Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1910, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA
• _MILT: Between 1918 and 1919, New Mexico to France

Notes:

From Lola's Book, p. 102:
JAMES ROBERT MCFARLAND married Lyle KEAN. He was born Nov. 27, 1886 in the new house north of Ladonia. When he was eight years old he went to school to Miss Ella Wise. He got his foot cought in the benches in the school room. He went for tow months in Ladonia to Miss Maggie Wise and then came back to Woods School house until the family moved to town. His teachers were Mr. Nat White and Mr. Neeley Holt. An outstanding production was a play called "Out in the Cold.", starring his girl friend, Ira Newbury and his little sister was the poor little child wrapped in an old shawl. He also had his sister Bettie for a teacher in the old school house. In 1902 the family moved to Ladonia and Jim was a pupil in the Ladonia High School with Prof. Briles, the superintendent. He entered T.C.U. at Waco in 1906. During this time, he wrote to his father, to William Jennings Bryan and to President Theodore Roosevelt and asked them for advise as to how their lives had been successful. Br. Bryan wrote to him and quoted tohim form the Scriptures, "Love the Lord Thy God, and thy neighbor as thyself: and from Shakespeare, "To thine own self be true and thou canst not then be false to any man." It is no wonder that he became and remained a staunch Democrat after that notice from the "Silver" tongued Mr. Bryan. He graduated in 1909 from TCU in Waco, majoring in Science and Philosophy. During the school years, he baled hay on the farm and worked in his Uncle Bose's store. In 1911, he became book keeper for the First State Bank at $35 per onth. Jan. 1912 he was promoted to Asst. Cashier at $65. Jan. 1913, he was promoted to cashier at $125 per month and his brother-in-law Edgar Fuller was made assistant cashier. In May 1918 he entered the service of his country and trained at Demming, New Mexico. From there to Fort Dix and over seas from Oct. 12 to July 4, 1919, with the 109 Supply Train, 34th Div. Hdq. Detachment. At Christmas 1918 he and his brother Lt. Gordon McFarland met in Paris, France and lived to tell interesting stories about that occasion. When he returned from the service, he went to the Desdemona Oil Fields and while there he married Lyle Kean of Ladonia, Dec. 27, 1919. While he was overseas the home in Ladonia burned and his sisters, Lola and Tennie were married. June 1920 he and Lyle moved to Dallas where he was vice-president and general manager of the Dallas Storage and Warehouse. His daughter, Nance Marie was born May 11, 1923. In 1926 he traded the interest int he warehuse for apartments, and in 1927 he went to Ladonia and reorganized the Ladonia State Bank. The bank was closed in 1929 and was reopened in 1930 as the Farmers and Merchants State Bank. He worked on the liquidation. During this time the bank was held up by "Mch. Gun" Kelley, a notorious bandit and robber."

From John Allen McFarland's So Tales, 1971, comes this story about the bank robbery:
LXII.
BROTHER JIM AND THE BANK ROBBER
I was Postmaster at Ladonia at the time of this incident. The Post Office was directly across from the back door of the First State Bank. About eleven o'clock, I heard what I thought was a car backfiring several times. I had seen Brother Jim go in the back door of the bank just a very few minutes before. Soon I saw Harvey Bailey come out of the back door with two girls who worked in the bank and made them get in the back seat of his car parked at the door. Another man (later known as Machine Gun Kelly) ran and got in the back seat with the girls with his machine gun across his lap. I got really scared as I felt sure that with all that shooting, Jim was certain to have been shot or killed. I rushed across the street and into the bank. There stood Jim laughing with a bunch of men gathered around him. He was reporting his conversation with the robber who had commanded him to lie flat on the floor on his stomach. Well, it was funny since no one was hurt, for Jim's stomach was so large that he could not lie on it and touch the floor with his head and his toes at the same time. He said that every time the guy punched him with his gun and told him to get his head on the floor he would try to obey him, but his feet would fly up. The robber got about $14,000 but no other damage was done.

Back to Lola's manuscript:
"In Sept. 1931 they moved to Lubbock, whee he sold life insurance and cattle. In 1934 he came to Dallas with the Travelers Insurance Co. He bought ten head of holstein heifers from which he has realized a good income. in 1955 they moved to 6910 Rorthridge. He has been a faithful member of the East dallas Christian Church and Slayter Bible Class. He visits the ill, attends the funeral of his friends, and looks after his brothers and sisters in many thoughtful ways. He was probably his mothers favorite, because he asked her why if he was named "Jim" for his father, was he not named "Mary Jane" for her."

