From the Ladonia News March 29, 1935

"Ladonia Pioneers Had Part in Early Ladonia History"

Mrs Mary Jane McFarland, one of the most respected and best-known of Ladonia's surviving pioneer women, observed her 83rd birthday at her home here last month. Mrs McFarland was born in Illinois and came to Texas with her parents during the Civil War, making the long trip, which took over a month's time, over a sparsely settled country in a covered wagon. The family passed through the " little towns " of Sherman, and Dallas and settled in Ellis County, where they stayed about a year after which they moved to a farm west of Ladonia. Mrs McFarland, who was Mary Jane Harper, was nine years old at the time.

In 1872 she was married to Mr J.F. McFarland, and their life together was one of ideal happiness and companionship. Mr McFarland passed away at their home in Ladonia in 1917. The McFarlands reared a fine family of four sons and five daughters.