John McCreath Farquhar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McCreath Farquhar
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Medal of Honor winner, United States Congressman, and printer John McCreath Farquhar c1913
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| Born | April 17, 1832 near Ayr, Scotland, U.K. |
| Died | April 24, 1918 (aged 86) Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Forest Lawn Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit |  89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John McCreath Farquhar (born April 17, 1832 – died April 24, 1918) was an important person in American history. He served in the U.S. Congress for New York. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States military.
Contents
Life and Achievements
Early Life and Work
John McCreath Farquhar was born in Scotland, near a town called Ayr. He went to school at Ayr Academy. When he was a boy, he moved to the United States and made his home in Buffalo, New York.
For 33 years, he worked as a printer, editor, and publisher. From 1860 to 1862, he was the president of the International Typographical Union. This was a group that represented workers in the printing industry.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, John Farquhar joined the Union Army on August 9, 1862. He signed up in Chicago, Illinois, as a private soldier. He was part of Company B of the 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
He quickly showed great courage and was promoted to Sergeant Major. On December 31, 1862, he earned the Medal of Honor during the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee.
Medal of Honor Action
During the battle, a part of the Union Army's line broke. Sergeant Major Farquhar quickly gathered soldiers from different groups. He helped his own regiment get into position. This action stopped the Confederate Army from advancing further. It gave the Union Army time to set up a new defense line.
His medal was given to him many years later, on August 6, 1902. He was promoted again to Major. He then worked as a judge advocate, which means he helped with legal matters in the army. He also served as an inspector in the IV Corps.
After the War and Congress
After the Civil War ended, John Farquhar went back to Buffalo, New York. He continued his work in business.
He was elected to the U.S. Congress as a Republican. He served three terms, from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1891. During his last term, he led the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. This committee dealt with issues related to ships and fishing. He decided not to run for Congress again after his third term.
From 1898 to 1902, he was a member of the U.S. Industrial Commission. After this, he retired from public life and his business activities.
John McCreath Farquhar passed away in Buffalo at the age of 86. He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery there.
See also
