Nicholas married Rachel Hunter on 23 Jun 1793 in Rutherford Co., NC. Rachel (daughter of James Hunter and Mary McFarland) was born on 30 Nov 1774 in Guilford Co., N.C.; died on 23 Aug 1863 in Rockingham, North Carolina; was buried in Hunter Cemetery, Madison, Rockingham Co., NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1840, Rockingham, North Carolina, United States
• Residence: 1860, Northern Division, Rockingham, North Carolina, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Possessions: Between 1761 and 1763, Bedford Co., now Appomattox Co. VA; Alexander Hunter sold 239, then 350 acres to James Hunter on Branches of Wreck Island Creek. (Bedford DB 1, pp. 494, DB 2, p.207)
• Possessions: 1779, Guilford (now Rockingham) Co., North Carolina; North Carolina sale of 400 acres on both sides of Beaver Island Creek to James Hunter (Guilford DB 2, p. 160)
• Residence: 1800, Salisbury, Rockingham, North Carolina
• Residence: 1820, Rockingham, North Carolina, United States

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Recently saw that Mary McFarland Hunter was born Sept 7, 1763 (not 1768) in Campbell Co. VA. Actually that would have been Bedford Co. at the time. There is a large gap between her birth in 1763 and the rest of the children. Something is not complete here.

There is conflicting reports in the history of James and Mary McFarland Hunter. I am offering the information I have found, but DO NOT KNOW for certain that this Mary McFarland of John and Mary Montgomery is tied to this James Hunter. It does seem that there are two James Hunters, and there could be two Mary McFarlands.

While many say that Mary McFarland who married James Hunter, did so in Bedford Co. others say it took place in North or South Carolina (see article below). Many say that Mary is the sister of Rachel McFarland who married John Hunter and the daughter of John and Mary Montgomery McFarland. From the records below, it would seem that James Hunter was living in Bedford in 1763.

The John Hunter who lived in Guilford Co. appears to be the uncle of this James Hunter.

James Hunter records in Bedford Co. VA:

Deed Book 1, p. 494, 1761. Alexander Hunter to James Hunter, 239 acres on south branch of Wreck Is. Creek.

Deed Book 2, p. 207, Feb. 16 1763. Alexander Hunter to James Hunter, 350 acres on branch of Wreck Island Creek south side of Fluvanna River, bounded by John Hunter's line. (This is now in Appomattox County--to west of town of Appomattox)

James Hunter is present in Bedford Co. in 1771, when he is witness to a document.

James Hunter records in North Carolina:

James does not appear in Deed Records until 1772 when her purchased 284 acres from Adam Mitchell for 84 Lbs. on both sides of Beaver Island Creek. (Guilford Deed Book 1, p. 176 on 8-11-1772)

In 1777 a James Hunter of Guilford sells to Martha McGee of Guilford 200 acres for 50 Lbs. land on a branch of Sandy Creek and Stinking Quarter, that comes from a Granville grant made in 1760. (Guilford DB 1, p. 468) (This grant may belong to the other James Hunter, unless James travelled to NC when he was 20, but he was busy in VA receiving land from his father. See above.

In 1778 George Hunt Allen of Buckingham VA sells to James Hunter of Guilford 250 acres for 63 Lbs. land on the north side of the Dan River (Guilford DB 1, p. 457)

Guilford/Rockingham Co. NC:

The following article was found in The Heritage of Rockingham County North Carolina 1983,
pub. by the Rockingham Historical Society. Found at the Dallas Public Library.
p. 9,10

"James Hunter and the Regulators. James Hunter, who settled on Beaver Island Creek in the western part of what would become Rockingham County, epitomized the nature of the Scotch-Irishmen who constituted much of the first settlement of the county....His parents were from Antrim County, Ireland and he was born April 8, 1740 at the forks of the Delaware River about six miles above Easton, Pennsylvania. The family moved, about 1754, to Bedford County, Virginia. When James reached adulthood he and some of his family, along with several other Bedford County families, moved into South Carolina near the Cowpens. There James married Mary McFarland. James and his wife and some of the Hunters and McFarlands went back to Virginia.

