John McCreath Farquhar (Medal of Honor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John McCreath Farquhar
Medal of Honor winner, United States Congressman, and printer John McCreath Farquhar c1913
Born	(1832-04-17)April 17, 1832 near Ayr, Scotland, U.K.
Died	April 24, 1918(1918-04-24) (aged 86) Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Place of burial	Forest Lawn Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union 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 was a U.S. Representative for New York, which means he helped make laws for the country. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get for bravery in the United States.

Early Life and Career

John McCreath Farquhar was born near Ayr, Scotland. He went to school at Ayr Academy. When he was a boy, he moved to the United States. He settled in Buffalo, New York.

For 33 years, Farquhar worked as a printer, editor, and publisher. These jobs involve creating and sharing written materials. He was also the president of the International Typographical Union from 1860 to 1862. This union was a group that supported people who worked in printing.

Military Service and Medal of Honor

Joining the Union Army

During the American Civil War, John Farquhar joined the Union Army. This happened on August 9, 1862. He joined as a private soldier in Chicago, Illinois. He was part of Company B of the 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Bravery at Stones River

Farquhar was promoted to Sergeant Major. On December 31, 1862, he showed great bravery at the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee. This act of courage earned him the Medal of Honor.

His award citation explains what he did:

• A part of the Union Army's line broke.
• Farquhar quickly gathered soldiers from different groups.
• He organized his own regiment to fight.
• This stopped the Confederate army from advancing.
• This gave the Union Army time to set up a new defense line.

Even though he earned it in 1862, he received his medal much later, on August 6, 1902.

After the Battle

After his heroic actions, Farquhar was promoted again to Major. He 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, he went back to Buffalo, New York. He continued his work in business.

Political Career

Serving in Congress

John Farquhar became a politician. He was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Congress. He served three terms:

• The 49th Congress (1885-1887)
• The 50th Congress (1887-1889)
• The 51st Congress (1889-1891)

During the 51st Congress, he led the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. This committee dealt with issues related to ships and fishing. He did not run for re-election for the 52nd Congress.

Later Public Service

From 1898 to 1902, Farquhar was a member of the United States Industrial Commission. This group studied important topics like business and labor. After this, he retired from public life and his business activities.

Later Life and Legacy

John McCreath Farquhar passed away in Buffalo, New York, when he was 86 years old. He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. He is remembered as a brave soldier and a dedicated public servant.