Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living McMahan
2. Living McMahan

Notes:

Received this e-mail through Ancestry:

Subject: Lewis McMahan

Dear Ms. Haines,
My uncle Art Herrmann was the pilot of the B-29 aircraft on which Lewis was the Aircraft Commander. It is my understanding that the plane was called the "Fancy Nancy" and that the name came from Lewis' daughter.
There are TWO things I would like to have if possible:

1. Confirmation regarding the name.

2. Any recollections or related items Lewis may have created regarding his time on Tinian.

Thank you.

Art Vaughan

Lewis married Anne Meredith Hill on 15 Aug 1941 in Sacramento, California. Anne (daughter of Joe Meredith Hill and Lola Winifred McFarland, RoM02) was born on 12 Jul 1921 in Ft. Worth, Texas; died on 2 Dec 2015 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: At Jennings house on T.C.U. campus
• Residence: 1930, Dallas, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1935, Dallas, Dallas, Texas
• Residence: 1940, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA

Notes:

Obituary in Dallas Morning News:

ANNE MEREDITH HILL MCMAHAN died peacefully December 2, 2015 at the Village of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas after a long, loving, and creative life. She was born to Lola Winifred McFarland and Joe Meredith Hill in Ft. Worth, Texas, July 12, 1921, and grew up in East Dallas, Texas with her sister Elizabeth Jane Hill (Thaggard) and brother Joe McFarland Hill. She was graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and Hockaday Junior College in Dallas. August 15, 1941 she married Lewis Coleman McMahan in Sacramento, California. After the war they moved back to Dallas where they raised three children, Nancy Jane (Schweers), Lewis Hill, and Michael Coleman.
When the children reached school age, Anne began a long career as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher serving at Cedar Springs, Incarnation Day School, Wilmer-Hutchins, and Fannin Elementary schools. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa earning bachelor and master degrees with reading specialty from Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. She was a faithful member of East Dallas Christian Church, the Church of the Incarnation, Northway Christian Church, the Mentor Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. A beloved friend, neighbor, colleague, cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be fondly remembered as a remarkably wise, energetic, talented and simply delightful human being.
Her family members include Nancy and Frank Schweers of San Antonio, their children and grandchildren Danette and Roy Schweers of San Antonio, Frank Henry, Elizabeth Anne, and John Walter Schweers, Catherine and John A. Harper of San Antonio and Amanda Harper; Valerie and Lewis H. McMahan of Dallas, their children and grandchildren Amy and Michael T. McMahan, Madelyn and Lewis W. of Dallas, Corrie and David McMahan, Parker, Melanie, and Caroline of Tyler, Texas; Patty and Mike McMahan of Abilene, Texas, their children and grandchildren Kristi and Curtis McMahan, Everett and Tessa Anne of Boise, Idaho, Amanda Hill McMahan Newton and Evelyn of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas 75225 at 1 pm Saturday, December 12, 2015. A memorial service and reception will follow at 2 pm at Northway Christian Church, Dr. Doug Skinner officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts to Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas 78225 or to the charity of your choice.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Dallas, Dallas, Texas
• Residence: Muskogee, Muskogee, Oklahoma
• Residence: 1900, Civil District 1, White, Tennessee, USA
• Occupation: Between 1908 and 1912, Santa Fe R.R. in Cleburne Texas
• Occupation: Between 1908 and 1912; Santa Fe R.R. in Cleburne Texas
• Residence: 1910, Wolfe City, Hunt, Texas, USA
• Occupation: Between 1916 and 1924; Lawyer for Missouri-Kansas-Texas R.R.
• _MILT: 1917, Leon Springs, Texas
• _MILT: 1918, W.W.I, 1st Lt. and Capt. Infantry, Co. L, 347 Inf. 87th Div.
• _MILT: 1918
• Residence: 1920, Oklahoma City Ward 1, Oklahoma, Oklahoma
• Occupation: 1916 through 1924, Lawyer for Missouri-Kansas-Texas R.R.
• Residence: 1930, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1935, Dallas, Dallas, Texas
• Occupation: Between 1939 and 1953, City Judge of Traffic Court in Dallas Texas
• Occupation: Between 1939 and 1953; City Judge of Traffic Court in Dallas Texas
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• _MILT: 1941, W.W.II, Maj. and Col. Insp. Genl. Dept., 1st Army & Eastrn. D. Com. 8th Service Command, Tex.
• _MILT: 1941
• Residence: 1950, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• Occupation: 1953, Law practice and "gentleman" farmer
• Occupation: 1953; Law practice and "gentleman" farmer

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:
In the 1900 census in Sparta, Joe is listed as Joseph, but I have not seen any other documents using that name. In the 1920 census, Joe and Lola were counted twice, so they must have been visiting Ladonia with their new born, because they are on Mill Street, which would be Mary Jane McFarland's house. The Ladonia census is dated as January, and the Oklahoma census is dated as being in May.
My fondest memories of Granddaddy as a little girl were the wonderful games he would play with us. He would bounce us on his knee with the "This is the way a lady rides, pace, pace, pace,..." game. He also would swing us round and round holding our arm and leg playing airplane. I thought he was so big and strong.

