Education
Born near Ayr, Scotland, Farquhar attended Ayr Academy.
United States representative politician
Born near Ayr, Scotland, Farquhar attended Ayr Academy.
He immigrated to the United States as a boy and settled in Buffalo, New 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.
During the Civil War, Farquhar enlisted from Chicago, Illinois, into the Union Army on August 9, 1862, as a private in Company Bachelor of the 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
His official citation reads: "" His medal was not awarded until several decades later, on August 6, 1902. Promoted again to Major, Farquhar served as a judge advocate and inspector in the IV Corps.
After his military service he returned to Buffalo, New York, and resumed his business activities. Farquhar was elected as a Republican to the 49th, 50th, and 51st Congresses (March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1891).
He served as chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries during the 51st Congress.
He was not a candidate for renomination to the 52nd Congress. Farquhar died in Buffalo at age 86 and was interred there in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
He served as a member of the United States Industrial Commission from 1898 to 1902, before retiring from public life and active business pursuits.