Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: John McFarlin
• Religion: Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Bedford Co.
• Religion: Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Bedford Co.
• Birth: Abt 1708, Ireland; He is the eldest son. He signed a legal petition for the formation of Lancaster County in 1729.
• DNA: 1708
• Residence: 1729, Chester Co., Penn. adjacent to Robert, this becomes Lancaster Co.
• Possessions: 1738, Adams Co., PA; There were two warrants made to John McFarlan and John McFarland in Cumberland township (one is now Butler township) that were then passed on to others. One property was adjacent to Andrew Mayes property. Near present-day Goldenville.
• Possessions: 1747, Augusta Co. VA, now Wythe; Survey for 1020 acres to John and Robert McF. at Black Buffalo Lick. Patent in 1752. Survey to John McFarland for 106 acres on Reed Creek, Patent in 1752. See Gallery for details.
• Possessions: 1749, Augusta Co. VA, now Wythe; 327 acres on Sally Run, branch of Reed Creek. Patent issued 1753. Sold to John Finley in 1773.
• Occupation: 1750, Surveyor for road to property in Augusta Co.
• Occupation: 1750; Surveyor for road to property in Augusta Co.
• Possessions: 1751, Augusta Co. VA, now Wythe; Survey 98 acres on branch of Reed Creek, between land he lives on (Sally Run) and the Cove. Sold to James Hollis in 1767 while living in Bedford Co.
• _MILT: 1752
• Possessions: 1763, Augusta Co. VA, now Wythe; Sale of his 106 acres on Reed Creek to Hugh Montgomery, while living in Bedford Co. VA
• Possessions: 1778, Reed Cr. area of Montgomery Co. VA; John McFarland Sr. of Bedford Co. sells to John McFarland Jr. of Montgomery Co. 367 acres on Meadow Run, granted to John McFarland Sr. in 1753. Montgomery Co. Deed Book A, p. 234
• Death: Aft. 1785, prob. Greene County, Tennessee territory; John signed a deed with his son Benjamin selling his Bedford Co. VA property.

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines research notes:
This John is sometimes referred to as "Old Scotland" John; however, he was probably not from Scotland, was not a "Sir" and not a lord from Arrochar, fleeing to the colonies after his estate was confiscated after the battle of Colloden, which is commonly reported, without any documentation. That story was published in a family manuscript in 1955 and has been repeated so many times that it has taken on a life of its own. That story is completely contrary to real events, repeating the belief that the last laird of Arrochar fled to the colonies. However, the laird of Arrochar, the chief Walter MacFarlane was alive and well in Edinburgh and he did not lead any MacFarlanes into the battle at Colloden. There are conflicting reports of 300 MacFarlanes either participating, or not participating, in this battle siding with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Most sources believe they stayed out of the conflict, certainly the chief did. Chief Walter, was followed by William, who sold the Arrochar lands in 1767 to pay debts; they were not confiscated. William was followed by John, the 22nd Chief, and so on till the last Chief, the 25th, William, who died in 1866. There has been no Chief since then. Source: History of Clan MacFarlane, by James MacFarlane, published in Glasgow in 1922 under the auspices of the Clan MacFarlane Society.

Our John McFarland was only about 13 when his father Robert and family came to Pennsylvania in abt. 1719, so it is highly unlikely that he stayed behind. It is possible that he could have been born in Scotland if his parents had been traveling there at the time. However, there is no John McFarland son of Robert and Janet, that appears in Scottish parish records for this time period.

This would also indicate that our John McFarland was not in Scotland participating in the Jacobite wars, unless he was tranversing the ocean a couple of times, which seems unlikely. Sticking to the records pertaining to this family, we know that father Robert came from Ireland, and that John was in America in all the years shown by the records below.

Lancaster County records:

In 1729, John signs a petition with his father Robert asking for the creation of a new county, Lancaster, out of the present Chester Co. PA. Twenty-one was considered the legal age, so about 1708 would be his birth year.

In 1732 John Mcffarlen was sworn into a grand jury in Lancaster Co. P. 16, Lancaster Co. Quarter Abstracts from 1729-1742

In May 29, 1740 John McFarlin warranted 188 acres, but decided not to patent it. The land ended up being patented by Philip Brenner/Brenar on January 27, 1761, Patent Book AA2, p. 288, Survey Book A, p. 82-93. (Early Landowners of Pennsylvania: Atlas of Township Warrantee Maps of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, by Sharon McInnes, Closson Press, July 2008)

In the will of John Ramsay, husband of John's sister Rachel, John McFarland is named to be an executor of his estate on Jan. 21, 1747. The will is proved on Feb. 21, 1747. Was John present in Lancaster Co. then? He is filing for a survey of property in Virginia in March, 1747.

It is not clear if John traveled with all his family to VA in 1747, or just his oldest son Robert, when he went to survey his land. I assume he left his family in PA until the documents had been filed in 1747 and 1749. Since he returned home in 1751 to take care of his father's estate, he probably then returned to the Reed Creek area with everyone, when he filed for more land in 1753.

John is referred to as the eldest son in the property transfer to James in Lancaster Deed Book C, p. 95 dated June 17, 1751.

A booklet by John A. McFarland, "The Myth of Sir John MacFarlane" written in 1997 by James A. McFarland of Tulsa, Oklahoma documents the mix-up that has occurred in the history of this John McFarland.

1740s and 50s:
Our John McFarland took advantage of the opportunity to acquire cheap and abundant land from the Woods River Company which had secured land on the waters of the New, Holston, and Clinch rivers, if settled on before 1748. John and his family moved quickly, carving out new surveys of land in the recently opened territory in the western part of Virginia (then Augusta County, later subdivided, and today it is Wythe County). This land was 1020 acres on Black Buffalo Lick, and was surveyed for John and his son Robert on March 5, 1747. Then John recorded another survey for 106 acres on a branch of Reed Creek, and in 1749, 347 acres on Sally Run, another branch. Then in 1753, another 367 acres on Meadow Run, another branch of Reed Creek, and lastly 98 acres on a branch of Reed Creek between the land he lives on and the Cove. John moved here with his wife and children, as well as some of his neighbors from Lancaster County.

When his father died back in Pennsylvania in the early part of 1751, John returned to Lancaster Co. PA to help settle the estate and provide for his mother Jennet. He signed these documents in March, 1751. Documents in Lancaster Co. refer to the death of James (John's son) in Augusta County Virginia in 1755, and John's eldest son Robert travels back to Lancaster to clear up his brother's estate. John A. McFarland's booklet "The Myth of Sir John Macfarlane" does an excellent job of clarifying these records. In Mary B. Kegley's 2004 book "Early Adventurers On the Western Waters" are maps of the settlements on pp. 473 and 474.

Virginia:
Tithables for Virginia included every white male 16 and over.
On p. 4 of Virginia's Colonial Soldiers, by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck, 1988 gives the information that on Nov. 16, 1752, John McFarland, Ensign and Robert McFarland Lieutenant, took their oath of allegience to the crown for their service with the Augusta County Militia. This would be referring to this John and his son Robert I assume. This is found originally in Chalkey.

Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia
Volume I
AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS.
ORDER BOOK No. II. (cont.)

MAY 23, 1750.
(371) Road ordered from Ezekiel Calhoun's to Wood's River thence to Top of Ridge between Wood's River and the South Fork of Roanoke. John McFarland and Joseph Crockett to be surveyors of former, and Wm. Crisp and Wm. Pellam, of latter part, with tithables, and the following: Henry Batton, Mordecai Early, John McFarland, Jacob Goldman, John Downing, John Goldman, Charles Sinclair, Nathaniel Wilshire, Wm. Sayers, Jacob Goldman, Wm. Hamilton, Humbertson Lyon, Frederick Carlock, Robert Norris, James Miller, James Cave, Saml. Montgomerie, Steven Lyon, John Conley, Andrew Linam, James Willbey, Saml. Stanlick, James Maies, Robert McFarlin, James Harris, John Vance, John Stride, Robert Miller, Alexr. Sayers, John Miller, Jacob Castle, Robert Alcorn, John Forman, Wm. Miller.