The following is a statement written by his sister Bessie Hill Copeland on the event of his application for a birth certificate in May, 1957 from the county clerk in Hunt Co. Texas.
"Before me, the undersigned authority, this day personally appeared Mrs. J.P. (Bessie Hill) Copeland, and upon oath states : that she is the older sister of Joe Meredith Hill, that she was born March 30, 1882, and has personal knowledge of the birth of Joe M. Hill, on September 21, 1888; that she remembers returning home from school about 4 PM on the date of her only brothers birth and was told by her mother that Joe was born at 1 PM that day; that she has known hime through out their lives and knows of her own knowledge of the following events in his life: that he graduated from the Wolfe City, Texas, High school in June 1907; that he worked for the Santa Fe R.R. in Cleburne, Texas, 1908 to 1912; that he attended the University of Texas, Sept. 1912 to June 1916, graduating with a LLB degree; that he took Bar Examination in June 1913, and received his license to practice law; that he worked for the legal-claims department of the MK&T RR in Oklahoma 1916-1924, except for the time he served in World War I, he was commissioned 1st Lt. of Infantry at Leon Springs, Texas, Nov. 27, 1917, served with Co. M, 347th Inf. 87th Division, discharged as a Captain; that he was married to Lola McFarland Hill, October 24, 1918, and same is recorded in County Clerks Office Dallas County, Texas; that they have three children born as follows: Jane Hill, Aug. 3, 1919; Anne Hill, July 12, 1921, Joe McFarland Hill, Dec. 26, 1923, at the present time Joe M. and Lola Hill have 10 grandchildren. Joe Meredith Hill also served in World War II, March 1942 to Feb. 1946, .....rged as a full Colonel in the Inspector General's Dept. ....facts can be verified by public records, school, state, ...itary. (the ... are where the Notary Seal covered.

Army Serial #0-152 186
In World War II served as a Major and Lt. Col. in the Eight Service Command and the Bermuda Base Command in the Inspector General office. Was promoted from Major to Lt. Col. to Col. and released from Active Duty Feb. 2, 1946.

Obituary from the Dallas Morning News, May 28, 1980 p. 4D
Wednesday services set for Judge Joe Hill, 91
Funeral services for Joe Hill, 91, a retired Dallas city judge, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Chapel, 7405 W. Northwest Highway. Burial will be in Ladonia cemetery in Ladonia, Fannin County.
Hill, of 7422 Centenary, died Monday in Lakewood Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
A native of White County, Tenn., Hill grew up in Wolfe City, 75 miles northeast of Dallas.
After graduating from high school and working as a railroad company claim clerk, Hill entered the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a law degree in 1916 and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.
After graduation, Hill went to work for the legal department of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad in Muskogee, Okla. His career with the railroad was interrupted by World War I. He joined the U.S. Army, received a commission as a lieutenant and left the service in 1918 as a captain.
Hill returned to the M-K-T for five years before coming to Dallas to begin a law practice in 1923.
He was appointed city judge in 1929 and held the position - except for his service in World War II when he rose to the rank of colonel - until 1953.
During his tenure, Hill was active in trying to help the many alcoholics and drunken drivers who appeared in his court. After hearing about Alcoholics Anonymous from a reformed alcoholic judge during a convention in Chicago, Hill tried to form the first chapter of AA in Dallas.
His efforts did not meet with immediate success. But while he was serving in World War II, the first chapter of AA was formed in Dallas.
After retiring as a judge, Hill worked for the American Bar Association's traffic court program for five years before returning to private practice. He continued his practice until he was 85.
Hill was active in many organizations including the Kiwanis, the Masons, the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, and the local and state Bar associations.
Survivors include his wife, Lola McFarland Hill; a daughter, Anne Hill McMahan; a son, Col. Joe M. Hill Jr.; 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Joe married Lola Winifred McFarland, RoM02 on 24 Oct 1918 in Ladonia, Fannin Co., Texas. Lola (daughter of James Franklin McFarland, RoM02 and Mary Jane Harper) was born on 17 Apr 1895 in Ladonia, Fannin Co. Texas; died on 7 Aug 1986 in Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas; was buried in McFarland Lot in the Ladonia Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Graduation: Texas Christian University
• Occupation: Housewife and matriarch of the McFarland family who kept the Clan together
• Occupation: Housewife and matriarch of the McFarland family who kept the Clan together
• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Oklahoma City Ward 1, Oklahoma, Oklahoma
• Residence: 1930, Dallas, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1935, Dallas, Dallas, Texas
• Residence: 1940, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1950, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Lola was named for Lola Truss Biard, a friend of older sister Bettie. According to Lola, the parents ran out of ideas for names when they got down to the last children, and let the older children help pick the names.

