JOSEPH P. McFARLANE, a lifelong resident of Mahoning Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where he was born April 14, 1849, still lives on the old homestead which is a part of the land on which his grandfather settled when he came as a pioneer to this part of Pennsylvania.

Francis McFarlane, the grandfather, was born in the north of Ireland, but the larger part of his life was lived in Pennsylvania. He acquired 500 acres of land, which he divided between his three sons, John F., the father of Joseph P., receiving one share. John F. McFarlane was born on the present farm, and lived on it through life. He married Elizabeth Davidson, who belonged to another old family of Lawrence County. He lived until 1873, and was survived by his widow until November 17, 1903, she then being in her eighty-third year. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Republican. Of their children six survive, as follows: Robert D., residing in Washington City, Iowa; Mary A., residing in Pulaski Township, is the widow of James Paden; Emily E., residing in Mahoning Township; Andrew L., residing at Chicago, Ill.; Joseph P., and John Q., residing in Mahoning Township.

Joseph P. McFarlane attended school in the home neighborhood during his boyhood and grew to manhood trained to the practical work of the farm. In politics he is a Republican. He is not identified with any particular religious body, but his charities are many, and he is a liberal contributor both to religion and education in his own community. He is one of the respected, reliable and substantial citizens of this section.