San Joaquin County Biographies This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm 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, Ky., 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 a while 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. History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 1923 p 775 Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.