Our GrandLola was the glue behind all the family reunions and get-togethers. She documented everything and collected everything that had news of family members and friends of family. She maintained a keen interest in Ladonia and its doings. Her ultimate enterprise was the publication of her McFarland family book that contained the McFarland family history. Copies of the "green book," so named for its cover, were distributed to all family members, and given to various libraries, such as Dallas and Houston. I often find it quoted by researchers as a source.

GrandLola was the best seamtress and craftsman. For Easter she would sew 3 frilly, girly, outfits for my sisters and me. She knitted sweaters, afghans, made decoupage containers, Christmas tree-skirts, etc. She even made her own kitchen wall-paper out of Currier and Ives prints she collected. I remember spending lots of time looking at all the interesting details of the prints on her wall while we were waiting for GrandLola and Granddaddy's special breakfast of waffles and bacon--the kind made from scratch, remember?

From the Dallas Morning News wedding announcement section: Oct. 28, 1918, p. 5. "Miss Lola McFarland and Capt. Joe M. Hill were married on Oct. 24 at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. H.E. Fuller, Ladonia, Texas. The marriage service was read by the Rev. J. William Stephens, former pastor of the First Christian Church of Ladonia. Only the immediate relatives and a few intimate friends were present. The bride is the youngest daughter of the late J. F. and Mrs. Mary J. McFarland and a sister of S.J. McFarland and Mrs. Wm. M. Williams of Dallas. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Captain Hill is the son of Mrs. W.R. Hill of Wolfe City and a brother of Mrs. W.C. Frost of Dallas. He received degrees from both academic and law departments of the University of Texas in the class of 1916. He was commissioned First Lieutenant at the second officers' training camp at Leon Springs, and received his Captaincy at Camp Dix, N.J. Before entering the service, Captain Hill was connected with the legal department of the M., K. & T. Railway, with headquarters at Muskogee. Captain and Mrs. Hill left immediately for Boston, where Captain Hill is now stationed.

This is a letter she wrote her brother Jim who had just gone overseas in WW I.

Nov. 9, 1918 Letter to Jim from sister Lola from Ayer, Massachusetts
Dearest old Jim boy-
Can you realize that here I am, Mrs. Joe Hill in old New England-with the skies all full of snow. You aren't surprised at my being married, I know, because we the same as told you so in the night letter we sent just before you sailed. I wished so for you the day of the wedding. Your good old hearty laugh would have been a good match for the Hill family. The Mother, Edna, Mag, Bess and Mr. Hopkins were all there. We had it at Betsy's at 3:30 Thursday PM Oct. 24. Bro. Stephens read a beautiful ceremony. Ethel played the March and also played "Perfect Day" thru out the ceremony. I wore my brown travelling suit, slippers, hat and veil, and a brown fox fur. My husband looked quite handsome in his uniform. When the girls cut the cake, Ethel cut the ring, Florine the thimble, and Lila the dime.* Lila and Mildred served punch. Of course the train was late- We went on to Dallas and stayed at the Adolphus. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Frost the next morning. We left at 9:30. Came by St. Louis and Philadelphia to New York. While in the City, my thoughts certainly wandered to you and Gordon. We saw five wonderful shows, and took the Riverside Drive- but nothing thrilled me like the view of the ocean from the Woolworth Tower-How many wondering hearts had passsd out by that Statue of Liberty into the great unknown East.
Now we are settled in Ayer- a little town of about 2000. Just a wile from Camp Devens. Joe is in the Depot Brigade, and doesn't see any chance at overseas. But you can't tell, he may be changed any day. You've no idea how he envies you fellows who are gone. It is hard that he doesn't get to realize his hopes after having worked so hard for fourteen months. I'm contented enough for him to stay-but not one word should I say if he were ordered to. He thinks it possible that he may be sent to California to instruct in O.T.C. If so we'll go next week-wouldn't that be superb? I'd much prefer my winter there than here.
I know you must be having a grand time, and each night I pray for my two dear brothers whom the great old Atlantic separates from us. I wear your Shriner pin, Gordon's frat, and Joe's ring. Those are my service emblems. Joe gave me a wonderful engagement ring! A little larger than my solitaire set in the most beautiful platinum ring you can imagine. You knew of Morune's (?) wedding. She was just a week ahead of me. Don't know where she is, but I hope she will be happy with Ray waud (?)
You can't imagine how wonderfully happy I am. Joe is so kind and thoughtful and so big and "protective". It took nerve to leave home but I shudder to think of how incomplete life would have been had I failed to join hands with mon chere capitaine.
Write me, dear brother, at home, for there is no telling where I'll be, I think of you thousands of times, and have your picture before me all the time-
With just worlds of love for you-Little Sister

Below is Lola's own words about her early life:

Lola McFarland Hill’s Early Years: An Autobiography

(This is an autobiography that I wrote while on a trip with Joe while he was with the American Bar Association Traffic Court Program. While he was "conferring" I wrote just what came into my mind about myself).
1895 - I was born April 17, 1895 at the Homestead, 5 miles North of Ladonia, Tex. The youngest of 10 children, some of my earliest recollections are of going into town in the "surrey with the fringe on top". Because we drove so fast (I thought) I would look on one side of the road going into town and the other as we returned. Gordon, the brother just older than me, would look at the opposite side of the road, so we would not miss anything. Persuading my mother to buy me a leghorn hat with a daisy on it which my sisters persuaded her to return and exchange for a little bonnet (more my age) . I remember that my sisters would delight themselves with talking about their way off to Carlton College ( 11 miles to Bonham ) to school and be away from me for so long - Then my lips would quiver and tears come in my eyes, and they would laugh and take me in their arms and hug and kiss me.
Twice in my life, my father punished me - - Once I thought was undeserved because he saw me as I struck back at Gordon, and I thought he deserved to be punished more than me. I was angry with my Sister Bettie for not hiding me so he could not find me, but he did! The other time I deliberately disobeyed him and deserved the punishment. He was on the front porch on a summer afternoon "talking business" with some man. My three older brothers and a friend were climbing a ladder and jumping off. I did it once and was told to not do it again - but I wanted to so much that I took the chance. I deserved the punishment and I got it. Now I realize both times were when my father was in serious mental occupation and as he was man of very quick action he probably did this with out thinking.
One one of those eventful trips into town, I played with some little girls, Dot and Dimple Neilson, who revealed to me the identity of Santa Claus. For the first time I felt resentment to my father. I have never improved about being deceived. - I don’t like it.
In the year 1899-1900 Miss Moss Richardson, now a teacher-emeritus at Canyon College had a little kindergarten in Ladonia in a little pink cottage. I stayed with my sister Florence (then MRS Frank Crawford) and attended that school. On rainy days, Ancell Tipton carried me to school. Big events were Gordon's visiting the school, and my pride in him and how I cried when (ole Wendelin) Wendell Fraley dropped his cap in the well and I went in crying, "That old ---Wendlin' Fraley has dropped my little brother's cap in the well and is making faces at him. Gordon did not like it because I called him my little brother.
The summer of 1900 my mother, my Sister Bettie and I went to Falls City, Nebraska to visit Mother's relatives, the Crook family. This was my first train trip. When my Mother wakened me after a night on the Pullman. I said to her that I always slept good on trains. I thought every little white church with a spire was a Christian church. We were away from home a month and mother & father promised a gift to my sisters Mary and Tennie if they would not have a date while Mother was away. The girls obeyed, and the reward was a rubber-tired buggy! At this time Uncle Bob Bartley gave them "old Dan" an easy going horse to replace Hugo, a high stepping horse that he thought was dangerous for the girls to drive. Mary was very reluctant to give up Hugo.
1902 we moved to Ladonia. We were packed for the move for two months but the bad roads and the terrible weather delayed it. It was so much fun to move into a new house because Mr. John Cobb built it. Till this home burned August 1917 it was the scene of a gloriously care-free superlatively happy childhood and girlhood. A haven of love and security, a symbol of security - no inhibitions or complexities ever intruded. I loved and was loved and never doubted either. Father was a successful money maker for the times and the place and my mother was a wise and "choosey" spender. The church was our chief loyalty. While we had good friends they were not too essential to our happiness as we had brothers and sisters, and many interests in our house to occupy our time. Music and books more than any physical activities were my chief entertainment. From 1904 to 1910 I adored a boy two years older than myself. He did not know it till about 1911. Then it was too late, for my brother Jim's college friends visited in our home and from that time my interest was in MEN and not in High School boys.
Back to 1904 - Gordon and I accompanied Mother to Hillsboro to visit Sister Mary whose husband Walter Jennings was pastor of the Christian Church there. On the train I saw my first Catholic nun. Sister Mary Catherine. I was impressed and a little intrigued as I am today by their out-of-this world attitude. One year later I went to Taylor to see this same sister. This time Mother was there when Mary "birthed" her first baby. They tried to leave me in Austin, but though there was no mention of the expected baby before a little girl, just 9 years old, I was wise to it all and refused to remain in Austin, and I became a problem. I wasn't so smart as I thought and when I was invited to spend the night with Mrs. Pendleton, a dear friend of Mary's, I forgot my suspicions and went gaily to spend the night. When they told me the next morning that I was a "Little Auntie" I said I wanted to see the baby's clothes so they would know that I wasn’t surprised. You see, I still didn’t want to be deceived. From here we went again to Austin and my Uncle Doc Harper. He removed my tonsils. This was the first of an unending struggle against a nasal and throat weakness that is finally conceded to be an allergy or a sinus infection. We attended a reception at the Governors mansion. Governor Lanham was governor and Aunt Perle was most pleased to take us to see him.
1911 When I was 15 years old I went to Amarillo to spend several weeks with my Sister Mary. Always the perfect hostess, she made every effort for my pleasure. In 1910 Vista Woods and I visited my sister Bettie in Konawa, Okla where her husband H. Edgar Fuller was the head of the bank. Sister Bettie planned some entertainment. Edgar Hyde tried to be nice to me, but I didn't like him too well. Rather, I liked Vista's beau better. He was a college boy and he impressed us as he would knit his brow and refer to his fraternity as Phi Delta Theta.
1912 - High School graduation - and my first real romance. I went again to Austin by Pullman train to Austin. My Aunt Perle had a party for her sister and me. I returned by way of Cleburne Texas to visit Gordon and Winnie Jackson. Joe Hill was in Cleburne at the time, but he was about 24 years old and I was just 17 and at that time he was dating older girls and paid no attention to our crowd.
1912 - 1916 - College years at TCU Fort Worth. Still happy and care-free- self-important years. Many friends and activities but not too seriously studious.
Summer of 1916, my parents, Sister Tennie, and I went to Manitou Colo. in the Drawing Room of the Santa Fe Railroad. The cool tangy air and the taste of fresh raspberries when we got off the train and had breakfast still lingers on in my memory. My father was ill with pernicious aenemia and he was very gentle, loving, and indulgent for he knew the disease at that time was incurable. We returned and felt the urge to do something "on my own". So, I went to nearby Roxton, Tex., and had a wonderful year teaching school. I had received the minimum of formal education in pedagogy, so my teaching was certainly of my own design. It served the need for the principal offered me a position as principal and Latin teacher in another town with him. But World War I was brewing and my mother persuaded me to remain at home. My father died on Feb. 4, their wedding anniversary (45th) and two of my brothers, Jim and Gordon had gone over seas.
1917 I supervised Junior Red Cross in the Ladonia High School and went to Dallas every two weeks for a $10 piano lesson under Mr. Phillip Tronitz. I later learned that Roger Williams, current favorite pianist 1970-was also a pupil of Mr. Tronitz and we had a little correspondence regarding our teacher. My mind was more on soldiers than music. During this time I went to San Antonio with Una Stark Anderson to see Joe M. Hill who was to be commissioned 1st Lieut. at the second Officers' Training Camp at Leon Springs. While there I had good time with Tom Paul Sweeney also.
Summer 1918 our home in Ladonia burned while we were attending a funeral in Honey Grove. Some painters set fire to a bird nest in the cupola as they were using a torch to remove paint. No words can express what a loss that was to me. Something of security and self confidence went up in that smoke. Before the smoke died down we received a cablegram from Gordon saying he had arrived safely in England. Mother reminded us of our blessings
Fall of 1918 I was teaching in the High School at Ladonia. One month of school and it was closed down because of the terrible flu epidemic. During this time a letter from Joe Hill from Camp Dix, New Jersey asking me to marry him.
He had been promoted to Capt. and assigned to Ayer, Mass. at Camp Devens. I accepted and we were married in Ladonia at my sister Bettie's house. Aunt Rado made our wedding cake (she had to get sugar from neighbors - it was so scarce) Ethel McFarland played the wedding march. Rev. W. Stephens performed the ceremony. I bought my wedding suit at the then rather new Neiman-Marcus and other accessories including a wardrobe trunk from Sanger's. All for a little over $700. I borrowed the money from Gordon and paid back out of 40¢ cotton - 35 bales on a 273 acre farm my father left to me. We went to N. Y. by Pullman on our honeymoon and my first trip on a railroad pass. Joe had been claim agent for Katy and they held his job for him. Ayer Mass. is 30 miles from Boston, so we saw many shows on this trip. By Christmas the war was over and we were glad to be goin back to the Southland.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS 1918