AUGUST 21, 1752.
(321) Peter Scholl, qualified Colonel of Foot; Low Todd, qualified Lieut. of Horse; John Dunbar, qualified Capn. of Horse; John Fitzwater, qualified Ensign; Francis McBride, qualified Cornet; Ro. McFarland, qualified Lieut.; Ro. Young, qualified Capn. of Horse.
NOVEMBER 16, 1752.
(365) John Walker, on So. Branch of Potomack, is exempted from levy on acct. of great age, infirmity and poverty.
(365) County Levy--116 wolf heads.
(365) Levied for finishing the new Co. Ho. 2317 tithables. (See this for list of names.)
(366) John McFarland, qualified Ensign; Joseph Crocket, qualified Captain Co. of Foot; Ro. McFarland, qualified Lieutenant.

The land they lived on prior to 1757 was located along the Reed Creek (present Wythe County) It is in the eastern foothills of the Appalachian Mts. near the present day Jefferson National Forest and the town of Wytheville. This home was referred to during the French and Indian War as being about 19 miles from Burke's Garden, which is in present Tazewell Co. VA.

During the Indian attacks that were part of the French and Indian War, the John McFarland settlement was referred to:
Source: A History of The Middle New River Settlements and Contiguous Territory. By David E. Johnston (1906).Chapter II. 1753 - 1766

Captain William Preston records in his journal the movement of his militia:

"Monday 16, 40 Indians and 60 white men under command of Capt. Smith and Woodston marched from fort in order to range the woods about Reed Creek; they are to march to Burke's Garden.

"Tuesday 17, Mr. Paul returned from the horse guard (This guard had been left to protect the crossing of New River.)

"Wednesday 18, Capt. Hog's company and Major Lewis march in afternoon.

"Thursday 19, Left Fort Frederick at 10 o'clock: 27 loaded pack horses, got to William Sawyer's: Camped on his barn floor.

"Friday 20, Switched one of the soldiers for swearing, which very much incensed the Indian chiefs then present. Advanced to Alex Sawyers, met the Indians who went out with the first division, and Lieutenant Ingles who informed us of the burial of Robt. Looney. Some of our Indians deserted.

"Sat. 21, Major Lewis, Capt. Pearis and the interpreter went to Col. Buchanan's place, where they met the Indians who had deserted us, and induced them to return, which they did.

"Sunday 22, Marched to John McFarland's.

"Monday 23, Marched over the mountain to Bear Garden, on North Fork of Holston's river. Lost sundry horses.

Miles

"From F. P. George to Cyphers' 15
2nd day to R. Hall's 15
3rd day to F. A. Frederick 15
19th Feb. to Wm. Sawyers 20
20th Feb. to McCaul's 13
Sunday 22, to McFarland's 7
Monday 23 to Bear Garden 10
Tuesday 24 to Burke's Garden 9
Thursday 26, to head of Clinch 10
Saturday 28, to head of Sandy Creek 10

Preston's Journal shows that several settlements had been made along Peak, Reed and other Creeks West of New River prior to 1756. Among the parties he names are William Sawyers, Alexander Sawyers, and John McFarland, and Dr. Walker mentions Samuel Stalnaker as on the Holston on the 24th of March, 1750, when he and Mr. Powell helped him to raise a house."

Because of new counties being created as population increased, land and other records can be found in various counties. In 1770 Botetourt County was formed from Augusta Co. The county seat was Fincastle, which existed as a county from 1772 to 1777 when it was dissolved and divided into Montgomery Co. and Washington Co. The Reed Creek area was then part of Montgomery Co. This area becomes Wyeth County in 1790, but our McFarlands were in Tennessee by this time.

Toward the end of the French and Indian War, John McFarland Sr. and his family moved north east, over the Blue Ridge Mountains, to Bedford Co. Virginia, an area more protected from Indian attacks. John's son James was killed by the Indians in 1755, as shown in court records in Lancaster Co. PA. In fact, most of the Reed Creek community evacuated the area until peace treaties were signed with the Indian tribes in 1770. John Sr. stayed living in Bedford County with his son Benjamin until 1785.

Augusta County purchases and sales (Reed Creek area-Wythe Co. today)

1. 1747 Survey to John and Robert McFarland, 1020 acres lying on the waters of Woods (New) River at a place called Black Buffalo Lick, granted in Patent Book 31 Augusta Co., p. 248 on Oct. 31, 1752. Sold to David Doak on Aug. 1, 1768 for 300 pounds, described as at Black Buffalo Lick, on the waters of Woods (New) River, by John and Mary McFarland in Bedford Co. VA, and Robert and Martha McFarland in Orange Co., NC. Botetourt County Deeds: Fincastle, VA. (Summers, Annals, p. 531)

2. 1747 Survey to John McFarland, 106 acres on Reed Creek, granted in Augusta Co. Patent Book 30, p. 30 on Oct. 30, 1752. Sold to Hugh Montgomery in 1763. (Augusta Co. Deed Book 11, pp. 328, 329)

3. 1749 Survey to John McFarland, 327 acres on Sally Run, a branch of Reed Creek. Patent issued as 327 acres in Augusta Co. Patent Book 32, p. 167 on June 20, 1753. Sold 327 acres to John Finley in Nov. 1773. (Montgomery Co. Order Book 1, p. 142)

4. 1749 Survey to John McFarland, 367 acres on Meadow Run, a branch of Reed Creek, granted in Augusta Co. Patent Book 32, p. 149 on June 20, 1753. Sold to John McFareland, Jr. for 55 pounds lawful money in 1778 from John McFareland, Sr. of Russell Parish, Bedford Co. (Montgomery Co. Will Book A, p. 234) Sold in 1786 to Jacob Bruner (Pruner) from John McFarland, Jr. of County Casewell, State of Franklan (Montgomery Co. Deed Book A, p. 478).

5. 1751 Survey to John McFarland, 98 acres on a branch of Reed Creek between the land he lives on and the Cove, granted in Augusta Co. Patent Book 32, p. 166 on June 20, 1753. Sold to James Hollis in 1767 by John and Mary McFarland in Bedford Co.

6. 1749 Survey to Robert McFarlane, 248 acres on Stony Fork, Laurel Run, granted in Augusta Co. Patent Book 32, p. 168 on June 20, 1753. (Sold to John Downing in 1754, Augusta Co. Will Book, p. 442)

7. 1772, Robert McFarland received 85 acres on Cedar Run of Reed Creek from the will of Samuel Crockett (Will Book B, p. 3). This was never formally recorded in a deed book, and was where Robert was living in 1776. This became the town of Evansham (Wytheville)

Bedford Co. Va Deeds and Records:

Although the McFarland family left the Reed Creek area after the Indian attacks in 1755, they did not purchase any land in Bedford until 1763. They must have been living on the land they later purchased.

