Jean married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living

Notes:

From Lola McFarland Hill's book, p. 98:
JOHN GAMMON - married Grace JENNINGS - no "vital" statistics, but he is worthy of quite a paragraph. He has been a successful farmer at Lazbuddy, a faithful member of the Church of Christ, a consultant on Water Conservation and more recently has entered upon an interesting venture in Arizona virgin soil using his knowledge of irrigation and with the co-operation of his family to bring farming to this country.

John married Grace Dahlman Jennings on 29 Oct 1923 in Lubbock, Texas. Grace (daughter of Walter Perry Jennings and Mary Arabella McFarland) was born on 24 May 1908 in Ladonia, Texas; died on 4 Feb 2000 in Tucson, Arizona; was buried in Sunset Cemetery, Willcox, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

p. 97 from Lola McFarland Hill's book:
GRACE DAHLMAN JENNINGS - married John Gammon, born in Ladonia May 24, 1908. Went with the family to the various parishes. Before going to Texarkana, she spent the summer in Muskogee with her Little Auntie and Uncle Joe Hill. Jane and Anne were babies and she was a joy to them and their mother. They made an excursion to Kansas City and enjoyed the Ben Scott's and the Zoo. She graduated from High School with honors, and at¬tended Translvania University one year. She was a Chi Omega and spent one vacation at the national convention of her sor¬ority. Graduated from Texas Tech - taught at Lazbuddy, married while there and continued to live there until 1964 when they moved to Willcox Ariz. Her children are, Jean Louise Briggs, John Henry Gammon and Marianna Gammon. She has many outstanding qualities and has the loving heart.

Notes:

From p. 96a of Lola McFarland Hill's book:
WALTER PERRY JENNINGS - Married to Mary McFarland. He was born April 22, 1870, at Leesville, Missouri, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth (Bradley) 'Jennings. 1895 - Ordained as a minister in the Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) at Windsor Mo. by George L. Bush.
1899 - B.D. Ministerial education at College of the Bible, Kentucky University, Lexington, Ky. (Later called Translyvania University)
1901 Received his A.B. Degree from Transylvania University
1901-1903 Pastor at Hillsboro, Texas. Met his future wife at a Church Convention at Waco, Texas.
1902 - Nov. 6th married Mary McFarland, Ladonia, Texas.
Always called her "Pet”. She called him "Walt." 1903-1909 - Pastorate at Taylor, Texas
1905 - Jan. 9th - Daughter Louise was born. He told her grandmother "confidentially" that she rea1ly was an except¬ionally fine baby. His name for her was "Weezie"
1908 - Daughter Grace was born at "grandmother's house" in Ladonia. He called her "Gracious"- which she truly was.5-24.
1909 -1915 Pastorate at Amarillo, Texas
1913- Oct.30, Daughter Jean Shelley was born. She was called "Shelleybee” by her Daddy and was much like him. 1915-1917 - Pastorate at McKinney, Texas
1918-1922 First regular pastor University Church, TCU. Ft. Worth 1918 till death. Member Board of Trustees for TCU
1920- till death, Member of State Mission Board
1922 - 1924 Pastorate, Texarkana, Texas
1924-1934 - Pastorate at Lubbook. Took the confession and baptized his three daughters.
1928 Pres. Rotary Club, Lubbock, Pres. Red Cross for 6 years 1934-1942 Pastor Plainview j President Salvation Board.
1934 - 1940 Serious Illness - resigned post - resignation not accepted - elected minister emeritus tor life.
194- 1944 Supply minister Beaumont, Mineral Wells, West Amarillo. Tulia, Floydada. Moved to Lubbock 1942.
1944 - April 14 - Died suddenly while at Q. and Broadway.
Buried in Lubbook.

Walter married Mary Arabella McFarland on 6 Nov 1902 in Ladonia, Fannin Co., Texas. Mary (daughter of James Franklin McFarland, RoM02 and Mary Jane Harper) was born on 28 Jan 1879 in Fannin Co. Texas; died on 15 Dec 1974 in Lubbock, Texas; was buried in City of Lubbock Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Mary Arabella would have been named for Arabella Benson Hulsey, wife of Joel Hulsey, and a close friend to James Franklin and Mary Jane Harper McFarland. Written in the family bible as Mary Belle McFarland. Often referred to by family as Marie. When listed in the Ladonia graduating class of 1897, she was Marie M. McFarland. She graduated with Boothe Merrill, C.E. Fuller, Emma Jones, Gussie Wingo, and Jessie Hatson.

From p. 96 of Lola McFarland Hill's book:
MARY ARABELLA MCFARLAND -Married to Rev. W. P. Jennings. She was the 10th child of James F. and Mary Jane McFarland, born, Jan. 28, 1879, five miles N of Ladonia, Texas. Among her early recollections are her teachers, Mr. Armstrong, Miss Hockaday and Miss Willie Skinner. and the excitement of the new "surrey with the fringe on top", the new piano and the new carpet for the parlor. She graduated from the Ladonia High School in l897 and her dearest friend was Emma Jones. She graduated from Carlton College in Bonham in 1898. She was a charming, attractive, vivacious girl and had many very attentive beaux and suitors. She remembers that she was the maid of honor in her sister Florence's wedding and that she had a serious romance that ended in a broken engagement in 1900. Those were the days when a father's (opinion was) considered with great respect and the dutiful children did not doubt that "father knows best." She assisted Mr. Neely Holt as teacher at Woods School House for one year. Through a mutual friend Rev. Schoonover, she was introduced to Walter Perry Jennings a young minister who had recently come to Texas from Missouri. This culminated in marriage Sept. 6, 1902 and they established their home in Hillsboro where he was pastor of the Christian Church. As the young bride drove away from her father's home her father turned away, and to hide his emotion said: "Only a woman could do a thing like that - leave all of us who love her so, and go a way with someone she has known such a little while." - It was a wise choice she made and from that moment "Brother Walter" was a very dear and close member of the family. In her new role as housewife in the manse, she excelled in many ways. Always her love, concern and loy¬alty to her family were expressed with such generosity and selflessness that she maintains a position with both young and old of highest esteem and devotion. She lived in seven towns where her husband was minister and she counts in the hundreds the men and women who enjoyed her friendship and who credit her with as much spiritual inspiration as if she were an ordained minister. Among the periods of time in which she and her husband shared their home and hospitality of which there was a great need at such a time were the months when her sisters Florence and Lola were with them in Taylor, - ¬Tennie in Amarillo, when "Little Anne" was born at her house in Fort Worth- when Sam and Jewel and Jim and Lyle first went to Lubbook - when Bakie was married - and on and on. She also shared her children with the grandparents and adoring uncles and aunts. After her husband's death, Apr.14, 1944 she has maintained her home in Lubbook. She gave two years as matron in Foster Hall, TCU. Her daughters, Louise, Grace and Jean Shelley, the grand children and the great grand ohildren oon¬sider it a privilege and a pleasure to keep close contact with one who is now in her 89th year and is still a happy, genteel, loving and oonsiderate person. Were it not for her and the cooperation of her daughters throughout the years, the famous family reunions might never have occurred. Long may she live! (Added on this page by pen: Died: Sunday Dec. 15, 1974 - Lubbock. Buried City of Lubbock Cemetery)

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