McFarland Historical Society

William H. McFarland, after whom the village of McFarland is named, was born in London, England, March 6, 1820. His parents were John and Elizabeth McFarland, natives of England. When fourteen years old, Wm. McFarland came to America on the largest vessel then plying between the two countries. He shipped as steward of the ship, which touched at Charleston, S.C. for a cargo of cotton. When it was learned that the cotton had been shipped otherwise, the crew was released from their contracts.

Mr. McFarland apprenticed into the carpenters trade, at which he worked for three years. Owing to three attacks of fever, he gave up his life in the South and went to New York. From there he drifted to Albany, then to Buffalo and by steamer to Milwaukee. The carpenter's trade offered a livelihood for three years. About this time the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad company was building its line and Mr. McFarland secured employment with it. He built the first box car used on the line and was later made the construction superintendent. After four years at this kind of work he tendered his resignation, wishing to have work which would allow him to remain at home. The railroad company which later became the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul desired a station between Madison and Stoughton and proposed to McFarland that he should buy land, build a depot and the company would make him an agent and pay him a salary.