The next move is not clearly established but Hunter's grandson says that James settled on the Sandy Creek in Guilford County. He and another James Hunter living in the same neighborhood became involved in the Regulator movement then heavily concentrated around Sandy Creek. Because there were two men of the same name acting as Regulators, it is difficult to separate their activities. Both fought at the Battle of Alamance, had their homes burned in the aftermath and fled the colony. James Hunter, the Scotch Irishmen from Pennsylvania via Bedford, returned to North Carolina and settled on Beaver Island Creek near land his father had already occupied. (mhh note: The Alexander who purchased the land at Beaver Island Creek is James Hunter's brother. The land was purchased in 1777 and Alex. Sr. died in 1768. Alexander Hunter sells the land the next year to Robert Dearing. In 1779 James Hunter gets a 400 acre grant from North Carolina on both sides of Beaver Island Creek. The other Hunter in this area is John Hunter, who appears to be his uncle, brother of Alexander Sr.)

The colonial governor referred to James Hunter as the general of the Regulators, an informal designation indicative of some position of leadership. Until recently, James Hunter of Beaver Island Creek has been recognized as having been the general. In spite of efforts to conclude the other James Hunter to be that leader, the available scholarship still indicates James of Beaver Island as the Regulator general. (MHH: This has now been refuted, see below.)

Public Record
Beyond his Regulator activities, James Hunter had a significant public record. In 1778 he was elected a representative of Guilford County in the State Assembly and served in that office until 1782. In January 1781, as the armies of Greene and Cornwallis maneuvered prior to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Col. James Martin was ordered to call out the Guilford militia. James Hunter was major of the militia force which took an active part in the crucial battle.

In 1782 James was selected by the legislature as an auditor for the Salisbury District. In this same period he served Guilford County as Treas., Sheriff and presiding Justice. He was a Commissioner when Guilford County was divided by survey in 1785 and became a Justice of the new county of Rockingham. The governor commissioned him as Lieut. Col. of the Rockingham militia in 1787. He was a justice of the Salisburydistrict and chairman of the Rockingham County Court. He was an active Federalist and a hearty Presbyterian who built the church on his land on Beaver Island.

James Hunter died January 30, 1821. Recent questions about his precise activities during the Regulator conflict do not diminish his role as a patriot nor his substantial influence on the emergence and early government of Rockingham County." - Charles D. Rodenbough

MHH comments. Easton Pennsylvania is in Northhampton Co. on the Delaware River, across from Phillipsburg New Jersey.

Found on-line at http://www.ncdar.org/AboutJamesHunter.html
James Hunter was a distinguished patriot, soldier, and public official. He was born 8 April 1740 in Hunterton County, New Jersey. He is thought to have moved South with his cousins, James and Alexander Martin (their mother was Jane Hunter, James' aunt). All three distinguished themselves with public careers. His home was located about five miles northwest of present-day Madison, NC (this area was Rowan County, NC, until Guilford County was formed in 1771, then became Rockingham County in 1785). The first deed in Guilford County that refers to him says he is "of Guilford County" (Deed Book 1: page 176) dated 11 August 1772. There is some indication that he may have lived in Bedford County, VA, before settling in North Carolina. He married Mary McFarland in what must have been quite a romance--her sister Rachel married his brother John. Hunter renounced Allegiance to the King of England and took the "Oath of Allegiance to the Colonies" in Salisbury, September 1776. During the Revolutionary War, Major Hunter played an important role as a militia member, entering as a major in the company of his cousin, Col. James Martin. They fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, serving as militia under General Greene. After Guilford Courthouse, General Greene dispatched Hunter with a message to General Washington who was in New Jersey, "a dangerous and arduous journey." His faithful servant, Sam, who spoke of the experience in later years, accompanied him. He later was involved in the colonial occupation of Wilmington.Hunter served the public the rest of his life as a congressman (representing Guilford County in the State House of Commons, 1778-1782), High Sheriff, treasurer, auditor, court justice (1790-92 at Salisbury) and committee member (1795) on laying out lots of acreage at Rockingham County Courthouse. He also helped lay out the county's borders. When the new county was formed, he was appointed Justice of Peace for Rockingham County at the first session of Court in February 1786. He remained a militia member, promoted to Lt. Colonel of Rockingham County in 1787. He continued as a public servant until overtaken by age. He died of pneumonia 30 January 1821. His wife, Mary, was born 4 February 1743 and died 29 May 1821. They are both buried in the Hunter-Dalton Graveyard near his old Beaver Island home outside Madison, NC. This graveyard is still accessible and the stones are still readable.He and his wife had the following children: 1) Mary McFarland Hunter, born 7 September 1763, who married William Deering; 2) John Hunter, a twin, born 2 March 1769, who married Miss McNairy in Tennessee; 3) James Hunter, a twin, born 2 March 1769, who was killed by Indians; 4) Alexander Hunter, born 8 November 1772, who died unmarried in an accidental death in Tennessee; 5) Rachel Hunter, born 30 November 1774, who married Nicholas Dalton; 6) Samuel Hunter, born 4 February 1777, who married Rebecca Bruce; 7) Elizabeth Hunter, born 2 September 1779, who died at a young age; 8) Dr. Robert Hunter, born 16 June 1782, who married his cousin, Fannie Martin, daughter of James8, who died young.

