Date of birth: Feb. 9, 1826.
Birthplace: Jackson County, Illinois.
U.S. Military Academy: No.
Pre-war experience: lawyer, Mexican War service with Illinois volunteers, Illinois State Legislator, U.S. Congressman from Illinois, Democratic supporter of Stephen A. Douglas for President in 1860.
Rank: Colonel - 31st Illinois, Brig. General, Major General.
Major Battles and Campaigns: First Manassas (with Michigan regiment); Belmont, Fort Donelson - wounded (31st Illinois); "siege" of Corinth (Brigade); Vicksburg (Division, XVII Corps); Atlanta Campaign (XV Corps, temporarily commanded the Army of the Tennessee after the death of J.B. McPherson); "March to the Sea," Carolinas Campaign (XV Corps).
Post-war achievements: U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois, unsuccessful Republican nominee for Vice-President in 1884, helped organize the Grand Army of the Republic - served as president three times, writer.
Date of death: Dec. 26, 1886.
Place of burial: Soldier's Home, Washington, D.C.