1756: John and Robert McFarland are present in Bedford County, serving on a jury. (Source: Bedford County Virginia Order Book 1, 1754-1761, by TLC Genealogy, 929.37556 B411 2000, Dallas Public Library p. 178)

1757: In the Sept. court in Bedford Co., Robert McFarland is a juror along with Wm. Boyd, Joseph and Walter Crockett, and Andrew Evans (Order Book p. 138)

1758: In March court, John McFarland is serving on a jury. (Order Book p. 145)

1761: John Mcfarlin Jr. is serving in a jury (p. 249). Source: Bedford County Virginia Order Book 1, 1754-1761, by TLC Genealogy, 929.37556 B411 2000, Dallas Public Library

1763: the earliest McFarland deed in Bedford Co. is in Deed Book 2, p. 228 on June 30th, 1763, where John McFarland Sr. purchases 100 acres from Edmond Manion for 20 pounds Virginia money. The 100 acres are described as being on the north side of the Otter River. This land is sold by John and Benjamin McFarland in Oct. 1785 in Deed Book 7, p. 581. This indicates that John Sr. was still alive in 1785 when the land was sold and the McFarlands vacate Bedford Co. completely. (FHL #1940776)

1764: Deed Book 2, p. 433-434, Aug. 28. John McFarland (this would be John McFarland Jr.) purchased 212.5 acres from Joshua Early, both of the Parish of Russell, for 50 pounds current money. It is described as being at the head of Medoes's Creek. When this plat is sold May 25, 1778 in Deed Book 6, p. 48, John McFarland Jr. of County of Montgomery is selling it to Lyonell Brown for 100 pounds current money and the land is described as being at the head of Medow's Creek. In researching this plot of land further back in time, it was originally a patent belonging to Richard Randolph in Aug. 30, 1744, part of 3233 acres on the north side of the Otter River, at head of branches of Buffalo Creek and Elk Creek. The name Medoes's Creek, or any variation, has not been discovered so far. The estate of Richard Randolph of Henrico Co. sold this 212.5 plot to Joshua Early on July 24, 1764 for 50 pounds before Joshua sold it to John McFarland shortly after for the same amount. (FHL #1940776)

1766: Deed Book 3, p. 12. Aug. 9, Robert McFarland purchases 254 acres from Giles Williams Jr. for 50 pounds current money. The land was originally patented to Giles Williams Jr. Sept. 25, 1762. The land is described as being on the south side of the Otter River on both sides of a branch (not named), adjacent to William Callaway, Sherwood Walton. Witness: George Grundy, Charles C. McGlaughlin, John McFarland. (FHL#194077)

1770: Deed Book 3, pp. 498, 499. Oct. 23, John McFarland purchases 318 acres on both sides of Mountain Creek for 17 pounds current money. This land was sold to John by Richard Stith, acting as attorney for the executors of Richard Randolph of Henrico, deceased. This was conveyed to Stith in 1761. (FHL#194077)

1771: Robert McFarland divides his 1766 purchase, and sells it in 1771 to John Rogers (238 acres Great Otter River. Deed Book 4, p. 131) and Henry Lowry (15.5 acres, south side Otter River, adj. Walton Grundy, Deed Book 4, p.144). He then moves to Montgomery County.

1772: Joseph McFarland sells the 318 acres on Mounts Creek to John Gallaway. This is the land previously acquired by John McFarland in 1770. Joseph then moves to Montgomery Co. (Deed Book 4, p. 394).

1773: Deed Book 4, p. 468. Benjamin McFarland purchased 375 acres on the Otter River adjacent Simon Miller from John Christopher Lainheart and wife. This land is sold in 1785 as part of a package with his father's 100 acres to Cornelius Noell in Deed Book 7, p. 581. It is then described as being adjacent Cornelius Noell, William Miller, John Miller, and John Christ. Lainhart. (FHL# 194078)

1774: John McFarland signed a petition presented to the Virginia House of Burgesses along with the other members of the congregation of the Presbyterian church known as the Peaks of Otter, in Bedford Co. for approval to purchase land and slaves to support a minister, rather than the usual method of supporting a minister. (This file was found at the Library of Virginia, Virginia History and Culture, Early Virginia Religious Petitions, 1774-1802. This image of this petition is available through their Digital Library Program.The whole petition was Transcribed by Teresa Lee-Coker on April 28, 2002 and available on the internet.)

1777: Bedford County: On Sept. 6, John McFarland and Benjamin McFarland signed an "Oath of Affirmation directed by an Act of General Assembly" to Wm. Callaway.(Copies can be purchased from the Bedford Co. Historical Society).

1777: Deed Book 5, p. 516. Oct. 7, 1777, John McFarland sells to Benjamin McFarland his 100 acres on the branch of the Otter River for 100 pounds current money, as well as "a Negro wench named Aggy and her four children, Harry and Achilles-boys and Jude and Abbigail-girls" plus all the stock of horses, black cattle, sheep and hogs. It is stipulated that John and Mary McFarland are to live on this land and work the slaves as long as they live, and if Mary outlives John, she can stay, but if she chooses to live elsewhere Benjamin will pay 10 pounds a year for her upkeep. Also, in December of the year of John McFarland's decease, Benjamin will pay to John McFarland Junior, or his heirs, 70 pounds current money. (FHL #1940779)

1778: Deed Book 6, p. 48, May 25, 1778, John McFarland Jr. of County of Montgomery sells to Lyonell Brown of Bedford his 212.5 acres at head of Medow's Creek, for 100 pounds current money. (FHL #1940779) John Jr. had not lived there since 1771.

1782: John and Benjamin McFarland filed for compensation for supplies furnished troops during the Revolution. Source: Bedford County Virginia Publick Claims, Abercrombie. R929.37556 A144B 1991, Dallas Public Library. His DAR number is A076825. The designation Patriot is based on this record, and also the Oath of Affirmation above,

1785: Deed Book 7, p. 581, Oct. 1785, John McFarland, Benjamin McFarland and Mary his wife of Bedford Co. sell 475 acres total to Cornelius Noell for 250 pounds current money on the north side of Otter River. Their neighbors are Cornelius Noell, William Miller, John Miller, John Christopher Lainhart. So, John Sr. is still alive, however his wife Mary Montgomery must be deceased. (FHL #1940780)

Personal Property Tax List for Bedford Co. 1782-1805: FHL #2024472

The assessors noted holders of tavern licenses, covering horses (stud). Often older men were exempt from being counted in the tithe, as were women. John McFarland was living with his son Benjamin and was mentioned as father in the 1782 tax, and listed as a tithe. He is also included in the 1783 tithe, but by 1784 he is either dead, or must have reached an age that he is no longer taxed. Most researchers have assumed he was dead, but that doesn't explain how he signed the deed transfer in 1785.

1782 Personal Property Tax List
Benjamin Mcfarland & father:
Free males above 21: 2
Slaves: 7
Horses: 6
Cattle: 20
White tithes above 16: 2
Black tithe above 16: 1

1783 Personal Property Tax List
Benjamin Mcfarland:
No. of Tithes: 3
Tax on Covering Horses: ? Q_ (a covering horse is a Stud horse)
Whites over 21: 2
Blacks over 16: 1
Blacks under 16: 6
Total Blacks: 7
Horses: 5
Cattle: 7
No wheels and Carriages
No Ordinary Licence (tavern license)

1784 Personal Property Tax List
Benjamin Mcfarland:
No. of Tithes: 2
Tax on Covering Horses: 20
Whites over 21: 1
Blacks over 16: 1
Blacks under 16: 6
Total Blacks: 7
Horses: 7
Cattle: 20

1785 Personal Property Tax List
Benjamin McFarland:
No. of Tithes: 2
Tax on Covering Horses: 15
Whites over 21: 1
Blacks over 16: 1
Blacks under 16: 6
Total Blacks: 7
Horses: 2
Cattle: 24

No McFarlands present in 1786 tax list in Bedford Co.

Montgomery Co. VA Records:

In 1767, John and Mary of Bedford Co. sold 98 acres on a branch of Reed Creek, part of his patent dated 1753 to James Hollis.

In 1768, John and Mary McFarland of Bedford Co. VA, with Robert and Martha McFarland of Orange Co. NC, sold to David Doak their 1020 acre plot along the New River at Black Buffalo Lick.

