.  They had four known children

Gracia Mildred Black (1870–1911), John B. Black (1872–1959), Josephine Livona Black (1880-1885), Helene Black (1883–Unk)

By 1870, John (Charles), thirty-four, the head of household and an Attorney, was married to his wife Addie for three years in Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States. Adaline (Addie) managed the home

John, age forty-one, the head of household and Attorney, was married to his wife of thirteen years, Adaline and they resided in Danville Township, Vermilion, Illinois in 1880. Adaline managed the home and raised Grace, John (Donald), and Josephine.   As of 1900 John, age sixty-two, the head of household and an Attorney, was married to his wife of thirty-three years Adaline and they resided on 23 Scott Street in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. Adaline managed the home and raised Helene. In addition, his adult son John, an Attorney, adult daughter Grace Black Vrooman (aka Krooman) and her son John and three servants were also residents of the household, The census indicates Adaline has given birth to four children of which three are still living. In 1910 John, age seventy-one, the head of household and retired, was married to his wife of forty-three years Adaline and they resided in Precinct 3, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. John and Adaline were empty nesters.

Political Appointments

15th United States Commissioner of Pensions 1885–1889

US Representative from Illinois (At-large District)
1893-1895

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
1895–1899

Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic
1903-1904

Chairmen of the commission
1904-1913

In accordance to military tradition, service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. This is a matter of respect for the recipients' sacrifices and is not required by law. Department of Defense Saluting MOH Recipients. In addition, MOH Recipients receive special benefits: 1. A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay; 2. Uniform Allowances; 3. On-Base Parking Spots; 4. Priority Space-A Travel; 5. Invitations to Presidential Inaugurals; 6. Academy Appointments for Dependents; 7. A Medal of Honor Flag; 8. Full Military Burial Honors Military Times, Special Benefits for MOH Recipients.

Death and Burial

On Tuesday, 17 Aug 1915, Medal of Honor Recipient, John Charles Black suddenly died at the the Palmer House age of 76 years, 6 months, 21 days after experiencing severe indigestion and an acute heart attack