Obituary from Dallas paper: "James R. McFarland, 83, of 6910 Northridge, a retired insurance agent for the Travelers Insurance Co., died here Monday. (July 27, 1970) Born near Ladonia, Fannin County, McFarland had lived in Dallas since 1934 and previously had lived in Ladonia and Lubbock. He was graduated from Tecas Christian University when the school was in Waco. An Army veteran of World War I, he became vice-president of the First State Bank of Ladonia in 1919. In 1934, he began working for the insurance company upon moving to Dallas. He was a Shriner and took his Scottish Rite degree in 1912. He was a member of the Ladonia Masonic Bethel Lodge. He was also a member of the East Dallas Christian Church, where he was a deacon and a member of the Slayter Men's Bibil Class. Survivors: Wife; a daughter, Mrs. C. Jack Wilson, of Dallas; a brother, John A. McFarland of Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Joe M. Hill of Dallas and Mrs. w. P. Jennings of Lubbock, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Restland Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Ladonia Cemetery, Ladonia.

There are a couple of important stories about Uncle Jim. One is that when the stock market crash occured in 1929, and everyone was making a run on the bank, Jim was unwilling to let everyone lose their savings, and so covered their money with his personal money, which depleted his position as well. Also the bank was hit by the famous bank robber, Pretty Boy Floyd, while he was working there.

From the Ladonia paper: "Funeral services at 11:30 o'clock Wednesday morning were to be held in Restland Funeral Chapel with Dr. Patrick Henry and Dr. Sloan Gentry officiants....Named as honorary pallbearers were Ebb Bartley, Bill Wilson, William Clements, Walter Campbell, Sam Wiley Cunningham, J.C. Owens, J.D. Fortner and James E. Fuller."
Obituary from Dallas paper: "James R. McFarland, 83, of 6910 Northridge, a retired insurance agent for the Travelers Insurance Co., died here Monday. (July 27, 1970) Born near Ladonia, Fannin County, McFarland had lived in Dallas since 1934 and previously had lived in Ladonia and lubbock. He was graduated from Tecas Christian University when the school was in Waco. An Army veteran of World War I, he became vice-president of the First State Bank of Ladonia in 1919. In 1934, he began working for the insurance company upon moving to Dallas. He was a Shriner and took his Scottish Rite degree in 1912. He was a member of the Ladonia Masonic Bethel Lodge. He was also a member of the East Dallas Christian Church, where he was a deacon and a memeber of the Slayter Men's bibile Class. Survivors: Wife; a daughter, Mrs. C. Jack Wilson, of Dallas; a brother, John A. McFarland of Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Joe M. Hill of Dallas and Mrs. w. P. Jennings of Lubbock, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in restland Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Ladonia Cemetery, Ladonia.

There are a couple of important stories about Uncle Jim. One is that when the stock market crash occured in 1929, and everyone was making a run on the bank, Jim was unwilling to let everyone lose their savings, and so covered their money with his personal money, which depleted his position as well. Also the bank was hit by the famous bank robber, Pretty Boy Floyd, while he was working there.

From the Ladonia paper: "Funeral services at 11:30 o'clock Wednesday morning were to be held in Restland Funeral Chapel with Dr. Patrick Henry and Dr. Sloan Gentry officiants....Named as honorary pallbearers were Ebb Bartley, Bill Wilson, William Clements, water Campbell, Sam Wiley Cunningham, J.C. owens, J.D. Fortner and James E. Fuller."

James married Lyle Viola Kean on 27 Dec 1919 in Ladonia, Texas. Lyle was born on 30 Jun 1892 in Ladonia, Fannin Co., Texas; died on 24 May 1985 in Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas; was buried in McFarland Lot in the Ladonia Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Nance Marie McFarland was born on 11 May 1923 in Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA; died on 24 Jun 2018 in Waxahachie, Ellis Co., TX.