The 327 acre tract was sold to John Finley in 1773, and lastly, in 1778, the last tract of land, the 367 acres was sold to John McFarland Jr., who seems to have been living there at least since 1772. (Deed Book A, Montgomery Co. p. 234)

Greene Co. TN

If John McFarland was alive in 1785, and it seems he was, he would have moved with his son Benjamin to Greene Co. TN. Another bit of proof for John Sr. being alive could be the sale of land in 1786 in Montgomery Co. when John McFarland Junior sells his 367 acres to Jacob Brooner (Montgomery Deed Book A, p. 386-387) and he is referred to as Junior.

Another reference that I have found that could be referring to John McFarland Sr. is testimony about the Indian Wars that took place in 1793.

Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century (1853)
[Ramsey's Annals Home] - Chapter VII: Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River - Page 582

"But to provide for the worst, it was settled beforehand, that each man, on discharging his piece, without stopping to watch the flight of the Indians, should make the best of his way to Knoxville, lodge himself in the block-house, where three hundred muskets had been deposited by the United States, and where the two oldest citizens of the forty, John McFarland and Robert Williams were left behind to run bullets and load." Robert McFarland Jr. (b. 1759) was a Colonel of the militia that fought against this Indian raid, so this could well have been his grandfather, but it also could be referring to uncle John. John Sr. would be abt. 87, John Jr. would be 56.

The descendants of this couple (John and Mary Montgomery) are many, and are scattered across the United States. Now, through DNA testing, many of our families have been identified, and we have DNA cousins that trace this line back to the Gartartan branch of the MacFarlane line. From Ireland, these families emigrated to Canada, New Zealand, and America.

The dates of birth for John and Mary's children come from the "Morristown Bible" a McFarland Bible owned by Mrs. John Holms of Morristown, TN, a descendant of John's son Robert.

The following are notes from the McFarland genealogy website of Gary Morris: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hollow/8143/genealogy/mcfarland/rbtlanc.txt --
----- NOTES FOR John McFARLAND:
NOTE: Documentation gives clear evidence that John McFarland of
Montgomery/Bedford County, Virginia is the son of Robert McFarland of Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania. Some researchers in the past have indicated that John was
born in Scotland, with no documentation. Primary evidence is contained in the
Lancaster Deed Book D, page 415, denoting son Robert McFarland of Bedford County,
VA releases his land in Donegal township, Lancaster County to relatives. (See
Notes of Robert 1675-1752).
RESIDENCE: 1729 PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County, Northern part. John McFarland
and Robert McFarland (adjacent) signed petition in 1729 that another county be
formed from the Northern Part of Chester (that part now Lancaster). Appears in
a book on the John McFarland family of Lancaster/Dauphin County.
PROBATE-LINKS: 1747: PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Donegal Township. John
McFarland. John Ramsey Jan 21, 1747 to Feb 21, 1747. Executors Rachel Ramsey &
John McFarland. Donegal Township. Wife Rachel Ramsey. Children John and
Rebecca. SOURCE: Lancaster County Abstracts of Wills 1721-1820, page 832. FHC
microfilm #383292.
RESIDENCE: Family moved to Virginia about 1747. They moved to that part of
Augusta County which later became known as Montgomery, and now is Wythe County.
He later moved to Bedford County, VA and died there.
RESIDENCE: 1748 Augusta County: John McFarlin, a criminal."CHRONICLES OF THE
SCOTCH IRISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA"
RESIDENCE: 1749. Appeared in 1749 as a petitioner to open a road from
Zachariah Calhouns, on Reed Creek to Buffalo Lick and then to Woods River below
mouth of Little River, towards forks of Meadow Creek between Woods River and
South fork of Roanoke. (Chalkley Vol 1: 434).
RESIDENCE: Family lived 1750 in the southern section of Augusta County
(location of later Bedford ). "CHRONICLES OF THE SCOTCH IRISH SETTLEMENT IN
VIRGINIA" May 23, 1750 John McFarland and Joseph Crockett, surveyors. Road
ordered from Ezekiel Calhoun's to Wood's River thence to Top of Ridge between
Wood's River and the South Fork of Roanoke (near present Botetourt and Bedford
Counties) Tithables (persons in area paying for road): Henry Batton, Mordecai
Early, John McFarland, Jacob Goldman, John Downing, John Goldman, Charles
Sinclair, Nathaniel Wilshire, Wm. Sayers, William Hamilton, Humbertson Lyon,
Frederick Carlock, Robert Norris, James Miller, James Cave, Saml. Montgomerie,
Steven Lyon, John Conley, Andrew Linam, James Willbey, Saml. Stanlick, James
Maies, Robert McFarlin, James Harris, John Vance, John Stride, Robert Miller,
Jacob Castle, Robert Alcorn, John Forman, William Miller. Note the listing of
John McFarland, Samuel Montgomery, Robert McFarlin, John Downing.
MILITARY: 1752 Ensign. Qualified as Ensign on November 16, 1752 (Abstracts
from the Records of Augusta County, Virginia, Lyman Chalkley, Vol. II, page 55).
MILITARY: "Virginia Colonial Soldiers" by Lloyd D. Bockstruck 1988;
Genealogical Publishing Co, Baltimore, MD; page 4 Augusta County 16 Nov 1752 John
McFarland, ensign, and Robert McFarland, Lieutenant.
COURT: 1752 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County. James McFarland, son of John
McFarland, and devicee named in will of James McFarland, his uncle, deceased in
1752 (being about age of 21), chooses the said John McFarland, his father, as
Guardian. Ordered that the said John McFarland give sufficient Security to Janet
McFarland, mother of said James McFarland. SOURCE: "Pennsylvania Vital
Records"; 1983; Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD; page 353.
LAND: 1763. On May 4, 1763 John McFarland and Mary of Bedford County sold 106
acres, patent on Branch of Reed Creek to Hugh Montgomery for 52.10 pounds, by
patent, 30 Oct 1752 on a branch of Reed Creek. Teste: Robert Mountgomery.
Delivered H. Montgomerie May 1765 (Chalkley Vol 3:401; Augusta County Deed Book
11:329).
LAND: 1767. On 29 October 1767 John and Mary of Bedford County sold 98 acres
on a branch of Reed Creek, a branch of New River, to James Holles for 40 pounds.
Land lying between said John McFarland ad the cove, patented to John 20 Jun 1753.
Teste: Israel and William Christian, Daniel McNeill, Robert Breckenridge, Samuel
Black, William Wright, William Bates, and George Dair. (Chalkley vol 3:461;
Augusta County Deed Book 14:88).
LAND: 1768 Botetourt County: John and Mary McFarland of Bedford county,
Virginia and Robert and Martha McFarland of County of Orange, North Carolina, to
David Doak for L156, 1,020 acres at Black Buffalo Lick on water of Wood (New)
River. Annals of Southwest Virginia 1769-1800, by Lewis C. Summers, Kingsport
Press, Kingsport, Tn, 1927 Vol 2, page 531.
MILITARY: Revolutionary War; DAR Patriotic Index.
LAND: 1778 Sale, 20 Oct 1778 from John McFarland Sr. of Russell Parish,
Bedford County to John McFarland Jr. of Montgomery County, 367 acres on Reedy
Creek (Montgomery County Deed Book A:234).
DEATH: 1784 OR EARLY 1785.
SOURCE: WFT Disk #1 (Most land records, and notes on family). WFT Disk #10. In
Dunbarton, Scotland, John and Mary's marriage is recorded along with the birth
of Robert. WFT #1 lists source as Bobby Ray McFarland P.O.Box 287, Locust Grove,
OH 74352 in 1990. NOTE: THESE RECORDS MUST BE IN REFERENCE TO A DIFFERENT
FAMILY
SOURCE: East Tennessee Genealogies -- MC FARLAND -- On Internet. John was an
elder in the Presbyterian Church, the old stone church in Bedford County he
attended is still standing. John was too old for military service, but was an
ardent patriot and had several sons who fought for America's freedom, and one
son, James Mc Farland, was killed by Indians.
COMMENT: World Family Tree Lists John McFarland who married Mary Montgomery
as son of John McFarland (1688 Arrochar, Scotland) and Mary, and brother of
Duncan born 1712 (perhaps the Duncan who lived in Augusta (that part now in Bath)
county, Virginia. See elsewhere. THIS IS INCORRECT.
RESEARCHER-EMAIL: James A. McFarland. An indepth researcher. Has the wills,
estates, and land records proving the Lancaster Co, PA and Bedford Co, VA
connection. &ltmacroute@juno.com&gt
HISTORY: "Families of Jefferson Conty, Tennessee" 1992 found at Seattle
Genealogical Society. Includes the birth dates of all children, and their deaths
and marriages.
RESEARCHER-EMAIL: Phil Gerou gerou@dimensional.com Descent from Mary
McFarland (1742/1743) and James Hunter, their daughter Nancy Hunter who married
Rice W. Whiteacre (and their son, Joseph Whiteaker, born 1808).
RESEARCHER-EMAIL: 1999Judy A. Walters, Portland, ME &ltwalters@nlis.net&gt.
Descent from John McFarland and Rebecca Bell.

