James A. Sexton

James A. Sexton
Sexton, circa 1914
Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic
In office 1898–1899
Preceded by	John P. S. Gobin
Succeeded by	William C. Johnson
Postmaster of Chicago
In office 1889–1893
Appointed by	Benjamin Harrison
Preceded by	Walter C. Newberry
Succeeded by	Washington Hesing
Personal details
Born	(1844-01-05)January 5, 1844 Chicago, Illinois
Died	February 5, 1899(1899-02-05) (aged 55) Washington, D.C.
Resting place	Rosehill Cemetery
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Branch/service	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1861–1865
Rank	Captain
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Columbia Battle of Spring Hill Battle of Franklin

James Andrew Sexton (January 5, 1844 – February 5, 1899) was an American soldier, businessman, and Republican politician from Chicago who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic until his death.

Biography

Sexton's grave at Rosehill Cemetery

Sexton was born in Chicago in 1844 and enlisted in the Union Army at the outbreak of the American Civil War, rising to captain and serving on the general staff of General William S. Smith. He participated in the Battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, and Franklin.

Following his service, Sexton returned to Chicago where he founded Cribbon, Sexton and Company, a stove manufacturing firm. Politically a Republican, Sexton served as an elector in the 1884 United States presidential election and was appointed postmaster of Chicago by newly elected President Benjamin Harrison in 1889, remaining in office until 1893.

He was also active in veteran's affairs and served as a colonel in the Illinois National Guard. He was chosen Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1898, a position he filled until his death in Washington, D.C. at the age of 55. He was buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.