Surname/Name: McFarland, George Bradley
Father’s Name: Rev Samuel Gamble McFarland(Thai people called him – MorFahlan which means Dr. Thunder in Thai. He spoke Thai well.
Mother’s Name: Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland
His parents and other 2 couple missionaries – Daniel and Sofia McGilvary were well loved by Thai people in Petchburi(South of Thailand)because they cared about their lives and their problem. Later McGilvary couple left Petchburi to Bangkok while McFarland couple remained to work in Petchburi where his third son, Dr. George B. McFarland was born.
Date of Birth: 01/12/1866
Place of Birth: Dr. Bradley’s Bangkok Office in Bann Bangkokluang, Bangkokyai area), Thailand
Marital Status: First wife was Mary Ina Root. In 1896, he took his parents to America & married Mary Ina Root McFarland on 23rd October, returning to Siam on 28th December to live at Wang Lang near Siriraj Hospital. He took over his brother’s Handbook , Siamese Typewriter and his father’s Dictionary.
Father’s Name: Rev Samuel Gamble McFarland(Thai people called him – MorFahlan which means Dr. Thunder in Thai. He spoke Thai well.
Mother’s Name: Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland
His parents and other 2 couple missionaries – Daniel and Sofia McGilvary were well loved by Thai people in Petchburi(South of Thailand)because they cared about their lives and their problem. Later McGilvary couple left Petchburi to Bangkok while McFarland couple remained to work in Petchburi where his third son, Dr. George B. McFarland was born.
Date of Birth: 01/12/1866
Place of Birth: Dr. Bradley’s Bangkok Office in Bann Bangkokluang, Bangkokyai area), Thailand
Marital Status: First wife was Mary Ina Root. In 1896, he took his parents to America & married Mary Ina Root McFarland on 23rd October, returning to Siam on 28th December to live at Wang Lang near Siriraj Hospital. He took over his brother’s Handbook , Siamese Typewriter and his father’s Dictionary.
Miss Bertha Blount
His second wife who wrote McFarland of Siam
His second wife who wrote McFarland of Siam
Grave of Mrs. Mary Root McFarland
After Mary passed away, he married Miss Bertha Blount, a Presbyterian Missionary in October 1925 and was voted as an affiliated member by the Mission in March 1926.
Children: None
Biography History
George Bradley McFarland was born in 1866 to Rev. Samuel Gamble McFarland and Jane Hays McFarland(missionary couple who left The United States for the tropics to join The Church of Christ in 1860)
Here are his brothers & sister:-
1. William Hays born November 7, 1862 in Bangkok
2. Edwin Hunter born June 27, 1864 in Bangkok
3. George Bradley born December 1, 1866 in Bangkok
4. Marry Conway born October 4, 1868 in Bangkok
After Mary passed away, he married Miss Bertha Blount, a Presbyterian Missionary in October 1925 and was voted as an affiliated member by the Mission in March 1926.
Children: None
Biography History
George Bradley McFarland was born in 1866 to Rev. Samuel Gamble McFarland and Jane Hays McFarland(missionary couple who left The United States for the tropics to join The Church of Christ in 1860)
Here are his brothers & sister:-
1. William Hays born November 7, 1862 in Bangkok
2. Edwin Hunter born June 27, 1864 in Bangkok
3. George Bradley born December 1, 1866 in Bangkok
4. Marry Conway born October 4, 1868 in Bangkok
Dr. George McFarland when 2 years, the one carried by his nanny
There is no question that they all spoke Thai well because their nanny was Thai.
Education:
His primary education began at Suan Anan Thonburi(King’s College School) where his father was the headmaster of the school and graduated in 1883. After that he assisted his father as a teacher then in 1884 he joined Washing and Jefferson College and spent a few years in the United States as follows:-
1887 Graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College
1890 Graduated from Western Medical College with a M.D. degree
1891 Graduated from Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons with a M.D. degree.
1891 Graduated from Chirugical College of Dentist with a D.D.S. degree(Doctor of Destist Science)
Date of Death: May 3, 1942 (Apprx 75 years)
There is no question that they all spoke Thai well because their nanny was Thai.