----- NOTES FOR Mary MONTGOMERY:
PARENTS: John MONTGOMERY.
LINKS: Father John was a neighbor of the McFarland family at time of marriage.

===CHILDREN of John McFARLAND and Mary MONTGOMERY

+ 8 Robert McFARLAND b 7 Apr 1730 Donegal Township,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. M Martha _____.
+ 9 Nancy McFARLAND b 26 Nov 1731 Donegal Township,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. M Andrew EVANS.
+ 10 James McFARLAND b 10 Feb 1732/1733 Donegal Township,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
+ 11 Rachel McFARLAND b 17 Mar 1737 Donegal Township,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. M John HUNTER.
+ 12 John McFARLAND b 4 Feb 1739 Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. M Mary KINDER.
+ 13 Arthur McFARLAND b 19 Jan 1741 Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
+ 14 Mary McFARLAND b 11 Feb 1743 Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. M James HUNTER.
+ 15 Joseph McFARLAND b 30 Mar 1745 Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
+ 16 Benjamin Anderson McFARLAND b 16 Apr 1747 Virginia. M
Mary BLACKBURN.

This John is sometimes referred to as "Old Scotland" John. He resided during the American Revolution in Bedford Co., Virginia. He took an oath of Allegiance in Bedford Co. and his descendants have been accepted into the DAR based on him being a "Patriot." A booklet by John A. McFarland, "Stitches in Time" written in 1997 by James A. McFarland of Tulsa, Oklahoma documents the mix-up that has occurred in the history of this John McFarland. This John McFarland, after first living next to father Robert in what becomes Lancaster Co., PA, moves to the newly opened territory in Virginia, what was then Augusta County and surveys a tract of land in present Wythe County in 1747. John moved here with his family and sons Robert and James. When his father died around 1750, John returned to Lancaster Co. PA to help settle the estate and provide for his mother Jennet. Documents in Lancaster Co. refer to the death of James (John's son) in Augusta County Virginia, and his brother Robert travels back to Lancaster to clear up his estate. Because of Indian trouble, (the same that killed James), the McFarlands sell their land in Augusta County and move across the Blue Ridge Mts. to Bedford County in 1757.

The land they lived on prior to 1757 was located along the Reed Creek (present Wythe County) This home was referred to during the French and Indian War as being about 19 miles from Burke's Garden in present Tazewell Co. VA.
It is referred to here in:
A History of The Middle New River Settlements and Contiguous Territory. By David E. Johnston (1906).Chapter II. 1753 - 1766 Captain William Preston records in his journal the movement of his militia:

"Monday 16, 40 Indians and 60 white men under command of Capt. Smith and Woodston marched from fort in order to range the woods about Reed Creek; they are to march to Burke's Garden.

"Tuesday 17, Mr. Paul returned from the horse guard (This guard had been left to protect the crossing of New River.)

"Wednesday 18, Capt. Hog's company and Major Lewis march in afternoon.

"Thursday 19, Left Fort Frederick at 10 o'clock: 27 loaded pack horses, got to William Sawyer's: Camped on his barn floor.

"Friday 20, Switched one of the soldiers for swearing, which very much incensed the Indian chiefs then present. Advanced to Alex Sawyers, met the Indians who went out with the first division, and Lieutenant Ingles who informed us of the burial of Robt. Looney. Some of our Indians deserted.

"Sat. 21, Major Lewis, Capt. Pearis and the interpreter went to Col. Buchanan's place, where they met the Indians who had deserted us, and induced them to return, which they did.

"Sunday 22, Marched to John McFarland's.

"Monday 23, Marched over the mountain to Bear Garden, on North Fork of Holston's river. Lost sundry horses.

Miles

"From F. P. George to Cyphers' 15
2nd day to R. Hall's 15
3rd day to F. A. Frederick 15
19th Feb. to Wm. Sawyers 20
20th Feb. to McCaul's 13
Sunday 22, to McFarland's 7
Monday 23 to Bear Garden 10
Tuesday 24 to Burke's Garden 9
Thursday 26, to head of Clinch 10
Saturday 28, to head of Sandy Creek 10

Preston's Journal shows that several settlements had been made along Peak, Reed and other Creeks West of New River prior to 1756. Among the parties he names are William Sawyers, Alexander Sawyers, and John McFarland, and Dr. Walker mentions Samuel Stalnaker as on the Holston on the 24th of March, 1750, when he and Mr. Powell helped him to raise a house."

Because of new counties being created as population increased, land and other records can be found in various counties. In 1770 Botetourt County was formed from Augusta Co. The county seat was Fincastle, which existed as a county from 1772 to 1777 when it was dissolved and divided into Montgomery Co. and Washington Co. The Reed Creek area was then part of Montgomery Co. This area becomes Wyeth County in 1790, but our McFarlands are in Tennessee by this time.

During the French and Indian War, John McFarland and his family moved north east, over the Blue Ridge Mountains, to Bedford Co. Virginia, an area more protected from Indian attacks. In 1763, John purchased 100 acres on a branch of the Otter River in Bedford Co., and in 1764 purchased 212 acres more. In 1767, John and Mary of Bedford Co. sold 98 acres on a branch of Reed Creek, part of his patent dated 1753. In 1768, John and Mary McFarland of Bedford Co. VA, with Robert and Martha McFarland of Orange Co. NC, sell to David Doak their 1020 acre plot along the New River at Black Buffalo Lick. John and Mary spend the remainder of their lives at this home in Bedford County, however, they transfer part of their acreage to son John Jr. in 1778.