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Fannin County, Texas
• _MILT: 1839-40
• _MILT: 1838, 1st Lieutenant for Republic of Texas at Fort Decalb under Capt. Isaac Lyday, paid $180.
• _MILT: 1841
• Residence: 1845, No Township Listed, Fannin County, TX
• Possessions: 21 Nov 1845, Patents #520, #521-320 acres each in Fannin Co., 2nd class grant-File 115, certificate #73: bought 640 acres from Reuben Brown Nov. 4, 1845
• Residence: 1850, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Religion: 1853, Flag Springs church organized by Methodists and Baptists
• Religion: 1853; Flag Springs church organized by Methodists and Baptists
• Residence: 1860, Beat 4, Fannin, Texas
• _MILT: Between 6 Jul 1861 and 1865, private in Texas State Brigade, 14th Regiment, Capt. John W. Piner 1st Co., Gen. S.A.Roberts, then Co. K, 2nd Reg't Cav. of Texas State Troops, and Chamber's Batt'l of Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA
• _MILT: Between 6 Jul 1861 and 1865
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, United States
• Religion: Jul 1879, Charter member of Oak Ridge Church of Christ
• Religion: Jul 1879; Charter member of Oak Ridge Church of Christ
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 5, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Memory of Mary Arabella McFarland Jennings about her grandfather: "I was under five years old when my grandfather died, but I remember his driving to our house in a new buggy-he must have been ill at the time, for he was very pale-I thought of him as a kind and generous grandfather-he gave us children candy-a rare treat.

Property: Although Jackson was awarded 640 acres from the Republic of Texas (Patents #520, and 521), he actually lived on the 640 acres bought from Reuben Brown.
Patent #520 was 320 acres of land adjacent to Jonathan S. Hobby (Hobbs?) and was dated Nov. 21, 1845, from abstract #11347.
Patent #521 was 320 acres of land beginning on Daniel Davis's southeast corner and Hobbs on east side.

Military Service during the Republic:
Fort Decalb Nov. 29, 1838. This is to certify that Jackson McFarland has served as a Volunteer in the Service of the Republic of Texas for the term of three months at said Fort and is hereby honorably discharged from saidd service and is entitled to all the pay and endowments (?) for such service.
Isaac Lyday Capt. Jno. H. Dyer Brig.

Military Service during Civil War:
In Johnny Rebs of Hunt Co. Texas, by Frances Terry Ingmire, 1977, p. 24, transcribed the document signed by A.E. Pace Brig. Gen. of the Texas State Troops the Jackson McFarland Jr. (?) was elected as 2nd Lieut. for Beat 4, of Fannin Co. on April 15, 1862 in the 14th Brigade. According to own personal records that are now lodged at the Barker Museum in Austin, Texas, Jackson was also part of Chamber's Battalion of the Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA. Papers in the National Archives show him as being sent home to Fannin County in August, 1864 to thresh grain for 60 days. This corresponds to paperwork in his possession. He is also part of Wm. Dulany's Company, who was the Captain of Co. K, of the 2nd Reg't. Cavalry of the Texas State Troops. He also joined the Masonic Order, Bethel Lodge #134, in Ladonia.

Fannin Co. Court House Record: Box 16 Case #532
(the handwriting is hard to decipher)
Transcription as best I can interpret:

Filed March 3rd, 1870
The State of Texas In County Court Fannin County ...Feby 7, 1870
To the Hon. F. D. Piner, County Judge in and for said County,

Your petitioner Jackson McFarland, a resident of your County, has to state that sometime in the year 1866, he was appointed guardian of the person's and estates of the minors Peter and Angeline MacFarlane ( free persons of color,) formerly his slaves - That now, said minors are of an age, now 14 years of age, that they are able to earn a living and to take care of themselves - that they are not easily managed and controlled - that they have been until recently satisfied and controllable, and that they have been well clothed and fed and cared for - but, under the circumstances, your petitioner asked to be discharged from further trust and liability as such guardian, and as in duty bound will ..(? Cannot decipher last few words)
Jackson McFarland
F.D. Piner
County Judge
Property: Although Jackson was awarded 640 acres from the Republic of Texas, he actually lived on the 640 acres bought from Reuben Brown. In Johnny Rebs of Hunt Co. Texas, by Frances Terry Ingmire, 1977, p. 24, transcribed the document signed by A.E. Pace Brig. Gen. of the Texas State Troops the Jackson McFarland Jr. (?) was elected as 2nd Lieut. for Beat 4, of Fannin Co. on April 15, 1862 in the 14th Brigade. According to own personal records that are now lodged at the Barker Museum in Austin, Texas, Jackson was also part of Chamber's Battalion of the Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA. Papers in the National Archives show him as being sent home to Fannin County in August, 1864 to thresh grain for 60 days. This corresponds to paperwork in his possession. He is also part of Wm. Dulany's Company, who was the Captain of Co. K, of the 2nd Reg't. Cavalry of the Texas State Troops. He also joined the Masonic Order, Bethel Lodge #134, in Ladonia.

Andrew married Artemissa Pence on 7 Jul 1845 in Fannin Co., Texas, according to Ingmire source. Artemissa was born on 2 Mar 1829 in near the Sinking R., Breckenridge Co., Kentucky; died on 6 Jul 1907 in Fannin Co. Texas; was buried in McFarland Cemetery 3 miles north of Ladonia, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Precinct 5, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Memory of Mary Arabella McFarland Jennings about her grandmother: "Grandmother McF. impressed me as kind of an iron woman, ready to defend her own against any odds. When Minta and I spent the summer with her and attended school at Oak Ridge we had potatoes boiled with the jacket on every night for supper-and loved it. I thought she was a beautiful woman-erect posture and wavey black hair."

Artemissa's name is also spelled Artimissa by other descendants. However, on documents from the time period, it is spelled with an "e."

Memory from a letter from Bose McFarland to Lola McF. Hill, dated Jan. 29, 1967: "I remember Great-grand-ma-ma (Artemissa) when she was living with Aunt Jane Cunningham. She smoked a little clay pipe. And one day she showed me about twenty or thirty pennies; that were beginning to turn green, that she kept in a small tobacco sack."

In 1890: P.O. was Ladonia, and she had 1196 acres in cultivation.

In 1893 she must have been living with son Bose and his wife Sude, because she received letters from her sisters and they were always asking about them and Willie and the baby.

Below is the transcription of her obituary made by Lola McFarland, her granddaughter.

GONE HOME _ ARTEMISSA PENCE MCFARLAND
--- Ladonia News, July 1906
Saturday, July 6, the spirit of Grandma McFarland went home to
God. Aged 81 years . four months, and four days, Mrs. Artemissa McFarland
was born at Land Of Sinking, Ky., March 2, 1829. When a young
girl she moved with her parents to Texas, settling in Fannin county.
In July 1845, she married Jackson McFarland, one of the pioneers of
this country, who preceded her almost a quarter of a century ago.
Mrs. McFarland leaves five children, four sons and one
daughter, over thirty grandchildren and over twenty great grandchild-
ren and a great host of friends to mourn her loss.

Coming to this country when Texas was a republic, she spent the
early days of her life amid scenes which were as full fo exciting and
thrilling as they were of inconvenience and self-denial.

None but the few remaining pioneers of this country can adequate-
ly appreciate the hardships that were undergone by those who settled
here in an early day and transformed a wilderness into a cultured,
Christian communities. Without commercial, educational or Christian
opportunities, they toiled and denied themselves these pleasure that
rising generations might enjoy the products of their frugality.
Grandma McFarland was one of this number. She lived to see her desc-
endants to the third generations enter into and enjoy the fruits of the
struggles of herself and her frontier neighbors.

She was the product of those days and conditions when society
was free from artificialities, when friendships were genuine, and
life was delightfully simple and real. I am told by friends who knew
her well that she was a woman of strong, positive convictions; one
who viewed life from a practical, business standpoint;. Industrious
and frugal, she lived a quiet, unassuming life. She was a devout
Christian, but her church life, like her social living was free from
ostentation. Her life was the constant expression of her faith in
God.

Dear old faithful mother! She now rests from the eighty years
but the gentle influence, which, by a constant life, was set in mo-
tion shall live on in the hearts of others long after the frail body
has returned to dust. To sorrowing children and friends we would say:
Trust the same God that brought her a good old age and in whom she be-
lieved.

In a lonely graveyard, Not very far away,
Lies a dear old mother, 'Neath the cold, cold clay.
Memories oft returning of her tears and sighs;
If you love your mother, meet her in the skies.

Now the old home, vacant , Has no charms for you,
One dear soul is absent, Mother, kind and true.
Ever more she dwells where pleasure never dies
If you love your mother, meet her in the skies.

Sunday evening a large company of friends followed her remains
to the family cemetery and after services, conducted by Brothers, Lee
and Parker she was laid to rest by the side of her husband.
Patient and gentle in life, she was glorious in death.

A Friend and Brother.

Artemissa's name is also spelled Artimissa by other descendants. However, on documents from the time period, it is spelled with an "e." Excerpt from letter from Bose McFarland to Lola McF. Hill, dated Jan. 29, 1967: "I remember Great-grand-ma-ma (Artemissa) when she was living with Aunt Jane Cunningham. She smoked a llittle clay pipe. And one day she showed me about twenty or thirty pennies; that were beginning to turn green, that she kept in a small tobacco sack."

1890: P.O. was Ladonia, had 1196 acres in cultivation.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Baptist
• Religion: Baptist
• _MILT: Between Sep and Nov 1838
• Possessions: Between 1826 and 1836, St. Francois Co., Missouri
• _MILT: 1838, Volunteer for Republic of Texas at Fort Decalb under Capt. Isaac Lyday
• Possessions: 1845, Land grant of 1280 acres (two sq. miles) near North Sulphur River, two miles north of present-day Ladonia-Patent #264
• Possessions: 1847, Fannin County, Texas; Tax List: shows James with 1180 acres, his patent. A.J. (Jackson) with 1000 acres from 3 patents, and A. (Albert) with 320 acres. Also on the same page is Samuel McF. with 213 acres, not a part of this family.
• Residence: 1850, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1860, Beat 4, Fannin, Texas
• Possessions: 1865, Fannin County, Texas; Tax records shows James with 685 from his patent. Son Newton with 160 from James' patent and Mary McFarland (J.R.'s widow?) with 160 from James' patent.
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines research and notes:

I just bet that James E. stands for James Ewing.

Missouri Records:

Land: Deed Book A: pp. 234-235 Oct. 20, 1826 Elliott Jackson gives to daughter Jane and her husband James McFarland 151 acre tract on the waters of St. Francis River, on northwest corner of James Davis's 400 arpen tract.
On pp. 442-443. James McFarland purchased 340 acres for $960. on northwest corner of Nathaniel Cook's 800 arpen track from Elliott Jackson.

On p. 456 James McF.and wife Jane sells to Ambrose Willliams 225 acres for $650. on Aug. 23, 1831.
On p. 498 James and wife Jane sells to Wm Brewer 170 acres for $500. on Nov. 5. 1832.
On. Oct. 10, 1836 James and wife Jane sells 340 acres of Davis Survey to Samuel P. Harris for $1050 (Twnship 35, section 24, 25, Range 6 east)

Not sure where this record is, but Lola McFarland Hill was informed by the St. Francois County Clerk of a record I missed where on Nov. 1, 1832, Elliott Jackson, as attorney for Rucker Jackson of Hempstead Co. Arkansas sold 170 acres to James McFarland. This is probably in Book A as well. The family probably stopped in Arkansas for a short time before moving on in to Texas in 1837.

Texas:
Credited as a founder, with Daniel Davis, of the Ladonia community. Daniel Davis was the earliest settler, arriving in 1836, therefore receiving a Class 1 land grant. Because of his early death in Nov. 1837, his family sold his land and moved away. James McFarland purchased much of it that connected to his own land grant, and his grandchild James Franklin McFarland's homestead was on Daniel Davis land.

Southwestern Historical Quarterly: History of Fannin County, Texas, 1836-1843, p. 297 is discussing the Indian attack on the home of Daniel Davis in Nov. 1837 "Davis, less fortunate, had one arm broken and received a ball through his breast that killed him instantly. During that night a heavy rain had fallen forcing a scouting party of twelve or fourteen men from Lyday's Fort to seek shelter at the Davis house. This proved a fortunate thing for the remainder of the family, for no sooner had the Indians fired upon the two at the gate than they charged the house. They were swarming over the fences when the rangers opened the door. The sight of their unexpectedly large numbers caused the savages to retire in spite of the fact that the scouts were caught unarmed by the sudden attack and did not fire a shot. The rangers moved the dead man and his family from the scene of the tragedy to James McFarland's place three miles to the eastward, and it was there that Andrew Davis, the son, learned of his father's death, at ten o'clock in the morning, as he was returning fom the fort where he had been sent the night before with an old slave to obtain some hogs."

If this account is accurate, then it might be that Daniel Davis is buried in the McFarland cemetery, and was its first burial.

See "Our McFarland Family's History and Migrations" for more history about the settlement of Texas. More information on land titles, wills, probates, etc. can be found in the document "Land Issues Concerning James McFarland and his Children" written by Mary Helen Haines. Note: in some places his middle initial is shown as an M. This is a typo deriving from the Mc in McFarland, I believe. It is possible that his middle name is Ewing, since this name appears several times in this family.

Patent #264 for 1280 acres. 2nd class grant. February 23, 1845. In the original survey James' land includes the North Sulphur River, but in a survey dating from the 1870s it stops short of the river and two plots that include the river are in the names of a Cunningham and a Fulton.

James makes a few other purchases. In 1847 he buys from Morgan Mullens part of the Rice Smith survey for $9.75. (Book G. p. 368) Then in 1853 he buys land in the Davis Creek area from Allen Tilly. (Book G. p. 442)

In the 1850 census James and Jane are fam. #217 living with James, 17, Wm, 16, Mary Jane, 14, Newton, 10, and Arthur, 5. James land is valued at $1000. Land is valued at approximately $1.00 an acre. Fam. #216 is Anna McF. Etheridge with husband Howard on land valued at $100. Fam. #218 is Sarah McF. Sebastian with husband Elijah on land valued at $30. Jackson is living with his family #221 on land valued at $1500. Living not too far away is John McFarland, James older brother, fam. #229 living with his wife Mary, daughter Eliza and her husband Francois Deguire. Jasper McFarland is fam. #225 living next to Andrew White, Thomas P. Ratton, and John and Nancy Pence (Artemissa's father and mother). Jasper's land is only worth $89. Cintha A. McF. Tucker is living with husband James C. Tucker, but they have no land. Fam. #176 is Rebecca McF. and husband Hezekiah Blankenship, with no land, living next to Albert, fam. #175 who has land valued at $240.

Unaccounted for is John Ewing McFarland. On July 7, 1845 James and Jane appear at the Fannin County court to claim a land certificate for 640 acres in the name of their deceased son, John Ewing McFarland. They are issued certificate #152- a 2nd class headright. I assume he is the McFarland son who died in the Indian raid that led to the establishment of the McFarland cemetery. James and Jane hold on to this certificate until February, 1871 when they sell it to O.P. Richardson for $320.00, or .50 cents an acre. The document reads "the land certificate issued by the Board of land Commissioners of Fannin Co. to our deceased legitimate son John Ewing McFarland." (Book T, p. 199). When this land was finally surveyed in 1874, it was located in Hunt County along the Caddo Fork of the Sabine River, near present day Caddo Mills. In 1875 the formal land grants, #636 and #637, were issued by the State of Texas to the Heirs of John Ewing McFarland. (certified copies of both documents)

James then proceeds to give grants to his daughters and sons-in-law. In 1853 he gives Mary Jane and her husband Wm. R. Terry 130 acres of land from Daniel Davis survey, and Allen Tilley purchase. (Deed Book G, p. 444) He gives Elijah Sebastian, his son-in-law, and his daughter Sarah, a deed of 44 acres, July 28, 1855 (Book L, p. 84.) Hezekiah Blankenship dies in 1852, leaving Rebecca a widow and Jackson McFarland is the executor of his estate (Box 3, Case #114).

In the 1860 census, James and Jane are fam. #598 living with Newton and Arthur R. on land valued at $4000, with personal property valued at $2000. Fam. #598 is L. Cunningham, married to Mary Jane McF. Cunningham, who has already buried 2 husbands. They are living on land valued at $300, personal property at $600. Fam. #599 is Elijah Sebastian and Sarah McF. with land valued at $400 and personal property at $200. The Moses Cunningham and John Hulsey families have moved in and bought big chunks of land near by. Jackson is Fam. #586 on land valued at $3000, with personal property of $2000.

James and Jane sell 200 acres of their headright to son Newton McFarland for $100 on May 23, 1870. Deed Book T, p. 275

Starting in May, 1870, filed for record Oct. 27, 1871, In Deed Book U, pp. 50, 51, 52
All three documents are the conveyance of land titles to Anna Ethridge, Sarah Sebastian and Arthur McFarland. It seems that James and Jane McFarland wanted to disperse most of their land to their children while they were still alive, knowing that they would not be living much longer.
Sarah is given 156 acres, Anna is given 160 acres, Sarah gives to Arthur 44 acres that she had been given previously in 1855 (part of Rice Smith survey).

Location must have been in Missouri, judging from the birth locations of his brother John's children. The trip from North Carolina must have taken place in 1814 and arrived by 1815. There is no record of this marriage in the Ste. Genevieve, nor the later St. Francois county records.

James married Jane Jackson on 1 Dec 1816 in Ste. Genevieve Co., Missouri. Jane was born on 5 Feb 1801 in Scott Co., Kentucky; died on 14 May 1872 in Fannin Co., Texas; was buried in McFarland Cemetery 3 miles north of Ladonia, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Location must have been in Missouri, judging from the birth locations of his brother John's children. The trip from North Carolina must have taken place in 1814 and arrived by 1815. There is no record of this marriage in the Ste. Genevieve, nor the later St. Francois county records.