Col. George F. McFarland, Teacher, Editor, Soldier, etc., was born in Swatara township, Pennsylvania, April 28th, 1834. His parents, John McFarland, for about eighteen years a teacher, and Elizabeth (Fisher), were both of Scotch descent. His limited education he acquired at the common schools during the intervals of farm labor. He profited so well by his instruction that, at the age of sixteen, he became the teacher of a select school, where he remained for several years. When nineteen years old, he employed part of his earnings to pay for eighteen months attendance at the Freeburg Academy. For a year and a half after, he was employed as a ticket agent at Lewistown, Pennsylvania. On March 20th, 1856, he married Addie D. Griesemer, of Berks county, and commenced wedded life with a capital of fifty-three dollars. His reputation was such, however, that the Trustees of the Freeburg Academy, of which he assumed charge, leased the school to him for four years, upon his personal security. The undertaking, though heavy, he bravely sustained, for he was used to responsibility and struggles, having from the age of fourteen been obliged to earn his own living and to assist his family; when fifteen years old he ran a canal boat, and his first book was purchased with the proceeds of the sale of a load of chips. He remained in Freeburg until December, 1858, making a success of his Institute, and saving sufficient money to purchase the McAllisterville Academy, in Juniata county. He continued teaching until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he recruited a company from his pupils, other students and fellow-teachers, and entered the 151st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which he was elected Lieutenant-Colonel. His military record and the deeds of his command have earned an enviable place in history. In many well-fought battles he led his men and proved his valor and ability. At Gettysburg, 466 men and 21 officers of his regiment went into action, and only 13 men and 7 officers lived to answer roll-call at the close of the day; he himself was severely wounded, being shot in both legs; the bones of the left were shattered, and amputation of the right limb below the knee was necessary. For eleven months he was confined to his bed, but a good constitution, the result of a perfectly temperate life, enabled him to regain health, and he continued his avocation of teacher even when prostrated, his pupils coming to the bedside to recite. In April, 1864, he was appointed Clerk in the State Statistical Department, his helpful wife going to Harrisburg for reports which he compiled in bed and published. He continued thus employed until the organization of the Soldiers' Orphans' Schools. October 7th, 1864, he changed his institute into such a school, being the first to inaugurate the noble system in this State. Indeed, he may be called the originator of the benevolence. He prepared the act authorizing them, which was passed almost without amendment, and gave his time, labor, money and influence to perfect the system; to him it was a work of patriotism and self-sacrificing love, nobly and thoroughly performed. He is ever active with pen and voice in behalf of education, temperance, and morality, every moment of his time that can be spared from his business--he owns an extensive nursery and florist establishment--being devoted to the public good. He has delivered many addresses; his oration at Gettysburg, July 31st, 1866, being an especially able and eloquent effort. As editor of the Temperance Vindicator, he has built up its circulation from 300 to 5000. He never wearies in doing good and is ably assisted by his family, consisting of his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 663.
Contributed by: Nancy.