Career

During the American Civil War, Scanlan served in the 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Scanlan served as chairman of the Town of Oak Creek Board and on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. In 1913, Scanlan served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was a Democrat.

Because of ill health, Scanlan did not run for re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Scanlan died of cancer at his home in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.