San
Joaquin County
Biographies
J. EDWIN McFARLAND
Wide-awake, foreseeing and resolute,
J. Edwin McFarland has become the popular constable of Stockton, and one of the
most efficient of San Joaquin County’s public officials. He was born on a farm in Floyd County,
Kentucky, on August 8, 1869, and when only fourteen years of age, ran away from
home. He went to Texas and there, for
years, rode the range as a cowboy, gathering a very valuable experience, particularly
among men; and then, for years, he followed agricultural pursuits in the Lone
Star State. Wherever he went, whatever
he did, he developed all of his natural faculties, gaining a reputation for
sincerity and thoroughness.
In 1900, he came to Stockton, and
for awhile he was with the Southern Pacific Railroad as assistant foreman in
construction work, and later became foreman.
In 1905 he was in the employ of the Central California Traction Company,
and helped to build that company’s road; and later he was conductor on the
line. In 1912 he carried on a mercantile
business, having a store at the corner of Oak and El Dorado streets. He was appointed deputy sheriff of San
Joaquin County under Sheriff W. H. Riecks; elected
constable in 1915 and in 1919 was re-elected; and although a Democrat, boasted
of hearty support within the Republican ranks as well. In the discharge of his duties, Constable
McFarland has never known or shown partisanship, and therefore could not fail
to have given entire satisfaction.
In Stockton, Mr. McFarland was married
to Mrs. Mary Horton, a native of Germany, who had one daughter, Clara. Mr.
McFarland belongs to the Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, F. & A. M., and is a
member of the Scottish Rite bodies in Stockton, and is a member of Truth Lodge,
No. 55, I. O. O. F., Parker Encampment and Rainbow Rebekah Lodge.
Transcribed by Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Page
775. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
© 2011 Gerald Iaquinta.
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