Hugh McFarlane


Hugh McFarlane was an Irish American immigrant, businessman, and Democratic politician. He represented Columbia County in the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 3rd [Wisconsin Legislature|1850 session]. Before Wisconsin achieved statehood, he served in the House of Representatives in the 5th Wisconsin Territorial Assembly.

Biography

Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, McFarlane emigrated to the United States and moved to Mineral Point, Michigan Territory, in 1835. In 1843, he settled permanently in the area that would become Portage, Wisconsin, and was in the lumber and merchandise business. McFarlane served in the Wisconsin Territorial House of Representatives in 1847. and the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1850. He was a Democrat. In 1859, he moved to a farm in Arlington, Wisconsin and was chairman of the Arlington Town Board. He also served as a commissioner of the Wisconsin Farm Mortgage Company. McFarlane died in Arlington, Wisconsin.

Personal life and family

Hugh McFarlane and his wife Sarah had at least six children, though three died in childhood. Their only son, Andrew J. McFarlane, served as a first lieutenant in the 23rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. He died from wounds received at the Siege of Vicksburg.