GrandLola was the glue behind all the family reunions and get-togethers. She documented everything and collected everything that had news of family members and friends of family. She maintained a keen interest in Ladonia and its doings. Her ultimate enterprise was the publication of her McFarland family book that contained the McFarland family historiy. GrandLola was the best seamtress and craftsman. For Easter she would sew 3 frilly, girly, outfits for my sisters and me. She knitted sweaters, afghans, made decoupage containers, Christmas tree-skirts, etc. She even made her own kitchen wall-paper out of Currier and Ives prints she collected. I remember spending lots of time looking at all the interesting details of the prints on her wall while we were waiting for GrandLola and Granddaddy's special breakfast of waffles and bacon--the kind made from scratch, remember?

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farming, banking, oil mill business
• Occupation: Farming, banking, oil mill business
• Religion: Disciples of Christ-First Christian Church of Ladonia
• Religion: Disciples of Christ-First Christian Church of Ladonia
• Residence: Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1850, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1860, Beat 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• _MILT: 1863, Did guard duty at Federal prison in Bonham when 16 yrs. old in Confederate army
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, United States
• Possessions: 1880, Fannin County, Texas; paying taxes on 414 acres in Fannin County
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1887, Farm Road 2990, outside of Ladonia
• Possessions: 1889, Fannin County, Texas, USA; Owned 1029 + acres in Fannin County.
• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

In Scollard's Ladonia Directory for 1899-1900, Jas. F. McFarland is listed as the vice-president of the First National Bank on the north corner square. The other vice-pres. is W.G. Nunn. His son Samuel Jackson is listed as a cashier at the bank, and relative D.E. Waggoner is another cashier.

