George Bennett MacFarlane

George Bennett MacFarlane (January 21, 1837 – February 12, 1898) was a judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri. He was appointed to the court by Governor D.R. Francis in 1890 and served a two-year term. In the general election of 1892, MacFarlane was elected to the position for a term of ten years. However, MacFarlane only served eight years, until his death in 1898.

Early life Letter, from Benjamin Thomas Hardin, Kansas City, Jackson County to David Rowland Francis, November 11, 1890 recommending George Bennett MacFarlane for the Missouri Supreme Court. Missouri State Archives.

MacFarlane was born in Callaway County, Missouri, on January 21, 1837, to George and Catherine Bennett. MacFarlane's father was also named George and was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1796. After immigrating to America, he met and married Catherine, who was from Kentucky. George Sr. was a teacher in his early adulthood and was also a farmer. He died in 1866, as MacFarlane was embarking on his law career. In 1865, MacFarlane moved to Mexico, Missouri, and opened his own law practice. He soon took on a partner, J. McD. Trimble of Kansas City, and the two remained law partners for twelve years. He was buried in Mexico, Missouri.