Education:
His primary education began at Suan Anan Thonburi(King’s College School) where his father was the headmaster of the school and graduated in 1883. After that he assisted his father as a teacher then in 1884 he joined Washing and Jefferson College and spent a few years in the United States as follows:-
1887 Graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College
1890 Graduated from Western Medical College with a M.D. degree
1891 Graduated from Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons with a M.D. degree.
1891 Graduated from Chirugical College of Dentist with a D.D.S. degree(Doctor of Destist Science)
Date of Death: May 3, 1942 (Apprx 75 years)
Grave of Dr. George Bradley McFarland
Book given at Dr. George McFarland’s funeral
George McFarland died in his home in 1942. At some point his wife Bertha returned to the United States, where she continued contacting with the Missions in Thailand.
George McFarland died in his home in 1942. At some point his wife Bertha returned to the United States, where she continued contacting with the Missions in Thailand.
War Ship Named George McFarland
When 2nd World War nearly finished, U.S.A. named a war ship “George McFarland” for his honor.
Occupation& Life History:
His distinguish and prolific career began at the tender age of 25 when he returned to Bangkok on November 25, 1891 to serve his home country to show his gratitude towards Thailand at the request of Dr. T. H. Hays
When 2nd World War nearly finished, U.S.A. named a war ship “George McFarland” for his honor.
Occupation& Life History:
His distinguish and prolific career began at the tender age of 25 when he returned to Bangkok on November 25, 1891 to serve his home country to show his gratitude towards Thailand at the request of Dr. T. H. Hays
George with Siamese Physicians
In 1892, he was immediately appointed Superintendent of The Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, and was commissioned to open the Royal Medical College, the government’s first medical school & was then appointed Dean of the College. He wrote medical texts to use because none was available. He introduced modern medical treatment to be used in Siam.
He also opened a private dental office at Pak Klong Dalat which later moved to Sri Kak Phaya Sri until 1916. He introduced ebony-black false teeth. He was the first dentist in Siam and received honorary degree from Chulalongkorn University – Medical Faculty.
He is regarded as “ The First Brick of Thai Medical School”
In 1892, he was immediately appointed Superintendent of The Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, and was commissioned to open the Royal Medical College, the government’s first medical school & was then appointed Dean of the College. He wrote medical texts to use because none was available. He introduced modern medical treatment to be used in Siam.
He also opened a private dental office at Pak Klong Dalat which later moved to Sri Kak Phaya Sri until 1916. He introduced ebony-black false teeth. He was the first dentist in Siam and received honorary degree from Chulalongkorn University – Medical Faculty.
He is regarded as “ The First Brick of Thai Medical School”
First Siamese-English Dictionary
He bought the rights to the Siamese-English Dictionary by Mitchell and started work on the McFarland Thai-English Dictionary which took 10 years.
First Thai Typewriter
He bought the rights to the Siamese-English Dictionary by Mitchell and started work on the McFarland Thai-English Dictionary which took 10 years.
First Thai Typewriter
1897-He continued his brother Edwin’s legacy by manufacturing Thailand’s first typewriter, which his brother had invented and opened The Smith Premier Store in Bangkok and introduced the Siamese Typewriter to all government offices.
He also opened Thailand’s first dental clinic, a private enterprise.
In 1900 -He revised and enlarged his brother, William’s Handbook.
In 1913- Printed the third edition of the Handbook.
In 1915, The Smith Premier Company was taken over by the Remington Company and while on furlough he helped them to get out the first Siamese Portable. He introduced a system of Touch Method instruction and added a Siamese Adding and Accounting Machine and spent 16 years working on the acclaimed McFarland Thai-English Dictionary, which he published in 1939
In 1900 -He revised and enlarged his brother, William’s Handbook.
In 1913- Printed the third edition of the Handbook.
In 1915, The Smith Premier Company was taken over by the Remington Company and while on furlough he helped them to get out the first Siamese Portable. He introduced a system of Touch Method instruction and added a Siamese Adding and Accounting Machine and spent 16 years working on the acclaimed McFarland Thai-English Dictionary, which he published in 1939
He wrote the “Historical Sketch of Protestant Missions in Siam” for the Centenary of
Protestant Missions in Thailand. More information available at Payap University Archives – Based on G.B. McFarland, 12
Decades – HRS 10/24/89
After years of dedicated work in Thailand, Dr. McFarland was granted a pension and the title of Phrajvidyakom(a senior level of civic rank of a government official in the old days before the Great Revolution in 1932)by His Majesty King Rama VI as well as a 4.5 acre piece of land in Hua Hin on which he built his holiday home. While the McFarland House which stands today is newly built, the floor boards used are from the original house built by Dr. McFarland. He resigned from government in 1926.
