Roy McFarland, son of Charles Blair and Susan Adelia Etherington McFarland was born 14 May 1896, in West Weber, Weber County, Utah. He was educated in the West Weber Schools, graduating from the eighth grade in 1910, under Ammon Green Jr., as his teacher. He studied at the A. C. College for two years, taking carpentry as one of his classes. He took piano lessons and truly learned to appreciate his talent.

As a child, Roy was mischievous and loved to play jokes on everyone. One time his school teacher said, "No one will be allowed to chew gum during classes." At recess he hurried over to Charlottels store and bought gum. Needless to say he was the first to be caught, and was made to stand in front of the class for a long time with his wad of gum on the end of his nose.

Roy was always interested in the gospel, in his own words, "In regards to my spiritual side of life, I always seemed to like to go to church. . . "While I was a Priest, I remember having the honor of baptizing eleven children one Fast Day in the "Big Ditch" back of Ray Charlton's home.

"I was called to teach a Sunday School Class when I was about 16 years old and shortly afterwards was called to be second assistant to Heber C. Gibson, who was superintendent, and Henry B. Dance was his first assistant.

"Shortly after I was ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizidek Priesthood, I was sustained as president of the fifth quorum of Elders of the North Weber Stake. Winslow Farr and Franklin Heslop were my counselors. I held these two high and honored positions until I left the farm in 1930 to go to Chicago to take an electrical course."

It was always important for Roy to keep the Word of Wisdom. Roy was courteous where ever he was, reverent always in sacred places, never complained at any job in the Church, he was a person of culture and refinement, considerate of others, a good father and husband. Always Johnny on the spot when help was needed.

Roy's father died in 1909, with a heart attack, which was a great shock in the lives of the family. His mother took over the controls of the farm and the family all worked together, but one by one the family moved away and it left Roy and his brother Mitch to run the farm; working shoulder to shoulder.

The army drafted Mitch, which left Roy home to run the farm with the supervision of his mother. She was a good planner and financier, she had experience of making things go after the death of her husband.

The Rogerson place, which bordered his mother's place was put up for sale and Roy bought it, dug a flowing well and remodeled the house. When Mitch came from the war, he farmed half of the farm and Roy the other half.

Roy was married to Martha Mae Bingham on June 25, 1924, in the Salt Lake Temple, the ceremony was performed by George F. Richards, and they took a honeymoon trip down thru Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks and to St. George. This newly remodeled home was waiting for Martha when they returned to West Weber.

Prior to their marriage, Martha had been teaching school in West Weber. It was while teaching in West Weber she met the McFarland family. She loved them, as they were friends to be proud of.

When a little daughter, Ramona blessed their home, It was like heaven on earth. Roy willingly took care of his wife when she was ill and did all the thing9 in the house that needed to be done.

Later a large hay shed was added to their farm, with a cow stable under it, he put ten or more cows in it and was able to send three 10-gallon cans of milk every morning to the dairy. He added chicken coops and sold three cases of eggs per week. On the land he raised beets, tomatoes and grain, he was an industrious farmer. When he hauled hay the kids in the neighborhood would come and want to ride on the load of hay. He always had time for the children; they laughed and joked together.

Quote Dianne, "Grandma and Grandpa McFarland's house was a joy for us kids, (every thing they needed was in the basement to play with) As a little girl I remember sitting at the piano with Grandpa singing with him as he played."

When Roy and Martha moved to Ogden, they continued to be choice Latter-day Saints, accepting responsibility in their wards, working where they were needed.

Roy died August 16, 1968.

Submitted by Martha Mae Bingham McFarland

Source:

In The Bend Of The River

History Of West Weber 1859-1976