Burnet Bulletin, July 20, 1944

A Burnet County Pioneer Called

Rufus Jackson McFarland, a pioneer of Burnet County, was called by death at the Sheppard-Allen Hospital in Burnet July 12th, 1944, where he had been ill for several days. His funeral service was held July 13th in the Northington Funeral Chapel, conducted by Rev. Robert H. James, Methodist pastor. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery of Burnet, with Bunk Gibbs, Eppie Debo, Frank Debo, M. McClure, Bud Moffitt and Vernon Greer as pallbearers.

Mr. McFarland is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Adam Cummins of Agua Dulce, Texas, Mrs. C. B. Raney of San Antonia, Mrs. W. G. Gibson of Monteca, California, Mrs. J. W. Copeland of Pettus, Texas, three sons, King McFarland of Burnet, C. C. McFarland of Houston, Rufus McFarland of San Antonia, and one brother R. R. McFarland of Cleburne. His wife preceded him in death many years ago.

Mr. McFarland was born April 9th 1858 in Burnet county, and lived in this section all his life. He was a law-abiding, honest man, and had many friends to regret his death. For the past several years Mr. McFarland had been totally blind, but he bore this affliction courageously and was always glad to have his old friends call and talk over old times with him. Upon the anniversary of his 86th birthday last April 9th, his children arranged a celebration for him at the Burnet Hotel, when many of his old friends called and paid their respects. Mr. McFarland greatly enjoyed the occasion, as did his children and the friends who dropped in for a few minutes chat.

Jack McFarland was indeed a pioneer of Burnet county, his parents being among its earlier settlers. Until he was twelve years of age, Indians raided this section of Texas regularly murdering the people and stealing horses. No doubt Mr. McFarland witnessed the effects of some of these depredations, and could relate many of the interesting early day episodes of the county. Not many men and women who were in Burnet county during Indian times are alive, and soon all of them will be gone, with only the memories of them left, which should be reverenced always.

McFarland Descendant Chart