Protestant Missions in Thailand. More information available at Payap University Archives – Based on G.B. McFarland, 12
Decades – HRS 10/24/89
After years of dedicated work in Thailand, Dr. McFarland was granted a pension and the title of Phrajvidyakom(a senior level of civic rank of a government official in the old days before the Great Revolution in 1932)by His Majesty King Rama VI as well as a 4.5 acre piece of land in Hua Hin on which he built his holiday home. While the McFarland House which stands today is newly built, the floor boards used are from the original house built by Dr. McFarland. He resigned from government in 1926.
George McFarland lived most of his life in Siam.
Duties in Thailand: Doctor & Missionary
Duties in Thailand: Doctor & Missionary
Father: Rev. Samuel Gamble McFarland
Dr. McFarland served as headmaster in a government school under the direction of His Royal Highness Damrongrajanuparp’s department.
Comment of H.R.H. Damrongrajanuparp:
“ The doctor(Dr. McFarland) impressed me as he impressed all who came into contact with him, by his excellent pronunciation of Thai language. To hear him speak without seeing him, we would not recognize the voice of a foreigner of The Europeans or Americans who have come to Siam. Many study the language of the country & know it very well, but I have not met one with a pronunciation superior to that of Dr. S. G. McFarland.”
Dr. McFarland served as headmaster in a government school under the direction of His Royal Highness Damrongrajanuparp’s department.
Comment of H.R.H. Damrongrajanuparp:
“ The doctor(Dr. McFarland) impressed me as he impressed all who came into contact with him, by his excellent pronunciation of Thai language. To hear him speak without seeing him, we would not recognize the voice of a foreigner of The Europeans or Americans who have come to Siam. Many study the language of the country & know it very well, but I have not met one with a pronunciation superior to that of Dr. S. G. McFarland.”
Mother: Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland(1824-1908)
Name Before Married: Miss Jane E. Hays(Father’s Name: John Hays)
Letter to Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland From a Student
Name Before Married: Miss Jane E. Hays(Father’s Name: John Hays)
Letter to Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland From a Student
In 1860, after a farewell meeting held in Raccoon Church, U.S.A., and her husband(Rev. Samuel McFarland)got on a boat named “Muary” travelled from New York Port to Petchburi for the mission in Petchburi, Siam, eighty mile from Bangkok
Industrial School for Girls
Howard Memorial School Named Aroonstri in Thai ( First Girls’ School Run by Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland)
In April 1865, Rev. Samuel G. McFarland established the first private school for girls in Petchburi a province in the South of Thailand. The school was built with teak and roof. The name of schools was “Howard Memorial School” Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland was in charge of the school. The first Thai teacher was Mrs. SenSupaphan. Later the school changed name to “ArunStri School”
The Photo of school taken in 1998. Now the school became factory already.
In April 1865, Rev. Samuel G. McFarland established the first private school for girls in Petchburi a province in the South of Thailand. The school was built with teak and roof. The name of schools was “Howard Memorial School” Mrs. Jane Hays McFarland was in charge of the school. The first Thai teacher was Mrs. SenSupaphan. Later the school changed name to “ArunStri School”
The Photo of school taken in 1998. Now the school became factory already.
Mrs. McFarland brought sewing machines to teach students in sewing embroideries and cloth so that they could make their own garment. This could be said that this is the first time for Thailand to have tailoring class and that make Petchburi province called “Sewing Machine Town”
Later this girl school merged with a boy school named “Pradit School” to be unisex school and was renamed “ArunPradit School” up till now.
Later this girl school merged with a boy school named “Pradit School” to be unisex school and was renamed “ArunPradit School” up till now.
Mrs. MacFarland devoted 36 years for Thai Girls
In Petchburi.
In Petchburi.
MacFarland Building in Aroon Pradit School Now
After working in Siam for 12 years, they returned to their home country for vacation and backed to Siam again. He brought with him a plate for printing Thai hymnal worship songs which he had invented. The cost of printing each song is U.S. 5.- and there were donators to finance for the success of the printing. Teacher Poon(The one who taught Thai to foreign missionaries)helped him to translate to Thai songs. There were totally 216 songs.
