Born in Posey County, Indiana, on April 1, 1848, of Scotch parentage. When he was about six years of age he came with his parents to Iowa, settling in Van Buren County. There he attended the public schools and afterward went to the Wesleyan University for a few terms. He then went to California, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. On April 3, 1879, Mr. McFarland married Miss Florence N. Conaway in Brooklyn, Iowa. In 1885 he returned to Iowa, located at Estherville and bought an interest in the Northern Vindicator. In 1888 he was elected to represent the district composed of Palo Alto, Emmet and Dickinson counties in the lower branch of the Iowa Legislature. On November 4, 1890, he was elected secretary of state and was twice reelected, holding the office for six years. Mr. McFarland was a prominent Mason and an Odd Fellow and was the only man ever elected to a state office from Emmet County.

Born in Posey County, Indiana, on April 1, 1848, of Scotch parentage. When he was about six years of age he came with his parents to Iowa, settling in Van Buren County. There he attended the public schools and afterward went to the Wesleyan University for a few terms. He then went to California, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. On April 3, 1879, Mr. McFarland married Miss Florence N. Conaway in Brooklyn, Iowa. In 1885 he returned to Iowa, located at Estherville and bought an interest in the Northern Vindicator. In 1888 he was elected to represent the district composed of Palo Alto, Emmet and Dickinson counties in the lower branch of the Iowa Legislature. On November 4, 1890, he was elected secretary of state and was twice reelected, holding the office for six years. Mr. McFarland was a prominent Mason and an Odd Fellow and was the only man ever elected to a state office from Emmet County.