References:

Dalton, Mrs. Hunter, Jr. "James Hunter." Rockingham Heritage Book. Wentworth: Rockingham County Historical Society, c. 1983

James Hunter." Early Families in Rockingham and Stokes Counties with Revolutionary Service. Madison: James Hunter Chapter DAR.

Hunter, David H. "The Major." Writings about his family's ancestry.

And here is another study that is now attached to the history of the Regulator Monument dedicated to James Hunter, Regulator. According to this, the James Hunter Regulator is a different man than the James Hunter legislator.

http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=K-61

MARKER K-61

JAMES HUNTER

Regulator leader. Outlawed after Battle of Alamance, 1771. Nearby house was burned by Gov. Tryon's troops.

Two James Hunters-one most noteworthy as a Regulator and the other a legislator-were prominent in North Carolina during the late colonial and Revolutionary periods. Erected in 1901 at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro and moved in 1962 to Alamance Battleground, the Regulator Monument-also called the James Hunter Monument-has the two James Hunters combined in the text about the Regulator to whom it was dedicated. Likewise the State Highway Historical Marker, placed in 1964, mixed facts concerning the two men. In 1953 a Rockingham County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was established in honor of James Hunter, Regulator and legislator. Regardless of how the James Hunters became intertwined, Vearl Guymon Alger set the record straight in an article in 1977. Through Alger’s meticulous research into primary sources, most importantly deeds, Alger effectively identified the James Hunters and settled the controversy. Modern scholars now recognize the two as separate individuals.

James Hunter, the Regulator, was born around 1735, probably in Pennsylvania. While his father’s name is uncertain, it is clear that he is the son of the “widow Ann Hunter” who purchased land in 1755 from her son-in-law Gilbert Strayhorn in Orange County. James Hunter acquired a land grant for 200 acres in Orange County (later Alamance) in 1757. Active in local affairs and displaying some degree of education, Hunter was at the forefront of the Regulator movement in the backcountry. He is believed to have helped write the “advertisements” and petitions, and was entrusted to deliver some of them. While he did not consider himself a military leader and is even said to have refused to assume command at the Battle of Alamance in 1771, Hunter later became known as “the General of the Regulators.” Following the battle, Governor William Tryon issued a proclamation outlawing Hunter and other Regulator leaders. Tryon took his troops through Hunter’s farm, which was about eight miles from battlefield. There they burned down his “dwelling house, Barn, & (etc).”

James Hunter, like many of the Regulators, sided with the King during the early days of the Revolution. He went to Cross Creek to join other Loyalists in February 1776, and then proceeded to New Hanover County. Hunter was captured at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge and paroled a few months later. He took the Oath of Allegiance on September 6, 1776, and was accepted as a “free citizen” of North Carolina. James Hunter married Mary Walker. They had five children. Hunter died intestate sometime between October 1779, when he and a partner made and entry for a land grant adjoining his old lands, and February 1783, when Mary was named administrator of his estate.

References:
Vearl Guymon Alger, “The Case for James Hunter of Stinking Quarter and Sandy Creek: Regulator Leader, 1765-1771,” North Carolina Genealogical Journal (May 1977): 70-83
William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, III, 237-238-sketch by Vearl Guymon Alger
William S. Powell, James K. Hunta, and Thomas J. Farnham, eds., The Regulators in North Carolina: A Documentary History, 1759-1776 (1971)
Marjoleine Kars, Breaking Loose Together: The Regulator Rebellion in Pre-Revolutionary North Carolina (2002)