After working in Siam for 12 years, they returned to their home country for vacation and backed to Siam again. He brought with him a plate for printing Thai hymnal worship songs which he had invented. The cost of printing each song is U.S. 5.- and there were donators to finance for the success of the printing. Teacher Poon(The one who taught Thai to foreign missionaries)helped him to translate to Thai songs. There were totally 216 songs.
At the same time, He accepted King Rama 5’s invitation to open and was the director of new school with the consent of Mission Board. This school is the first government school named “King’s College” located in Anan Garden, the area of Nantawan Palace. The school was only for young noblemen & others, only his third son, George could attend.
King’s College School
Rev. Samuel found it was difficult to start because even high-rank government officer were not interested to send their children to school. He was the director there for 10 years. During this time he had laid down the system and structure of country’ s education too.
The work they did in Petchburi was not comfortable – must live in a hut but they loved their jobs and people in Petchburi and hard for them to leave them for Bangkok, however, on August 1, 1878, they both became government officers responsible for opening King’s College (Suan Anan School – in Thai). The school curriculum was 5 years. Mr. McFarland was well-known as a strict teacher – even towards the kings’s children.
George was the biggest boy and always won at boxing. His English was better than other students, however, His Thai was a joke for his classmates because he pronounced Thai Southern accent. Having a chance to associate with high-rank children opened doors for George for his future work God had planned him to do to help Thailand.
When short of money for school operation, King Rama 5 gave U.S.$ 1,000.- and other government officers contributed another U.S.$ 1,000.- Sometime Rev. Samuel had to finance the cost out of his own pocket.
Rev. Samuel found it was difficult to start because even high-rank government officer were not interested to send their children to school. He was the director there for 10 years. During this time he had laid down the system and structure of country’ s education too.
The work they did in Petchburi was not comfortable – must live in a hut but they loved their jobs and people in Petchburi and hard for them to leave them for Bangkok, however, on August 1, 1878, they both became government officers responsible for opening King’s College (Suan Anan School – in Thai). The school curriculum was 5 years. Mr. McFarland was well-known as a strict teacher – even towards the kings’s children.
George was the biggest boy and always won at boxing. His English was better than other students, however, His Thai was a joke for his classmates because he pronounced Thai Southern accent. Having a chance to associate with high-rank children opened doors for George for his future work God had planned him to do to help Thailand.
When short of money for school operation, King Rama 5 gave U.S.$ 1,000.- and other government officers contributed another U.S.$ 1,000.- Sometime Rev. Samuel had to finance the cost out of his own pocket.
Motto of School
The McFarland family contributed many benefits to their adopted land of Siam(now Thailand):
Samuel Gamble McFarland not only worked as a missionary but also published one of the first Siamese-English dictionaries which he typed by himself which his son George revised after his father’s death. Totally Samuel published 400 dictionaries.
Jane Hays McFarland passed away in 1908 and in 1912 her son, Dr. George B. McFarland had a school named in her honor as “Jane Hays Memoraial School” Full details can be obtained by double click at “School History” button of this website.
William Hays McFarland, George’s brother, served as Siam’s Ministry of War and introduced Western military method to Siam.
Edwin Hunter McFarland, another brother, also served in the Siamese Government and developed the first Siamese typewriter brand Smith Premier together with Smith Premier Co., Ltd.
The McFarland family contributed many benefits to their adopted land of Siam(now Thailand):
Samuel Gamble McFarland not only worked as a missionary but also published one of the first Siamese-English dictionaries which he typed by himself which his son George revised after his father’s death. Totally Samuel published 400 dictionaries.
Jane Hays McFarland passed away in 1908 and in 1912 her son, Dr. George B. McFarland had a school named in her honor as “Jane Hays Memoraial School” Full details can be obtained by double click at “School History” button of this website.
William Hays McFarland, George’s brother, served as Siam’s Ministry of War and introduced Western military method to Siam.
Edwin Hunter McFarland, another brother, also served in the Siamese Government and developed the first Siamese typewriter brand Smith Premier together with Smith Premier Co., Ltd.
George McFarland not only expanded on the work of his parents and siblings after their death but also introduced and expanded his own work.
