Skip to main content
Famous Birthdays
Portrait of John McElroy, American journalist and author

John McElroy Not specified

Journalist and Author

Died January 1, 1929 (age 83)
Born

January 1, 1846

Greenup County, Kentucky, United States
Favorites

0

Total views

4

Updated just now
Popularity 0 4 views Trend 0 Age 83 United States

John McElroy (born 1846-01-01 - died 1929-01-01) was an American journalist, editor, and author widely recognized for his detailed Civil War memoir 'Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons.' Born in Greenup County, Kentucky, McElroy enlisted in the Union Army at a young age during the American Civil War and was later captured and imprisoned in the notorious Andersonville Prison, an experience that would define much of his later writing.

After the war, McElroy began his journalism career in Chicago and later became the editor of the 'Toledo Blade' newspaper. His writing focused on veterans' issues, historical accounts, and post-war social commentary. His firsthand experiences as a prisoner of war lent authenticity and emotional depth to his narratives, making him one of the most significant chroniclers of Union soldier life.

In 1879, he published his seminal work, 'Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons,' which became a bestseller and a defining text in Civil War literature. McElroy also wrote essays and articles addressing social and political issues of the Reconstruction era. He remained active in veteran organizations, including the Grand Army of the Republic, and was respected as both a writer and advocate for fellow veterans. John McElroy's work continues to serve as a vital historical resource on the human experience of the Civil War.

Latest news about John McElroy

  • WardsAuto

    EREVs Are Perfect for the U.S. Market, Or Maybe Not - John McElroy

    On 2025-08-13, John McElroy published a column on WardsAuto evaluating the potential of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the U.S. auto market. He questions whether EREVs truly represent a long-term solution, noting both advantages in range extension and drawbacks in cost or complexity. This piece reinforces McElroy's role as a thought leader in automotive strategy and electrification.

  • WardsAuto

    Does the U.S. Want an Auto Industry, Or Not? - John McElroy

    Published 2025-07-08, McElroy's article argues that the American auto sector is at a crossroads. He highlights the absence of a cohesive national strategy and warns that without bold direction, the U.S. may lose its automotive edge. The piece reflects McElroy's continued engagement in industry policy and structural challenges.

  • WardsAuto

    Everything You Want to Know About That Slate EV Pickup - McElroy

    On 2025-05-05, McElroy published a detailed exposé of the startup Slate's electric pickup project on WardsAuto. He describes the vehicle's development, cost targets, and potential market impact, underscoring his ongoing coverage of disruptive innovations in automotive.

Frequently Asked Questions about John McElroy

  • Who was John McElroy?

    John McElroy was an American journalist, editor, and author best known for his Civil War memoir 'Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons.'

  • When was John McElroy born?

    John McElroy was born in 1846 in Greenup County, Kentucky, United States.

  • When did John McElroy die?

    John McElroy died in 1929, leaving behind a legacy of journalism and Civil War literature.

  • What is John McElroy best known for?

    He is best known for writing 'Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons,' a vivid account of his time as a Union prisoner during the Civil War.

  • Where was John McElroy born?

    John McElroy was born in Greenup County, Kentucky, in the United States.

  • What did John McElroy do during the Civil War?

    John McElroy served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War and was captured, spending time as a prisoner in Andersonville Prison.

  • What was the significance of 'Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons'?

    The book provided a detailed and harrowing account of life in Confederate prison camps, becoming a key work in Civil War history.

  • Was John McElroy a newspaper editor?

    Yes, John McElroy worked as an editor for the 'Toledo Blade' and other publications after the Civil War.

  • Did John McElroy write other books?

    Yes, besides 'Andersonville,' he authored several works including 'The Economic Functions of Vice' and 'Struggle for Missouri.'

  • What was John McElroy's profession?

    John McElroy was primarily a journalist and author, with a focus on historical and social subjects.

  • How did John McElroy's war experience influence his writing?

    His imprisonment at Andersonville deeply influenced his later works, giving them authenticity and emotional impact.

  • Was John McElroy involved with veteran organizations?

    Yes, McElroy was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans.

  • When was John McElroy born?
    Born on January 1, 1846
  • What is John McElroy best known for?
    John McElroy is known as a Journalist and Author from United States.
  • How old is John McElroy?
    John McElroy is 83 years old.

Community Poll

Choose the football legend.

Category Duel

Kripparrian streaming on Twitch at his gaming setup
Kripparrian
professional gamer, vlogger, YouTuber, Twitch streamer, television producer · Sports · America
Walid Tayeb African football player portrait
Walid Tayeb
Sports/Games · Sports · Africa

Who is on the rise in this category

Izabela Trzaskalska running in a marathon Izabela Trzaskalska
athletics competitor
+175 recent points
195 views this week
John Philip Bughaw Filipino child actor smiling John Philip Bughaw
actor
+81 recent points
148 views this week
Randy Frese Illinois Republican State Representative portrait Randy Frese
politician
+48 recent points
77 views this week
Benjamin Heinrich actor headshot Benjamin Heinrich
actor
+46 recent points
46 views this week
Nabil Kassel Algerian boxer portrait Nabil Kassel
boxer
+36 recent points
36 views this week
Sam Nombe playing football for Rotherham United Sam Nombe
association football player
+33 recent points
33 views this week
Hemal Ranasinghe posing for a photoshoot Hemal Ranasinghe
model, dancer
+32 recent points
32 views this week
Tolga Tekin Turkish football player portrait Tolga Tekin
association football player
+32 recent points
32 views this week

Born on January 1

Nika Kacharava Georgian football striker portrait Nika Kacharava
association football player
31 yrs
54 views
Karen Harding performing live on stage Karen Harding
singer
34 yrs
48 views
Moira Walley-Beckett at a film industry event Moira Walley-Beckett
actor, screenwriter, television actor, television producer
10 yrs
62 views
Dudley Perkins performing on stage Dudley Perkins (rapper)
rapper, singer, songwriter, poet
54 yrs
57 views
Eric Nazarian American film director portrait Eric Nazarian
film director, screenwriter
49 yrs
57 views
Aliza Bin-Noun Israeli diplomat speaking at event Aliza Bin-Noun
diplomat
10 yrs
76 views
Gordey Kolesov Russian chess prodigy Gordey Kolesov
chess player
17 yrs
64 views
Don Rimini performing live as a DJ Don Rimini
musician
17 yrs
48 views