MCFARLAND, Oscar A. 1857-1921

MCFARLAND, BABCOCK, HONEYWELL

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/13/2014 at 16:24:55

[New Hampton Tribune, December 21, 1921]

Prominent Man In Final Summons

Oscar A. McFarland Passed Away Sunday Afternoon. Funeral to be Held this Afternoon.

Oscar A. Mcfarland was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on the 9th day of January, 1856. In 1857 his father moved to Green County, Wisconsin, buying a farm near Monticello. From this time Oscar made his home with his grand father, Peter Mcfarland and until he became able to care for himself. In 1867 the McFarlands and several related families came to Iowa and settled in the vicinity of Waucoma, in Fayette County.

Here, like others, he came against the hard proposition of life in a new and sparsely settled country. At an early age he developed a thirst for knowledge and became a close student. His early schooling was in the country schools of that day, which he attended during the winter months only, as he was obliged to work on the farm summers. Later he attended the Waucoma school two terms and ended his schooling with a few weeks at Decorah. At the age of nineteen he began teaching in the rural schools. He was very successful as a teacher and was later principal of the Waucoma, Lawler and New Hampton schools.

On October 11, 1879 he married Bertha Babcock of Waucoma. In 1884 they moved to New Hampton, when he became principal of the school, which position he held two years. In the fall of 1885 he was elected County Superintendent, holding the office two terms. After his term of office expired he engaged in the insurance business which he followed until his death. Two months ago he became ill and with all that medical skill could do, the progress of the malady could not be checked and on the 18th day of December, 1921, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, his spirit took its flight.

Thus, we have chronicled the more material things in Oscar McFarland's life. His spiritual life was the large part. Endowed with an almost perfect judgment of right and wrong he was enabled to carry out that great admonition, "make your paths straight." Being naturally honest in speech and action, he met his fellow men squarely, and his integrity was never questioned. In his home, that shrine at which he worshipped, his life was centered. Love was the greatest thing in his life, and he bestowed it with a lavish hand. He regretted leaving the ones who were so dear to him, but he faced the future bravely and withougt fear, as a clean man can. He left this life, his work well done, in the spirit of

"--One who wraps the draperies of his tomb about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."

Of those nearest to him he leaves the faithful wife, four children and seven grandchildren. The children are: Mrs. H. J. Honeywell of Orofino, Idaho; Oscar A., Jr., of Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; W. Harold of Blockton, Iowa; Robert Harvey of New Hampton, Iowa.

The funeral will be held from the M. E. church Wednesday, December 21, at 2:30 o'clock and burial in Graceland cemetery. Rev. Henke officiating.