History of Samuel G. McFarland:
Son of William and Mary was born in Smith Township, December 11, 1830. He was graduated at Washington College in the Class of 1857 and ordained minister by the Presbytery of Washington in 1860. He was married May 3, 1860 to Jane E., daughter of John Hays of Canonsburg.
History of Samuel G. McFarland:
Son of William and Mary was born in Smith Township, December 11, 1830. He was graduated at Washington College in the Class of 1857 and ordained minister by the Presbytery of Washington in 1860. He was married May 3, 1860 to Jane E., daughter of John Hays of Canonsburg.
Samuel obeyed The Great Commandment
In 1860, after a farewell meeting held in Raccoon Church, he sailed June 5, for the mission in Petchaburi, Siam, eighty miles from Bangkok. There he organized two churches. In 1879, at the invitation of the King, he took charge of a school for Siamese boys of the higher classes, and became superintendent of education for the Siamese Government. Four years from 1891, he was connected with bureau of compilation, preparing books for the schools in the Siamese language. He translated four books of the Pentateuch, a large portion of the minor prophets, the Westminster Confession of Faith Treatise on the Christian Evidence, and a synopsis of church history, a book of sermons, and a large number of scientific books, including geology botany, book keeping and a Siamese dictionary. He returned to Canonsburg and died there April 26,
In 1860, after a farewell meeting held in Raccoon Church, he sailed June 5, for the mission in Petchaburi, Siam, eighty miles from Bangkok. There he organized two churches. In 1879, at the invitation of the King, he took charge of a school for Siamese boys of the higher classes, and became superintendent of education for the Siamese Government. Four years from 1891, he was connected with bureau of compilation, preparing books for the schools in the Siamese language. He translated four books of the Pentateuch, a large portion of the minor prophets, the Westminster Confession of Faith Treatise on the Christian Evidence, and a synopsis of church history, a book of sermons, and a large number of scientific books, including geology botany, book keeping and a Siamese dictionary. He returned to Canonsburg and died there April 26,
His children were as follows:
1. William Hays who died in Bangkok, leaving a wife and daughter residing in Altoona.
2. Samuel Edwin Hunter McFarland, born in Bangkok, June 27, 1864, Class of 1884 at Washington and Jefferson College, teacher in King’s English School in Bangkok, author of “A Siamese Primer”, “Lessons in English” who died unmarried, dropping dead from his bicycle near Canonsburg. On August 8, 1895, The Smith Premier typewriter was changed and adapted to the use of Siamese characters by him. He worked daily with the type-cutters I Syarcuse, N.Y., assisting them in preparing the correct letters. This machine is the only one in use in Siam and the foreign legations of the Siamese government throughout the world. The use of this machine is very general in Siam and the business is now carried on by his only surviving brother:-
3. Dr. George B. McFarland
of Bangkok, Siam, formerly of the Washington and Jefferson Class of 1887. Dr. George B. McFarland has several times revised the dictionary translated by his father and it is now one of the leading dictionaries.
4. Miss Mary McFarland – the only daughter of Samuel G. and Jane E. McFarland is a teacher,
Residing in Washing D.C.
1. William Hays who died in Bangkok, leaving a wife and daughter residing in Altoona.
2. Samuel Edwin Hunter McFarland, born in Bangkok, June 27, 1864, Class of 1884 at Washington and Jefferson College, teacher in King’s English School in Bangkok, author of “A Siamese Primer”, “Lessons in English” who died unmarried, dropping dead from his bicycle near Canonsburg. On August 8, 1895, The Smith Premier typewriter was changed and adapted to the use of Siamese characters by him. He worked daily with the type-cutters I Syarcuse, N.Y., assisting them in preparing the correct letters. This machine is the only one in use in Siam and the foreign legations of the Siamese government throughout the world. The use of this machine is very general in Siam and the business is now carried on by his only surviving brother:-
3. Dr. George B. McFarland
of Bangkok, Siam, formerly of the Washington and Jefferson Class of 1887. Dr. George B. McFarland has several times revised the dictionary translated by his father and it is now one of the leading dictionaries.
4. Miss Mary McFarland – the only daughter of Samuel G. and Jane E. McFarland is a teacher,
Residing in Washing D.C.
McFarland House In Hua Hin
John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you ------ and now McFarland family have met God face to face and reached where God had prepared for them & received His praise “Well done, my good and faithful servants. You have been faithful in handling the small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate”(Matthew 25:23)