The will of James Hunter, dated 10 Sep 1817:
In the name of God Amen. I James Hunter of the county of Rockingham and state of North Carolina calling to mind the uncertainty of life and that all mankind sooner or later must die have thought proper now being in sound mind and memory to make this my last Will and Testament.
Imprimis Order and direct all my just debts be paid and my funeral expense which I wish to be plain and decent out of my estate, I have lately given some of my property away to my children, that is to say, to my daughter Mary Dearing one negro girl named Jinny and to my daughter Rachel Dalton one negro girl named Grace, both daughters of old Grace; to my son Samuel Hunter one negro woman named Amy and four of her children, Mucky, Caroline, Frank and the young sucking child; three hundred and fifty of the property of Amy and her children. I give to my grandchildren, James and Robert Hunter, heirs of my son Dr. Robert Hunter and the said three hundred and fifty dollars is in the hand of their Guardian-Samuel Hunter for their use to help their schooling; also I give to my two grand sons-James H. Dearing and Samuel Dalton a land warrant for 1,000 acres in the hands of Pleasant Henderson or Boling Fisher, in the state of Tennessee to be equally divided between them; also I give a negro boy named Shepherd to my grand son-James Hunter, son of Samuel Hunter.
All above given is to them and to their heirs forever and all accounts and claims of every description prior to this date with my children and legatees is fully settled Sept. 8, 1817. All the residue of my estate not above disposed of or given away to my legatees that God has helped me with-that is to say-all my lands one tract with their improvements where I live containing 1,000 acres on trail on Alison(?) River in the state of Tennessee held by a deed from Col. James Martin containing 2,000 acres one part of 1,000 acres a part of an entry of 5,000 acres on the Mississippi in the north west corner of Tennessee joining Kentucky, known by the iron bank held by a warrant from this State-to (?) Martin. The said warrant in my desk, the land given to me by his last Will and Testament.
All my negroes, Dick excepted, and stock of every description, all my plantation utensils of every sort and household furniture of every description and all other things belonging to me not mentioned in my Will and direction is-that all the above property not gave away before this date to be equally divided between my children and legatees and share alike including my two grand children-James and Robert Hunter, sons of my son Robert Hunter died; they are to have their father's full part to be equally divided between them. My servant, Dick Davis, it is my will and direction that he is set free and clear from claims of any person or persons whatsoever for his faithfulness and meritorius service to me and family in my lifetime.
It is my will that my negroes may be kept in the family except those of them that has husbands and wives, as my desire is-if they desire may be sold out of the family so that they may be near their wives or husbands; as my desire is to make their situation as comfortable as the nature of the case will admit, and hope and desire that they may be used as they were in my lifetime, with humanity and that all my property may be sold and divided otherwise as the majority of my legatees may think proper, so that each one may have equal part as above directed.
Also, direct that if my wife, should live longer than me, that she shall have a good and decent maintenance, either in her own home or: with her children as she may choose; that she may be fully supplied with all necessaries of life as well as in my lifetime; also, two negroes to attend on her such as she may choose, and if she choose to live in her own home-she is to have such of the household, and kitchen furniture as she chooses to keep and after her death- all to be divided as above directed.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my sons Alexander and Samuel Hunter my Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby ratifying and confirming this to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 10th day of Sept. 1817. If my son Alexander now in the Mississippi country should not come here soon after my death, Samuel Hunter as above is my whole Executor.
signed James Hunter

James married Mary McFarland in 1762 in Bedford Co., VA. Mary (daughter of John McFarland, A584 RoM02 and Mary Montgomery) 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. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Her birth date comes from the Morristown Bible record.

Where did this marriage take place, and is the Mary McFarland who married James Hunter the same one who is the daughter of John and Mary Montgomery? One source says that they married in Cowpens, (Spartanburg Co.) South Carolina. If that is true, what was she doing there without her family? It is possible that she went south with her brother Robert McFarland and was living with his family when she married James Hunter.

The following are notes from the McFarland genealogy website of Gary Morris: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hollow/8143/genealogy/mcfarland/rbtlanc.txt --
***** 14 ***** Mary McFARLAND, daughter of John McFARLAND and Mary MONTGOMERY,
was born 11 Feb 1743 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died 20 May 1821 in
Madison County, North Carolina. Married 13 Sep 1762 in Bedford County, Virginia
to James HUNTER son of Alexander HUNTER and Elizabeth STEELE, born 8 Apr 1740 in
Ireland, died 30 Jan 1821 in Guilfrd/Rock'ham County, North Carolina.

