John F. Farnsworth
| John F. Farnsworth | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 2nd district |
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In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1873 |
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| Preceded by | Isaac N. Arnold |
| Succeeded by | Jasper D. Ward |
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In office March 4, 1857 – March 3, 1861 |
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| Preceded by | James Hutchinson Woodworth |
| Succeeded by | Isaac N. Arnold |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
March 27, 1820 Eaton, Canada |
| Died | July 14, 1897 (aged 77) Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1863 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General
|
| Commands | 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Franklin Farnsworth (March 27, 1820 – July 14, 1897) was a seven-term U.S. Representative from Illinois and a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Farnsworth was born in Eaton, Canada, but moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan as a young adult. He studied law at the University of Michigan and was admitted to the bar in 1841, he moved to St. Charles, Illinois and established a private law practice. About 1852, he moved to Chicago and was active in the local political scene as a Democrat. Switching parties (partially due to his abolitionist views), he was elected as a Republican to Congress for two terms (1857–61). He was unsuccessful in gaining the party's nomination for a third term.
Early in the Civil War, Farnsworth organized the 8th Illinois Cavalry at President Abraham Lincoln's direction and was commissioned as its first colonel. Through his political influence, he was able to help secure a lieutenant's commission for his 24-year-old nephew Elon John Farnsworth, who died at the Battle of Gettysburg. John Farnsworth also was instrumental in raising the 17th Illinois. He led the 8th Illinois Cavalry during the Peninsula Campaign, seeing his first action at the Battle of Williamsburg, then during the Seven Days Battles.
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