Born August 9, 1847 in Fannin County, eldest son of A. Jackson and Artemissa Pence McFarland. Married Mary Jane Harper on February 4, 1872. Jackson deeded 176 acres to James, the start of his eventual 3000+ acres. Besides farming, James Franklin helped found the First National Bank of Ladonia, and served as President. He also joined with other farmers to organize the Pecan Gap Cotton Oil Company. He and Mary Jane joined the First Christian Church in Ladonia. Politically, he was a Republican, like his father and grandfather McFarland. 1890: address is Ladonia P.O. and had 1022 acres in cultivation. Around 1915, he fell ill and went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he was diagnosed with "pernicious anemia." Died February 4, 1917 and buried in the McFarland Lot, Section 4 of the Ladonia Cemetery.

Article in The Christian Courier, February 8, 1917, p. 14. J.F. McFarland--An Appreciation, by John G. Slayter. "It was my good fortune to know Mr. McFarland well. He was my friend. My relations with him were close enough to enable me to understand something of his greatness. He was a typical American--the best type of an American. The spirit that made our forefathers conquerers, whether in battle or over the adverse circumstances of life, was th espirit of his vigorous manhood. He never shunned responsibility. As a mere boy he enlisted in the army of the Confederacy and served till the close of the war. In all the relations of life he has been equally prompt to do his duty as God gave him to see what his duty was. In business he was honest, conservative, and yet aggressive--successful. In politics he was courageous, independent, progressive and stood for the highest American ideals. Socially he was democratic, kindly, courteous. All classes of people were his friends. In religion he simply "believed God" and acted accordingly. His faith was simplicity itself. The church, our colleges, our missionary agencies were all dear to him and received his support and love, because they were all dedicated to the promotion of the kingdom of his God. ......"

Obituary transcribed by Lola McFarland Hill:
JAMES FRANKLIN MCFARLAND
(from the Ladonia News - Feb. 10, 1917)
And the Bonham Semi-weekly
On last Sunday morning, Feb. 4, 1917, just as the sun rose and flood-
ed the earth with its glorious light, the soul of J. F. McFarland calmly
and peacefully (flew) from the bosom of his family to his God. Almost as if
by magic the entire town and community knew when this silver cord was
loosed, this golden bowl was broken and a sabbath stillness sacred and
profound fell over the city. He had borne his physical pain of three
years duration like a hero in which time everything known to medical
science, skillful nursing, and loving hands had been done to restore
to him the remarkable strength and vitality of earlier years , but his
work was finished and his loving wife must say goodbye on the forty-
fifth anniversary of their marriage.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon at the First
Christian Church by his pastor, Rev. J. William Stephens, assisted by
the other pastors in the town. Tributes of respect were also given by
R. M. Rowland and E. M. Waites of Fort Worth. After the remains were
viewed by hundreds of friends both white and colored, the vast cortege
moved to the great final resting place of all humanity. The pall bearers (?)
Slowly the remains passed through the town where all places of
business were closed, to the Presbyterian cemetery. He lies to the
south of the burial ground in the family plot selected by himself. . ~
Flowers of every hue and kind from friend all over the state mark
the spot.
Mr. McFarland was born in this county, near the place where he died,
on August 9, 1847. He was the eldest son of Jackson and Artemissa Mc-
Farland, who came from Illinois and settled a farm five miles north of
Ladonia in 1836. This old homestead is still owned by the heirs of the
man who settled it.
Young McFarland received only the education that could be secured
in the schools of that primitive time, but made splendid use of all
his opportunities and the knowledge that he gained.
J. F McFarland leaves three brothers and one sister, John E.,
N. J., and C. S McFarland, and Mrs. W. H. Cunningham, to whom he was
ever kind and devoted, especially the youngest brother whom he fos-
tered and loved as his own son. In 1872 he and Miss Mary Jane Harper
were united in marriage. To them ten children were born. The wife
and nine children survive him, and were present at his death. The sur-
viving children are Samuel Jackson McFarland and Mrs. W. M. Williams of
Dallas, Mrs. W. P. Jennings of McKinney, Dr. Gordon B. McFarland of
New York, and Mrs. H. E. Fuller, James R., John A., Miss Tennie and
Miss Lola of Ladonia.
As a friend of the family we know something of the strenuous ef-
forts of his noble wife and each child to make comfortable and happy
his life and that they will continue to honor his memory until they
meet him "where all tears are wiped away."
No man we have known has done more to advance the moral and mater-
ial welfare of Fannin County than did J. F. McFarland. He made a for-
tune, and he was wise enough to use that fortune to the best interests
of his own family, his community and his own state, rather than use
it to gratify selfish desires. He stood at all times ready to do bat-
tle for every good cause and against every evil cause and evil tenden-
cy. He gave his talents, his time and his money freely to every cause
he espoused, and he espoused some things which caused him to give much
in a material way. He was one of the most active workers in the var-
ious contests that were had in this county to drive the liquor traffic
from its borders. He never yielded to any man his place on the firing
line, and defeat never conquered his determination to fight on till the
victory was won. He was a friend to the school and the church, and
every agency that helped build the moral health of the state. He
gave most liberally to the schools of the Christian churches of the
state, and he contributed much to the local church of which he was
a member.
He was a life-long Republican in politics, living in an almost
solidly"Democratic community, and yet his influence was worth as much
in the Democratic primary election as any man's. The secret of this
was his loyalty to that which was good, and the confidence the people
had in his honesty and sincerity. He was never known to knowingly sup-
port a bad man or a bad measure.
He and his good wife reared a family of boys and girls who have
grown into manhood and womanhood of which their parents can be proud.
They are shouldering the burdens and carrying on the good works that
their parents before them gave example to follow. Had they done no great-
er work than to give to the world such sons and daughters, then would (?)
their lives have been a blessing to mankind. Only those who actually
know something of the conditions here in pioneer days can fully appre-
ciate the work this good man did. A (?) he labored faithfully and well
on earth, so will he reap an abundant reward in heaven.
-A Friend