----- NOTES FOR James HUNTER:
PARENTS: Alexander HUNTER and Elizabeth STEELE.
SOURCE: World Family Tree Disk #10 and #12.
MILITARY: Revolutionary War. Leader of the "Regulators", a group opposed to
corruption in the government. George Washington promoted him to Col. Brevet. From
"Early Families of North Carolina Counties of Rockingham and Stokes with
Revolutionary War Service".
CENSUS: 1790 NORTH CAROLINA, Rockingham County, Salisbury District, page 169
James Hunter 3/3/4-11 slaves. Resided next to James Sharp, Edward Burton, John
Glenn, John Davis, James Vaughn, and John Gann.
CENSUS: 1800 NORTH CAROLINA, Rockingham County page 466 00211-00001.
SOURCE: Internet Gendex.com.
SOURCE: Internet Family Tree Maker at User Home Pages "Ancestors of Thomas
Jefferson McCaa".

===CHILDREN of Mary McFARLAND and James HUNTER

+ 54 Mary McFarland HUNTER b 7 Sep 1768 Rockingham County,
North Carolina. M William DEARING.
+ 55 John HUNTER b 2 Mar 1769 Rockingham County, North
Carolina. M _____ McNAIRY.
56 James HUNTER b 2 Mar 1769 Rockingham County, North
Carolina, d 1788 Benedent, Tennessee.
57 Alexander HUNTER b 1 Nov 1772 Rockingham County, North
Carolina, d 26 Dec 1821 Milledgeville, Georgia.
+ 58 Rachel HUNTER b 30 Nov 1774 Rockingham County, North
Carolina. M Nicholas DALTON.
+ 59 Samuel G. HUNTER b 4 Feb 1777 Rockingham County, North
Carolina. M Rebecca BRUCE.
60 Elizabeth HUNTER b 2 Sep 1779 Rockingham County, North
Carolina.
+ 61 Robert HUNTER b 16 Jan 1782 Rockingham County, North
Carolina. M Fanny MARTIN.
62 Pleasant Henderson HUNTER b 18 Jul 1785 Rockingham
County, North Carolina, d 22 Nov 1830.
+ 63 Nancy HUNTER b 29 Nov 1788 Rockingham County, North
Carolina. M Rice W. WHITEAKER.

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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: Abt 1706, Northern Ireland

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Mary Montgomery is a mystery woman. There are neither marriage records or proven parentage, other than the passed down name John Montgomery.

Among the early Montgomery families:

Using Charles Bolton's Scotch-Irish Pioneers:

There is a James Montgomery, master of the ship William and Mary, who brought over many of the first settlers from Northern Ireland, including the pastor William Boyd in 1718. He arrived on July 25 to Boston and then was cleared to return to Dublin. (p. 132, 319)

There is another ship master, Robert Montgomery, who arrived on an unnamed ship in Sept. 1717 to Boston. (p. 319)

Thre is a Hugh Montgomery, who married Jane Cargill in 1715 in Ballymena (p. 127) and was on the list of early settlers in Londonderry, New Hampshire (p. 264)

There is a John Montgomery in Middleboro, Massachusetts. (p. 156) in 1718-19.

There is a William Montgomery who settled in Kennebec Maine in 1719 (p. 219) and then was among the Merrymeeting Bay settlers. (p. 236)

None of those above seem to be possible.

To look closer to home, here are the Montgomery listings who had surveys made for warrents of land in Lancaster County in the early years:

Alexander Montgomery, warrent #796, for 200 acres in 1734 in Octorara (near Quarryville).

James Montgomery, #30, 30 acres on Fishing Creek (Drumore township), 1736.

John Montgomery, #119, 150 acres in Derry township (present day Dauphin Co), 1737.

Thomas Montgomery, #125, 250 acres in Paxtang, 1737.

William Montgomery, #, 250 acres in L. Britain in 1743.

All of the above are in close enough range to Donegal township, and close enough in years.

There is a James Montgomery with wife Ann Thomson who moved from County Donegal to Pennsylvania, Lancaster County. Then in 1746 he moved to Augusta County, near present day town of Fincastle. Could John be a brother of James, or is John incorrect?

The naming pattern of John and Mary's children support a James and Ann (Nancy) as parents; however none of the family histories for this couple have included a daughter Mary.