My Genealogy Hound

JASPER McFARLAND has been numbered among the progressive agriculturists of Johnson County for the past ten years and is the owner of a well improved homestead on section 35, township 47, range 27. He is one of the native sons of Missouri, his birth having taken place in Ste. Genevieve County, January 15, 1838.

Joseph and Mary E. McFarland, the parents of our subject, were born in North Carolina, and were married in Missouri. The father was but four years of age when, in 1812, he was brought by his parents to this state, and from that time until his death he continued to live within its boundaries. A man of genial and kindly nature, he had many friends, and no one was ever turned away from his door hungry. When he was summoned to his last reward, in 1861, his loss was deeply felt by the entire community.

Jasper McFarland was the third in a family of six children, and he and one sister, Mrs. Mary Anderson, are the only survivors. He received a fair education, and on arriving at man’s estate looked around for a companion and helpmate. His choice fell on Cordelia S., daughter of Carroll and Sarah (McFarland) George, who were pioneers of Cooper and Morgan Counties. The marriage of the young couple was celebrated March 27, 1864, and shortly after this event they moved to Nebraska, where our subject was engaged in freighting on the plains.

Returning to Missouri in 1867, Mr. McFarland rented land in Cass County, and then for a year leased a farm in this county. His next venture was to invest in property in Bates County, and from that time he seemed to prosper, as he was very ambitious and devoted every spare hour to the end he had in view. Finding that there was money in handling livestock, he bought and sold cattle in connection with his other employment. After a residence of sixteen years in Bates County, he purchased his present home of eighty acres, in 1885, and has the tract under good cultivation.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McFarland has been blessed by two children, Flora L. and Sarah E. The elder daughter, a very intelligent and accomplished young lady, is engaged in teaching school, and the younger is the wife of David L. Yancey, a well-to-do farmer of Lafayette County, Mo.

In manner our subject is pleasant and courteous, readily making friends of all with whom he comes in contact. He uses his franchise in favor of Democratic nominees and principles, and religiously is identified with the Southern Methodist denomination.