Lola thinks the author was Ashley Evans, Editor of the Bonham News because portions of this are quoted in other tributes to him that are attributed to Mr. Evans.

The house James Franklin and Mary Jane built in 1885 on Hwy 2990, and renovated in 1902 burned to the ground in 2013 and the fire killed the owners Richard Fields and wife.

A letter written to his son Samuel Jackson and wife Jewel McFarland on August 9, 1915 on his 68th birthday from Manitou Colorado where he spent three summers before he died of pernicious anemia.

Dear Jewell 68 years ago to day there was a little Boy born on an open prairie with very few neighbors in a wild country infested with Bear panthers Deer and all kinds of wild animals during those sixty eight years that same boy has worked for the upbuilding of his county and the good of humanity- and to day he is located in a little cottage on the side of a mountain in far off Colorado clinging for health. I am feeling fine this morning had a good night last night- our friends have been very mindful of us. Mr. John Miller paid us a visit and took us out in his car for a twenty mile drive. Mr. Bowland is at Denver he wrote me he would visit us soon. The Riter girls and Grace Hackly have been here and the Agnew Girls on their way home from Sanfrancisco stopped to see us and Mr. Wills came up one day and spent a while with us and the Galbraiths will be up to take dinner with us today. Edgar has just come in with a ninety cent hen so I suppose we will have something good for dinner. All I wish is that I can not have all the children here to all eat at the same table to day. Would like to one long enough to accommodate everyone at once however that is impossible and we will have to make the best of everything we can...Sarah Wilhite spent several days with us left last evening to visit Sallie we all enjoyed her little visit so much we learned so much about the kin in Nebraska when she left she said she thought she and Jewel's daughter would visit us all sometime in the future. Yesterday was real cold here too cold to be comfortable we sat around the fire all day. but the sunshines beautifully this morning. I will close this hoping you and Sam may live a long time and may be able to do much good in the community in which you live. Wish you were here to take dinner with us but we will remember you. love to both of you. we are your devoted Father and Mother

James married Mary Jane Harper on 4 Feb 1872 in Fannin Co. Texas. Mary was born on 26 Feb 1852 in Knights Prairie township , Hamilton Co., Illinois; died on 31 Oct 1935 in Dallas, Texas (at home of Lola); was buried in Lot 156, Sect. 2, Ladonia Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Ladonia, Texas
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

This is a transcription of a summary of her life made by Mary Jane Harper McFarland:
Born at Knights Prairie, Hamilton Co. Ills.
0-1 yr.
2 yrs.
3 "
4 " went with parent to Putnam Co. Tenn the visit the home of my parent (Putnam was created in 1854 from part of Jackson Co. TN, bordering White Co.)
5 "
6 " started to school taught in a little log house in Moores Prairie
7 "
8 " Beginning of civil war parent sold out and started to Tex
9 " six week week on the road landed in Ellis Co. near Waxahachie
10 lived in the Boyd Home
11 moved to the McKnight Home
12 Mother's grandfather and father traded belongings in Ellis Co. for place near Bartley. (where both are buried)
13 went to school at Walker school house
14 my father died Dr. Harper 8 months old
15 my Grandfather died
16 My Mother an 6 children worked our best
17 went to school every day we could
18 I went to school no more
19 helped mother with the little children and made the best of life we could
20 --agreed to marry some time soon which I did 6 days before I was 20
21 went to housekeeping Sam came
22 well settled and happy
23 Betsy came got a nice working stove
24 took care of children and helped Daddy build a new kitchen
25 Florence came
26 got a sewing machine
27
28 Mary came
29 continued to care for the children Daddy bought a thrasher...(can't read this)
30 Tenn came
31 was Baptized
32 Grandfather Died
33
34 Build the new house Moved over to town bought the piano moved back Sam went to Campbell

Flowers for the Living by Vivian Kean

MRS. MARY JANE MCFARLAND

I have as a subject to Mrs. Mary Jane McFarland. So closely has she been associated in actuality, and in the writer's mind with her deceased husband, Mr. James F McFarland, that the thought of one suggest the other; so I must be pardoned if, in writing of one, the other is frequently mentioned.

