James Calhoun

James Montgomery Calhoun (February 12, 1811 – October 1, 1875) was an American politician who served as the sixteenth mayor of Atlanta, Georgia during the American Civil War, best known as the recipient of Union General William T. Sherman's famous "war is cruelty" (often misquoted as "war is hell") letter.

Early life and education James Montgomery Calhoun was born on February 12, 1811, at the Calhoun settlement on Long Crane Creek in Abbeville County, South Carolina, to Rebecca (née Tonnyhill) and William Calhoun. His father was a cousin of Democrat John C. Calhoun.

Around 1827, Calhoun moved to Decatur, Georgia, to live with his brother Ezekiel. His wife died in 1860. He lived on Washington Street in Atlanta.

Calhoun died on October 1, 1875, in Atlanta. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery.