A Legacy of Leadership and Action
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| My McFarland Ancestry Chart starting with my grandmother |
If history teaches us anything, it’s that some people don’t live quiet lives—and Colonel Daniel McFarland was one of them. Whether leading troops into battle, securing land in Pennsylvania’s frontier, or defending the legal system, his life was marked by duty, resilience, and bold action.
From Ulster to the American Frontier
Born in 1723 in Ulster, Ireland, McFarland was part of a Scottish family that had settled in Ireland for about a century before making the transatlantic leap. His uncle, Duncan McFarland, was among the group of Scotch-Irish immigrants who arrived in Boston Harbor on August 4, 1718. Raised in a pioneering atmosphere, Daniel grew up among settlers who would shape the American colonies.
A Man of Principle Who Fought for Independence
Before the American Revolution, McFarland had already gained military experience. He served in the French and Indian War (1756–1767) and later commanded a company of rangers in Monongalia and Ohio Counties from April 22 to July 20, 1778. By 1780, his unit was stationed in Pittsburgh, playing a key role in frontier defense.
Beyond combat, McFarland focused on protecting settlers. Around 1772, he established Fort McFarland* in Amwell Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, providing a vital refuge during periods of conflict.
Building a Community
McFarland was not only a soldier—he was a settler and landowner. His land acquisitions in Washington County, Pennsylvania, allowed him to contribute to the development of the region. In 1794, he sold land to help establish North Ten Mile Baptist Church, ensuring that faith and community life would flourish for generations.
A Defender of the Law
McFarland was not just a warrior; he also stood for law and order. In 1791, he led a militia force in response to a violent riot in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, that had threatened the court system. His leadership helped restore peace and uphold judicial authority.
Family, Estate, and Final Years
McFarland married Sarah Barber (1730–1812), and together, they had a large family, including:
- Mary McFarland (b. January 4, 1754)
- Sandy McFarland (b. February 3, 1755)
- William McFarland (b. December 17, 1756, married Hannah Kelsey)
- Sarah McFarland (b. November 19, 1760)
- Dolly McFarland (b. June 16, 1762)
- Daniel McFarland (b. January 4, 1764)
- Abel McFarland (b. July 2, 1765)
- Anna McFarland (b. January 5, 1767)
- James McFarland (b. July 31, 1768, d. July 16, 1769)
- Elizabeth McFarland (b. December 21, 1769, married Rev. William Hicks)
As he aged, McFarland moved to Warren County, Ohio, where he passed away on December 14, 1817, at the age of 87. His estate, valued at $800, was administered by William Houlston and John Benham, while his widow Elizabeth McFarland later relinquished her right to manage it.
His children and heirs were formally identified in a land partition record, ensuring that his legacy lived on through the next generation of McFarlands.
A Life of Courage and Influence
Colonel Daniel McFarland was the real deal—a man who:
✔ Fought in two wars (French & Indian War and the American Revolution).
✔ Commanded rangers and built Fort McFarland to protect settlers.
✔ Helped establish a community church and contributed to local development.
✔ Stood for law and order in a time of political unrest.
Not bad for a Scotch-Irish immigrant who started life on the rugged frontiers of early America.
His story is a fascinating piece of American history, and his impact can still be seen today in the descendants who carry on the McFarland name.
*Fort McFarland*
Fort McFarland, located in Amwell Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, was one of two forts built to protect settlers in the region between 1770 and 1790. It was situated on the farm of Peter Garrett and served as a refuge for early pioneers, including those who had legally patented their land after initial squatter settlements. The fort was closely associated with the North Ten mile Baptist Church, which traces its origins back to 1772. Due to frequent conflicts with Native American groups, early churchgoers were often forced to hold their meetings inside Fort McFarland for safety.
Citation: Busch, Clarence M. Report of the Commission to Locate the Site of the Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania, Volume Two: The Frontier Forts of Western Pennsylvania. State Printer of Pennsylvania, 1896, pp. 399-436.
Other Sources:
📜 DAR Application Summary – Military service & family history.
📜 Col. McFarland Documents – Mifflin County Riot, Fort McFarland.
📜 Daniel McFarland Facts – Estate details, burial, land partition.
📜 Daniel McFarland Probate – Estate administration, bond details.
📜 Descendants of Daniel McFarland – Family lineage & migration history.
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