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Famous Residents
John A. Logan was born on February 9, 1826, in Murphysboro, Illinois. In 1846 he interrupted his education and volunteered to serve in the Mexican War. In the 1850's he resumed his education by attending law school at Louisville University. After graduation he married and moved to Benton, Illinois, to practice law. He served in the Illinois legislature from 1852 to 1857. As a Union supporter, Logan volunteered for service in the Civil War where he fought in eight major campaigns, rising to the rank of Major General. In 1866 at Carbondale’s Woodlawn Cemetery he founded Memorial Day as a national holiday. Logan served two terms as a United States senator before dying on December 26, 1886.