George F. McFarland

George F. McFarland (April 28, 1834 - December 18, 1891) was a schoolteacher and Union Army officer from Juniata County, PA.

Early life

George McFarland was born on April 28th, 1834 to John and Elizabeth McFarland at Todd's Mill, Dauphin County, PA. He worked as a boat pilot with his father on the Susquehanna River when he wa young and began teaching school in his 20's.

Army Life

In 1862, he joined the Union army and was given the commision of Captain of Co. D, 151st PA Infantry. He was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. After the colonel, Harrison Allen was given the rank of Brevet Brigadier General, McFarland was given command of the 151st PA. He and his regiment served as reserves at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. Three months later, at the Battle of Gettysburg, McFarland bravely led the 151st to glory as his regiment covered the retreat of the battered Union Army on the first day. His regiment was the last to pull back in the retreat to Cemetery Ridge. McFarland was wounded in both legs during the fighting and was treated in the Lutheran Theological Seminary north of Gettysburg, that served as a hospital throughout the battle. His left leg was amputated below the knee. Shortly after Gettysburg, McFarland and the 151st PA were mustered out of the Union army due to severe battle damage.

Post Bellum

After the war, McFarland was the owner of a tree nursery, the superintendent of an orphanage, and the proud father of three children, one of which was J. Horace McFarland, who has been procalimed the "Father of the National Park Service".

References

* Dreese, Michael A., "An Imperishable Fame: The Civil War Experience of George Fisher McFarland" Mifflintown, PA.: Juniata County Historical Society, 1997

ee also

*findagrave|15909351