John married Mary Montgomery in 1728 in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Mary was born about 1712; died in 1782 in Bedford Co., Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Robert McFarland, FT218687 RoM02 was born on 7 Apr 1730 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died in 1798 in to Kentucky.
2. Nancy McFarland was born on 26 Nov 1731 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., PA; died in 1798.
3. James McFarland was born on 10 Feb 1733 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co.; died on 3 Jul 1755 in Augusta Co., Virginia.
4. Rachel McFarland was born in 1734 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., PA; died before 1790 in Campbell Co. VA.
5. John McFarland, BY146078 RoM02 was born on 4 Feb 1739 in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died about 1803 in Haywood Co., North Carolina; was buried about 1803 in Locust Field Cemetery.
6. Arthur McFarland was born on 19 Jul 1741 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., PA; died in UNKNOWN in As an infant according to Gary Morris research.
7. Mary McFarland was born on 11 Feb 1743 in Lancaster Co., PA; died on 29 May 1821 in Rockingham Co., NC; was buried in Madison, Rockingham County, North Carolina, USA.
8. Joseph McFarland, BY28612 RoM02 was born on 30 Mar 1745 in either PA or VA; died between 1792 and 1795 in VA.
9. Benjamin McFarland, BY3019 A584 RoM02 was born on 16 Apr 1747 in Virginia probably; died on 9 May 1823 in Dandridge, Jefferson Co., Tennessee.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Indian trader on Chester Co. tax rolls. Note: I never found this record.
• Birth: Abt 1680, Northern Ireland
• Immigration: 1719, To Chester Co., Penn., Donegal Twn. from lands west of River Foyle, Ireland
• Residence: Aft 1720, Near the Schickaselungo Creek, Donegal township in Lancaster Co.
• Possessions: 1739, Donegal township, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; 286 acres. Pennsylvanian Patent Book A9, p. 110-111. FHL microfilm 1028831
• Death: 1751, Donegal township, Lancaster Co. PA
• Will: 25 Mar 1752, Rapho Twn., Lancaster Co., Penn.

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Based on the DNA testing that many currently living descendants of this line have done (22 men have done the Big Y 700 as of 2024), Robert and his descendants are part of a large sub-group in the MacFarlane study. This group includes people from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Some in the group who have more recent ties to Scotland, trace their heritage back to the chief's line through the several branches in Scotland. Many in the group came to America by way of Northern Ireland. Because of DNA testing we now know that the McFarland lines in Knox, Whitley, Clinton, and Christian Counties in Kentucky, as well as Rockingham Co. NC that moved to Rutherford/Bedford Co. TN, all descend from this Robert.

So, the SNP BY3019 defines the Robert line. BY3019 appeared about 1650 in northern Ireland, so it probably came about first in Robert's father. BY3019 is the "son" of BY7792, which goes back to Scotland from around 1550 AD, where descendants who carry that SNP, but not BY3019, lived in the area of Balmaha, which is the Buchanan Parish in Stirlingshire.

Other lines that descend from BY7792 include the lines of John McFarland, b. 1750, d. abt. 1796 in Washington Co. PA; Thomas McFarlan, b. ca. 1780 in Ireland, whose descendants are in Australia; and Andrew McFarland b. 1757 in Ireland, died 1844 in Ohio.

The family of James McF. who settled in Pennsboro twn. Cumberland Co. PA in the 1730s is not closely related to the BY3019 line. The connection goes back to the 1400s.

Back in Time in Ireland :

According to history, when King James I of England (James VI of Scotland) decided to settle plantations in northern Ireland, he chose 59 Scots, five of them nobles- and two of those five represented the Stewart family from Stirlingshire: the Duke of Lennox and his brother Lord D'Aubigny. The Duke of Lennox territory was in Donegal. While it was once believed that MacFarlanes came to Ulster with these nobles (pp. 94,95 of History of Clan MacFarlane by James MacFarlane, 1922, Glasgow), other research shows that Ludovic, the Duke of Lennox, did not settle anyone; but that the land he acquired was already settled with Scotsmen brought over in the 1580s as men at arms (Redshanks). (Barry McCain, A Short History of the Laggan Redshanks) In fact, the King's inspectors saw little evidence of plantation building or settlement in 1611; and in 1619 the Royal Inspector found the area fully inhabited but with no evidence that they were leaseholders. (Rev. George Hill, An Historical Account of the Plantation in Ulster....p. 505, 506)

From the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 36, "The Scotch Settlers in Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland" by William M. Mervine, pp. 257 to 263. Dallas Public Library R 974.8005 P415, V. 36: The Duke of Lennox was granted 4000 acres and all undertakers who received grants promised to bring 48 men for each 2000 acre grant. The tenants would be given leases and be supplied with muskets and hand weapons. The Duke of Lennox was Ludovic Stuart. On the muster roll for 1630, under the "Lord Duke of Lynox undertaker of 4000 acres his men & armes" are listed a John mcffarlan with Sword and Callener, and a John mcffarlan with no weapon. Another grant was made to Sire James Conningham for 2000 acres, and serving under the Lady Conningham, his widow, is listed Dunkan mcffarlan, with a sword and snaphance.

Pennsylvania:

From The Scotch-Irish of Colonial Pennsylvania by Wayland F. Dunaway, 1979: The earliest settlers of Scotch Irish in Pennsylvania probably landed at Newcastle Delaware, rather than Philadelphia or Maryland. They came up the Susquehanna, and the first settlement in the county was made in 1714 along Chickies Creek. The Donegal Presbyterian Church was organized at Donegal Spring in 1719-1720. They acquired deeds to their land in the 1730s.

From History of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, by Ellis and Evans, pub. in Philadelphia in 1883: P. 757, the Donegal township was organized in 1722, named for the county in northern Ireland where the pioneers settlers came from, and they located near Chikis Creek in the year 1716. Robert McFarland was on the tax list for East Donegal in 1722 (p. 759). P. 767: "Robert McFarland settled on the right bank of Little Chikis Creek, about one mile south of Mount Joy, in 1720. He died in 1750, and left the following named children: John, Joseph, Robert, Rachel, and Rebecca." (James was mistakenly left out of this account.) In 1726, Robert McFarland signed a petition along with his neighbors to allow a tavern to be established in their neighborhood because it is on a great road and the inhabitants of Donegal and Conestogoe do not have such an establishment (p. 778).

That tavern petition provides another bit of proof about who were settlers in the area. Also it gives us a clue about eldest son John's age. The petition was in 1726, and John did not sign. However, he did sign another petition in 1729 to form a new county (Lancaster from Chester). The legal age for signing documents was 21, so John was born between 1706 and 1708.

Judging from the names chosen by the inhabitants in Lancaster County that established the township called Donegal, it is likely that the Robert McFarland family came from County Donegal in northern Ireland, near the town of Raphoe. Raphoe was a parish with Presbyterian churches, however, there are no records that survive from the early 1700s in Northern Ireland. Another possibility is Mountjoy in Tyrone County, four miles north of Omagh. Raphoe and Mountjoy are only 20 miles away from each other in Ireland, and Robert's homestead in Pennsylvania was 1 mile from a town named Mount Joy. Mountjoy has several possible meanings. The title Lord Mountjoy was held by one of the greatest Stuart patriots and leader of the Ulster settlers. During the siege of Londonderry in 1689 it was a ship named Mountjoy who broke through the barriers to relieve the distressed people inside the city walls. The village of Mount Joy in Penn. claims it was named after the ship.

Before Donegal was established in 1722, Robert and sons Robert and James were listed as inhabitants of this area. Therefore it is possible that Robert with wife Jennet had a brother James, who is not identified, and his father passed away before 1722. There supposedly is a Chester County record that lists a Robert McFarland, Indian trader, in 1719. I have not found that record personally, so cannot verify its accuracy. He is not listed as a trader in other records I have read. On the first tax lists in 1722 for Donegal township only one Robert is listed. Just recently discovered is a Joseph McFarland who was married to Catherine who died in 1750 in Cumberland Co. PA. No more is known, however he could be a brother of Robert who died in 1751.

Robert McFarlan acquired legal title to 286 acres in Donegal township in 1739. His survey is found in patent Book A9, p. 110, 111.

Below is the gist of the document:

Pennsylvania Patent Book A9, p. 110, 111. FHL microfilm #1028831

Transcribed and edited by Mary Helen Haines

Patent to Robt McFarlan
John Penn Thomas Penn and Richard Penn
Esquires true and absolute Proprietaries and Governors in Chief
of the Province of Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle Kent
and Sussex on Delaware. To all unto whom these presents
shall come Greeting Whereas in pursuance and by virtue
of a Warrant under the Seal of our Land Office bearing Date
the third day of May last past there was surveyed and laid
out on the eleventh Day of the same month unto__
Robert MacFarlan of the County of Lancaster a certain Tract
of Land situate in Donegal Township in the said County__
Begining at a post by little Shickaselungo Creek in a Line of
Andrew Mayes’s Land and extending thence by the
same. North fifty Degrees West twenty eight Perches to a
Hickery Tree and North fifteen Degrees east fifty Perches
to a Hickery Tree thence by Land of Hugh White North
West by West two hundred Perches to a Hickery Tree thence
by vacant Land South sixty Degrees West one hundred forty
four Perches to a white Oak and South thirty Degrees West….
containing two hundred and eighty six acres and the allowance of six acres ---
for roads and Highways….
in Consideration of the Sum of forty four pounds six
shillings lawful Money of Pennsylvania to our ….
Affixed at Philadelphia this Tenth Day of October in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
thirty nine the thirteenth Year of the reign of King
George the Second over Great Britain and the twenty second Year
of our Government Tho: Penn---Seal---Recorded October16th, 1739

He was sworn in on grand juries for Lancaster County on May 1, 1733 (Robert Mcffairlamb), May 6, 1735 (Robert Mcfarlan), and August 2, 1737 (Robert Mcffarlam) in the Quarter Abstracts Book #1, 1729 to 1742. The last could be his son.

In June 17, 1751 arrangements are made by all the children to transfer Robert Sr.' title to his son James. John was already in Virginia, Robert Jr. was living on 206 acres next to Robert Sr. Joseph was alive, but not in Lancaster Co. However, it is likely that the Joseph McFarland in Bucks Co. is the missing son. The tax list for 1751 lists Robert and James McFarland. Rebecca and Rachel are alive and married. Son James dies the next year and his wife Margaret marries Thomas Clingan and they end up living on the land it seems. Robert Jr. and his wife Esther sells his 206 acres to Ludwick Lyndemote in 1752, and move to Cumberland Co PA (now Franklin Co.). In the 1757 tax list, Thomas Clingan is next to Ludwick Lyndemote.

Below is the transcription made by Mary Helen Haines of the will filed by Samuel Scott and Arthur Patterson, that reflected the desires expressed by Robert McFarland five years prior to this time in 1752.

Robert McFarland, Sr. Will Book I, pp. 340-341, FHL microfilm #21358

Robert McFarland, deceased. Lancaster County. Samuel Scott and Arther Patterson both of the township of Rapho in the County of Lancaster came this day before me and made oath that Robert McFarland late of Donegal township in the said County deceased having in his lifetime about five years ago sent for these deponents to advise with and assist him in settling his affairs, being then in a sick and weak condition, he then requested this deponent Samuel Scott to write his will, and expressed himself to the said Samuel Scott and Arther Patterson, to this or the like effect, viz, That his son James had joined with him in taking up the land he lived upon and in the improving it, and in all the charges thereon and paying the propriotories, but that to save the charge of two pattents, the whole was taken in a pattent to him the said Robert and that he had not conveyed his son James’s moiety or half part to him, and on consulting with these deponents what should be done, they advised him not to divide the land, but by his will to give his moiety likewise to his said son James, and charge it with the payment of what he thought it was worth to his other children allowing to him his equal share, to which he consented. Being unwilling to have the tract divided, and thereupon desired this deponent Samuel Scott to proceed to draw his will accordingly and gave his moiety of the whole tract to his son James. Charged with yc payment of one hundred and fifty pounds to his other children and allowing twenty pounds to his son James as his share thereof, which, which said will was then drawn and duly executed in substance as above declared and these deponents further say that the said Robert Mcfarland recovered that indisposition, but never expressed any inclination to them to alter that will_

Sworn at Lancaster the 25th day of Saml Scott
March 1752 Before Tho. Cookson Arthur Patterson

Robert McFarland's burial site is not known. While one person listed it as being in the Presbyterian Donegal church burial grounds, the records for that site do not have him there. I checked with the person who put him there on Find-a-Grave, and found out that he had no factual reason for including him there.

Concerning the parents of this Robert:
Some sources believe that Robert and Jennet came from Scotland and have found some parish marriage records in Scotland that they link to Robert of Lancaster; however, no proof has been offered to connect our Robert's line to the Scottish Roberts. If there could be one birth in Scotland, say John's birth, that fit with Robert and Jennet, then a case could be made. However, that has not been found.

These are the Scottish records for a Robert and a Jannet: These records are available through www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk which is a paid site.

Robert MCFARLANE (M).................. M: 7 Nov 1708 Ba: M114992
Spouse: Jannet MCFARLANE Luss, Dunbarton, Scotland So: 1041998
Then there is a possible birth record for Robert:
Robert MCFARLANE (M).................. C: 26 Jan 1680 Ba: C113972
Father: John MCFARLANE Tulliallan, Perth, Scotland So: 1040141
Mother: Jannet HORN
However, a subsequent search of birth records for a John, born to these parents in the possible time frame to fit our family has shown nothing. The only child that shows up born to these parents is a Duncan McFarlane, born April 14, 1706 to Robert McFarlane and Jannet McFarlane of Luss, which appears to be the couple above that married in 1708. I looked also for a death record for Robert McFarlane from this area. There are MANY Robert McFarlanes that died in Scotland. The only Robert, son of John, that I found who died in the Dunbarton area was one Robert from Arrochar who died, or was buried Feb. 11, 1711.

This search has left me more convinced that our line of Robert and Jannet came from Ireland, not Scotland. Also, an autobiography written by John Wilkins, son of John Wilkins and Rachel McFarland, he mentions his mother's family as being from Ireland. I also am not convinced that Jennet is the mother of all the children. Naming patterns really favor a Rachel.

Older Notes from the McFarland genealogy website of Gary Morris:

----- NOTES FOR Robert McFARLAND:
IMMIGRATION: 1719-1722 PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County, Donegal Township. 1719
immigration to Chester County, Pennsylvania. On record in 1722 in Donegal
Township: Robert McFarland and sons Robert and James (Presbyterian). Also
families recorded were: Robert Wilkins and his sons Thomas, William, Peter, and
John; Gordon Howard and his sons Thomas and Joseph; Hugh, Henry and Moses White.
Came from lands west of River Foyle (Tyrone County?), Ireland. SOURCE: "Scotch
Irish Pioneers in Ulster and America" by Charles Knowles Bolton 1910. Page 271.
COMMENT: Concerning the 1722 record in Donegal Township. Why does this list
Robert and sons Robert and James. Robert who died 1752 would have had sons John,
age about 14, James age about 12, Joseph about 10, and Robert age about 5. Does
this record mean that Robert (died 1752) is listed with father Robert, and
brother James (who moved to Pennsboro, Cumberland County ???
BAPTISM: 1720 PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia County, First Presbyterian Church of
Philadelphia. Rebekah McFarland, 14 Apr 1720, daughter of Robert and Jennet
McFarland. SOURCE: Records of First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia
"Pennsylvania Vital Records"; 1983; Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore,
Maryland; Vol I.
TAXLIST: 1724 PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County, Donegal Township. Robert
McFarlan. Lived next to Hugh White, William Hay, John Taylor, William Maybee,
Ephraim Moore, Thomas Ballie. SOURCE: INTERNET, USGENWEB, Pennsylvania.
TAXLIST: 1724-1726 PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County, Donegal Township. 1724
Robert M'Farlan Donnegall 1/6. 1725 Robt MacFarlan Donnegall 2/0. 1726 Robert
McFarlan Donegall 2/0. (Note: this record is an index: does not show
neighbors). SOURCE: Chester County Tax Lists 1718-1726 (LDS Microfilm 383296).
PLACE: Donegal Township formed from a portion of Conestoga Township, Lancaster
County in 1723.
QUESTION: Concerning the Robert McFarland of Lancaster County. The IGI and
Ancestral File at FHC suggest him and wife born in Dunbarton, Scotland. THIS IS
INCORRECT.
RESIDENCE: 1729 PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County, Northern part. John McFarland
and Robert McFarland (adjacent) signed petition in 1729 that another county be
formed from the Northern Part of Chester (that part now Lancaster). Appears in
a book on the John McFarland family of Lancaster/Dauphin County.
LAND: 1733 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Donegal Township. Robert Donegal
Township 1733. SOURCE: Land Warrants Chester & Lancaster County, PA (FHC
microfilm 1003197). In book of Walter McFarland.
DEATH: Died sometime during late 1749 or 1750. Mentioned in THE MYTH OF SIR
JOHN MACFARLANE 1997,1998 by James A. McFarland (C)ole Creek Productions, Inc.
Tulsa, OK, copy at Houston Public Library (Clayton Branch).
TAXLIST: 1751 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Donegal Township: James and
Robert McFarland. Living Next to Christian Marlin, Philip Branard, James Mayes,
James Plank, Widow McClure, William Petters, Charles Glap, Michael McClellan, and
Michael Gross. Also listed in Donegal Township were Gordon Howard, Thomas
Howard, Joseph Howard and Lenard May. SOURCE: Pennsylvania Traveler (Magazine)
Vol 1 No. 2 1965 Found at Bellingham Public Library.
LAND: 1751 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Donegal Township. From children
of Robert McFarland of Donegal Township, dec'd, June 17, 1751, release to James
McFarland, for 286 acres in Donegal Township., being a patent dated 10 Oct 1739
of 268 acres to Robert Mcfarland on Little Schickaselungo Creek, adjacent to
Andrew Mayes and Hugh White; Since Robert the father failed to insert name of
James McFarlan for one moiety, the land described to all his children equally:
release by eldest son John, with other children, being, Joseph, Robert, Rachel
(wife of Gordon Howard), Rebecca (wife of Andrew Mayes), and they are willing in
justice to convey the proper moiety to their brother James McFarland; witnesses,
John Wilson, James Bickham, Josiah Jackson. SOURCE: Lancaster County DEED BOOK
C, page 95. Lancaster County Deed Abstracts 1729-1770 (LDS Fiche 6049244).
PROBATE: 1752 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Rapho Township. WILL OF Robert
McFarland Probated March 25, 1752. Executors Samuel Scott and Arthur Patterson.
Rapho Township. Children: James (there were other names & numbers not given).
SOURCE: Lancaster County Abstracts of Wills 1721-1820. FHC microfilm #383292.
COURT: 1752 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Rapho Township. Robert McFarland
decd, about Sept 1752 (Page 84). Jas. McFarland, second son of Robert McFarland,
deceased; page 348, Undated Will of Robert McFarland of Rapho township, probated
25 March 1752, named as executors Samuel Scott and Arthur Patterson. Only child
named was James Mc Farland, Will Book I-1, 340:1752. Page 350, Application of
Jannet McFarland, widowed mother of James McFarland (and mentions James
McFarland, nephew of said James McFarland, deceased). SOURCE: Orphans Court
Records of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania Vital Records"; 1983;
Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, Maryland; Vol I.
LAND: 1757 PENNSYLVANIA, Lancaster County, Donegal Township. Robert McFarland
of Bedford County, VA, June 1757, release to Thomas Clingan of Donegal Township
143 pounds l/2 moiety of 286 acres Donegal Township. Patent 10 Oct 1739 to
Robert McFarland of Lancaster, adjoining land owners: late of Andrew Mayes, Hugh
White, on Little Checkisalungo Creek, yet James McFarland, late of Donnegal, had
advanced half of the original purchase money and right to half of the estate and
Robert McFarland died leaving 3 sons and 2 daughters: John, Joseph, Robert,
Rachel, wife of Gordon Howard, Rebecca, wife of Andrew Mayes, and their heirs.
19 June 1751 released to James McFarland. James McFarland died and in Will
devised half of the 286 acres to James McFarland, the younger subject to 10
pounds to be paid to support Jennet McFarland, widow of Robert, deceased, during
her life. Margaret McFarland, widow of James, deceased, and now wife of Thomas
Clingan. James McFarland Jr. likewise died, intestate without issue and half
money went to Robert McFarland, his oldest brother. SOURCE: Lancaster County
Deed Abstracts 1729-1770 (LDS Fiche 6049244). Deed Book D, page 415.
LINKS: He must be the brother of Margaret McFarland of Chester County, PA (who
married Abraham Scott). When Robert's will was probated, Samuel Scott and Arthur
Patterson were executors. These must be the child and son in law of Margaret.
QUESTIONABLE LINK: Have not fully verified that Robert who settled in Donegal,
Lancaster County, PA is the brother of James of Cumberland County. So far, much
of the evidence would suggest so.
LINKS: Internet, Family Tree Maker User Home Pages: Hugh White, born about
1671 in Ireland, died 1741 Chester Co, PA. Children: Hugh, John, Henry, Moses
(b.Ireland, d. 1757 Rapho Twp, Lancaster, PA. md [1] Elizabeth Cochran, and [2]
Mary Campbell, b. ca 1700). Children moved to North and South Carolina.
BOOK: THE MYTH OF SIR JOHN MACFARLANE 1997,1998 by James A. McFarland (C)ole
Creek Productions, Inc. Tulsa, OK, copy at Houston Public Library (Clayton
Branch). This book explains in expicit detail the false claims of a Scottish
origin for Robert McFarland, and goes on to give details of the Bedford County,
Virginia branch (son John McFarland).
RESEARCHER-EMAIL: Tom Caulley, of O'Fallen, MO, found on Internet May 1997
(EMail tcaulley@mail.win.org), in Lancaster County, PA Queeries. Researching
Robert McFarland who died Lancaster County in 1752. Also Robert Wilkins who died
1765 Lancaster County (Wilkins had wife, Elizabeth Ross). Also, John H.
Kirkpatrick born Scotland 1741.
RESEARCHER-EMAIL: James A. McFarland at macroute@juno.com Has documented
most every aspect of this family, and that of John and Mary Montgomery McFarland.
Writing a history on his side of the family.

===CHILDREN of Robert McFARLAND and Janet _____

+ 2 John McFARLAND b 1706/1708 Ireland. M Mary MONTGOMERY.
+ 3 James McFARLAND b abt 1710 Ireland. M Margaret GREER.
+ 4 Rachel McFARLAND b abt 1713 Ireland. M (1) John
WILKINS. M (2) John RAMSEY. M (3) Gordon HOWARD.
+ 5 Joseph McFARLAND b abt 1715 Ireland.
+ 6 Robert McFARLAND b abt 1717 Ireland. M Esther DUNN.
+ 7 Rebecca McFARLAND b 14 Apr 1720 Philadelphia,
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. M (1) Andrew MAYE
M (2) Samuel McELHENNY.

Robert married Jennet about 1705 in Ireland. was born about 1690 in Ireland; died after 1752. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Could the mother of these children be named Rachel and Jennet is a second wife?

Following the naming patterns, a son would name his 2nd daughter after his mother, and a daughter would name her first daugther after her mother.

So:
John's 2nd daughter is named Rachel
Rachel's 1st daughter is named Rachel
Joseph only has one daughter that was alive at his death and she is named Rachel
Robert's 2nd daughter is named Martha, so he does not fit
Rebecca's 1st daughter is named Mary, and second daughter is named Rachel

It is very odd that none of the children name any of their daughters Jennet, or Janet, or any variation

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: unknown Mcfarland BY7792
• Name: unknown McFarland\McFarlane BY7792
• Name: unknown McFarlane\McFarland BY7792