John Logan (1826-1886) served in the Mexican War, the Illinois legislature, and was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1858. He also served in the army during the Civil War and contributed to the capture of Vicksburg. After leaving the army (Gen. Sherman recommended it to Lincoln), he founded the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Civil War veterans. He served three terms as U.S. Senator and was the moving force behind the creation of Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day).

The memorial incudes two relief panels depicting events in Logan's life. One shows him consulting with his military colleagues. The second shows him taking the oath of office as senator from Vice President Chester Arthur. This last caused a controversy, since Logan was sworn in in 1879 and Arthur did not become vice president until 1881. Mrs. Logan said she selected Arthur because he was an important person in Logan's life.