Born near Ayr, Scotland on April 17, 1832, John McCreath Farquhar immigrated to the United States and settled in Buffalo, New York. He was a printer, editor, and publisher for 33 years. He served as president of the International Typographical Union from 1860 to 1862.

Farquhar enlisted into the Union Army on Aug. 9, 1862, as a Private in Company B of the 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to Sergeant Major and on Dec. 31, 1862, earned the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee.

“When a break occurred on the extreme right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, this soldier rallied fugitives from other commands, and deployed his own regiment, thereby checking the Confederate advance until a new line was established.” —from John Farquhar’s Medal of Honor citation

Promoted again to Major, Farquhar served as a Judge Advocate and Inspector in the Army IV Corps. After his military service he returned to Buffalo, New York, and resumed his business activities. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1885 to 1891. He was chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries during the 51st Congress. Following his political career, Farquhar served as a member of the United States Industrial Commission from 1898 to 1902, before retiring from public life and active business pursuits.

Farquhar died in Buffalo at age 86; he is interred in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

John M Farquhar