| 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. <macroute@juno.com>
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 <walters@nlis.net>.
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.
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Abt 1708 - Aft 1785 (> 78 years)
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