DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) — The Vermilion County Museum Society will host a special Meet and Greet program at the Dr. William Fithian Home on Sunday, June 7, giving visitors a rare opportunity to meet the great-granddaughter of Civil War General and Medal of Honor recipient John Charles Black.
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at 116 N. Gilbert Street in Danville. Guests will be able to tour the historic home, where Black lived as a teenager before leaving for Crawfordsville, Indiana, to attend Wabash College. On display will be his Medal of Honor, memorabilia, and photographs from his life and military service.
Black’s story is one of extraordinary valor. When the Civil War broke out, he left school to join Lew Wallace’s 11th Indiana Infantry. After his three-month enlistment ended, he returned to Danville and helped organize Company K of the 37th Illinois Infantry. He earned his Medal of Honor at the Battle of Prairie Grove on December 7, 1862, after leading a charge against enemy positions at the head of his regiment following two other regiments that had been repulsed and driven back down the hill. His regiment captured a battery during the assault, and Black was severely wounded in the effort. The medal was formally awarded on October 31, 1893 — more than 30 years after the cited action.
Black died on August 17, 1915, and is buried at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville.
The June 7 event is part of the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary celebration. Admission information is available through the Vermilion County Museum Society.
