This section includes a biographical sketch prepared by the Abraham Lincoln Public Library and Museum (ALPLM) along with a family tree. However, the document that best reflects the biography of John Charles Black is one that he authored and not likely ever published. It appears to be a biography developed as part of his candidacy for Vice President of the United States on the Democratic ticket in 1884. It is an exceptional read. He failed in that bid but his loyalty to the party lead to a subsequent appointment as the U.S Commissioner of Pensions from 1885 to 1889.
Defeated in congressional bids as a Democrat in 1866, 1876 and 1884, John successfully won election to Congress and served from 1892 to 1895 when he then was appointed as the United States Attorney in Chicago. He resigned as United States Attorney in 1899, and from 1904 to 1913 he served as President of the U.S. Civil Service Commission where he sought to institute many needed reforms.
John also served as National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) from 1903 to 1904 and made numerous appearances and speeches at GAR chapter events throughout the United States.
For a brief period of time in the early 1900s he served as law partner in practice with his brother William in Chicago.
Another insightful document included in this section is from The Bench and Bar of Illinois, which was written during John’s life.
John Charles Black died on August 17, 1915. He is buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville, Illinois. He was married to Adaline (Addie) Griggs of Urbana, Illinois. She survived him by 30 years. They had three children: Grace Mildred Black, John Donald Black and Helene Black.
Also included in this section is a more current biographical sketch of John found at
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net.
Click on each title to view biographical materials:
This is a link to the entry on John Charles Black at the Enclyclopedia of Arkansas