My Genealogy Hound

JAMES McFARLAND, blacksmith and wagon-maker, also general repairing; Sec. 20; P. O. Dawn. Was born in Greene Co., Ohio, May 8, 1822; his father, Isaac McFarland, married Susanna Stephenson, May 29, 1817; she was born in Boone Co., Ky., Nov. 18, 1798; he died in Greene Co., and she moved to Darke Co. in 1837; they had two sons, viz., William, born in May, 1818, and James, the subject of this sketch; William was always highly respected and honored for his generous, pious and gentlemanly qualities; he died in September, 1874; he served through the late rebellion in a regimental band. James, the subject of this sketch, was bound apprentice to the blacksmith’s trade in Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, at the age of 13, and served until he attained his majority, getting six months’ schooling in the meantime; he then moved to Beamsville and started business on his own account; in 1844, he bought 80 acres, and in 1850, 80 more, where he now resides, and on which is a part of the village of Dawn (Nevada); he has been honored with all the offices of Richland Township, and is now Assessor of real estate; Aug. 25, 1863, he was elected Colonel and commissioned by Gov. Tod, of the 3d Regiment O. M., of Darke Co.; he holds this office, also that of Regimental Drum Major, which he has held thirty-five years; he has in his possession a cavalry sword, an epaulet, and an English knife, owned and used by his grandfather, James McFarland, during the Revolutionary war of 1776. He married Rachel John Jan 2, 1845; she was born Nov. 25, 1823, in Montgomery Co., Ohio; they have had nine children, viz.: William, born April 6, 1846; Isaac N., born Nov. 7, 1849; Susan E., born April 22, 1852, she married Charles Beadle; James A., born July 20, 1854; one unnamed, born Sept. 8, 1856; Thomas H., born Jan. 11, 1858; John C., born June 28, 1860; Jacob M., born Aug. 8, 1865, and Dora Belle, born Sept. 28, 1867. Six of the boys and the father constitute the McFarland Brass Band. Mr. McFarland is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M., and has filled all the subordinate offices of his lodge.