Mrs. McFarland was born near McLeansboro, Hamilton County, Illinois. February 26, 1852, and was named Mary Jane Harper. At the age of nine years, the Harper family, father, mother, for children left: no way and in a covered wagon started for taxes over a sparsely settled County, during the Civil War, consuming a month and a half of travel time. The family passed through the little towns of Sherman and Dallas and located for something like a year in Ellis County. Thereafter Mr. Harper bought some land in Fannin County; where he settled his family before joining the Confederate colors. Mr. Harper was unable to communicate with his family during his entire service in the war.

Mrs. McFarland's schooling consisted of attending log schoolhouse is. Some of her schoolmates are known to all of us - Mrs. Wiley Hulsey, Mrs. Clem Swearingen, Mr. Joel Hulsey, Mr. JF McFarland and Mr. John E McFarland and Judge Sherrill of Greenville. Both Mr. and Mrs. McFarland were taught, baptized and married by Rev. Tom R Burnett. Mr. McFarland has often said that he was attracted to Mrs. McFarland because she could excel him and their studies at school. They were married in 1872, and while everyone knows in a general way of the success of their union from the standpoint of both happiness and in a material way, let it be known that in the beginning they had merely love and trust to promote happiness, and in material possessions a one-room box house, and practically no furniture. What the bride lacked in a modern kitchen was exactly everything known to the kitchen except apprised skillet, oven and roast her, the luxury of a cook Stow awaiting a more prosperous day. Here, this couple lived for a number of years, and from here Mr. and Mrs. McFarland moved to what is known as the old McFarland place 6 miles northwest of town. In 1902 they moved to Ladonia, where Mrs. McFarland yet lives and where Mr. McFarland died in 1917.

That short sketch covers a period of three score years and ten. How inadequately it covers it! How in the gloriously can mere dates express the hard work, the saving, the figuring, the deprivations, the fatigue of mind and body of a mother, bearing and raising to useful maturity nine children! And under such conditions! In the earlier days they had the bare necessities - No telephone, no modern kitchens, no cooks, no housekeepers, nor any of the things that makes the lot of the housewife easier. As a farmer prospered the lot of the wife became harder - farmhands to cook for, chickens to feed, house to milk!

Few women have enjoyed so complete a partnership with her husband has had Mrs. McFarland. So completely has she been the confidant of Mr. McFarland that when he had a bothersome question of business to decide, he often remarked," I'll have to consult Mary Jane about that."

The accumulation of property by Mrs. McFarland was a means to an end and the end was the proper education of their children. She has always been a devoted mother who sacrificed never disciplined person mentality. Hers has been rather a devotion that caused her to see their needs, map out a policy for them, and carry out that policy regardless of for her deprivation, a sentiment mixed with more than ordinary amount of perspicacity, commonly called "horse sense."

Mrs. McFarland is able to attend to her own business, and she attends to her affairs without advice. She comes and goes from home at her own pleasure. These latter days are largely filled with visits to her grandchildren him she insist upon spoiling, much to the amazement of her own children, who remember her strict supervision over their own conduct.

Mrs. McFarland is a woman of good address, a pleasant acquaintance, and unselfish friend, a devoted Christian.

It is Mr. and Mrs. McFarland's kind that are the backbone of this country. Such people brought Texas out of the wilderness and each generation as such bear the torch of civilization a little farther onward.

Mrs. McFarland has a competency fairly won, and unenvied by any. It is what has been left over after rearing of four grown sons and five grown daughters, all educated, upright citizens, a credit to any community, and without a proverbial black sheep among them.
This is a transcription of a summary of her life made by Mary Jane Harper McFarland:
Born at Knights Prairie, Hamilton Co. Ills.
0-1 yr.
2 yrs.
3 "
4 " went with parent to Putnam Co. Tenn the visit the home of me parent (Putnam was created in 1854 from part of Jackson Co. TN, bordering White Co.)
5 "
6 " started to school taught in a little log house in Moores Prairie
7 "
8 " Beginning of civil war parent sold out and started to Tex
9 " six week week on the road landed in Ellis Co. near Waxahachie
10 lived in the Boyd Home
11 moved to the McKnight Home
12 Mother's grandfather and father traded belongings in Ellis Co. for place near Bartley. (where both are buried)
13 went to school at Walker school house
14 my father died Dr. Harper 8 months old
15 my Grandfather died
16 My Mother an 6 children worked our best
17 went to school every day we could
18 I went to school no more
19 helped mother with the little children and made the best of life we could
20 --agreed to marry some time soon which I did 6 days before I was 20
21 went to housekeeping Sam came
22 well settled and happy
23 Betsy came got a nice working stove
24 took care of children and helped Daddy build a new kitchen
25 Florence came
26 got a sewing machine
27
28 Mary came
29 continued to care for the children Daddy bought a thrasher...(can't read this)
30 Tenn came
31 was Baptized
32 Grandfather Died
33
34 Build the new house Moved over to town bought the piano moved back Sam went to Campbell