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Famous Residents -- West
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 1850s 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 1868 he founded Memorial
Day as a national holiday. Logan served two terms as a United States senator
before dying on December 26, 1886.