William B. McFarland was born in Greenville, Mercer Co., Penn., October 11, 1826, being the son of Samuel and Lutitia (Beem) McFarland. The parents were natives of Mercer County, Penn., the father being born October, 1799, and the mother about 1804, the latter dying in September, 1880. Our subject came to Tennessee in June, 1867, and bought the farm on which he now resides, which is situated one-half mile north of Dickson. December 27, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth Biddle, also a native of Pennsylvania. This union has resulted in five children: Robert B.; Samuel O., died November 3, 1874; John P.; Seth P., died October 2, 1882, and Elizabeth L. His wife died September 11, 1880, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a man of considerable influence in his community. In politics he is a believer in and an advocate of the principles of Republicanism.