William McFarland

William McFarland was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 1st congressional district from 1875 to 1877. A member of the Democratic Party, he is notable for being one of the few Democrats to win this district's seat in the years following the Civil War. In addition to his congressional service, McFarland held various local offices, including judge of the state’s second judicial circuit and mayor of Morristown, Tennessee. His political career was marked by his alignment with Unionist sentiments during the Civil War and his subsequent involvement in local and state politics.

Early life and career

William McFarland was born on September 15, 1821, in Jefferson County, Tennessee, to Robert and Mary Ann (Scott) McFarland. His family had a history of military service; his grandfather was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, and his father served as a recruiting officer during the War of 1812, in addition to holding the position of militia colonel and justice of the peace. During his childhood, McFarland's family moved to Springvale Farm near Morristown, which was then part of northern Jefferson County but is now included in Hamblen County. He received his education in local common schools and later attended Tusculum College, located near Greeneville.

Initially, McFarland worked as a salesman for a businessman in Tazewell, Tennessee. However, following the death of his father in 1844, he returned home to manage the family’s affairs. He operated a mercantile business and a tannery during the 1850s, which provided him with a solid foundation in local commerce. During this period, he developed an interest in railroad construction and contributed to fundraising efforts for the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad.

As the nation approached the Civil War, McFarland remained loyal to the Union. He participated in the Knoxville session of the East Tennessee Convention in May 1861, where he represented Jefferson County on the convention's influential business committee. During the war, he studied law under Judge Robert M. Barton and was admitted to the bar in 1863. In 1866, he relocated to Morristown to establish his law practice.

House tenure

Following the Civil War, McFarland aligned himself with the conservative faction of Tennessee politics and supported President Andrew Johnson. He was a delegate to the pro-Johnson National Union Convention in August 1866. In April 1869, he was appointed by Governor Dewitt Clinton Senter to serve as a judge in the state’s second judicial circuit, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of James P. Swann. Although he ran for the position of state attorney general that same year, he was unsuccessful against the incumbent, Thomas H. Coldwell.

In the years that followed, McFarland became active in local governance within Hamblen County, which had been established in 1870 and included his residence in Springvale Farm and the town of Morristown. In 1874, he decided to enter the political arena at the federal level by running for the U.S. House of Representatives. He faced off against the four-term Republican incumbent, Roderick R. Butler, who was embroiled in a scandal involving the sale of military academy cadetships. This controversy likely contributed to a lower turnout among Republican voters, enabling McFarland to secure victory in the election.

McFarland's term in Congress began in 1875 and lasted until 1877. During this time, he focused on issues that were significant to his constituents, particularly in relation to local economic concerns. He sought to limit federal prosecutions for illegal whiskey distilling, a contentious issue in East Tennessee, where many residents felt that such enforcement had become excessive. Additionally, he introduced legislation aimed at allowing farmers to sell the first $100 of their annual tobacco crop without tax, reflecting his commitment to supporting local agriculture. He also advocated for appropriations to improve the Tennessee River and its tributaries, recognizing the importance of infrastructure for regional development. Furthermore, McFarland expressed support for the use of silver as legal tender, aligning with broader economic debates of the time.

In 1876, McFarland ran for reelection but faced significant challenges. His opponents mounted a vigorous campaign against him, accusing him of colluding with former Confederates and Southern Democrats to undermine the federal government and revive the slave trade. In response, McFarland emphasized his loyalty to the Union throughout the Civil War and his support for various measures aimed at assisting Union veterans and their families. Despite his efforts to defend his record, he was ultimately defeated by Republican candidate James H. Randolph in the election.

Legislative focus and committees

During his single term in the U.S. House of Representatives, McFarland's legislative focus was primarily on issues that resonated with his constituents in East Tennessee. His efforts to limit federal intervention in local whiskey distilling practices reflected a broader desire among local citizens to maintain control over their economic activities. This stance was indicative of his understanding of the regional economy and the challenges faced by local farmers and businesses.

McFarland's proposal to allow tax-free sales of tobacco up to a certain amount demonstrated his commitment to supporting agricultural interests, a vital sector in Tennessee's economy. By advocating for improvements to the Tennessee River and its tributaries, he recognized the importance of transportation and trade routes for the economic development of his district. His support for silver as legal tender was part of a larger national debate regarding monetary policy and its implications for farmers and working-class citizens.

Although McFarland's congressional career was brief, his focus on local issues and his alignment with the Democratic Party during a tumultuous period in American history marked his tenure. After leaving Congress, he continued to engage in local politics, including serving as mayor of Morristown from 1882 to 1885. McFarland's political legacy is characterized by his commitment to his constituents and his involvement in the governance of his community until his death in 1900.