Person:Purthe Macvarlo (1)

Purthe MacFarlin (Purde Macvarlo) was the first member of the Clan MacFarlane to set foot on American soil, arriving around 1660 and settling in the town of Hingham, Plymouth County, MA. His name has been spelled numerous ways, all depending on how the town clerk recorded what he or she heard. There were no rules of spelling or pronounciation.

Seven years after arriving in Hingham, he married Patience Russell, a Hingham resident. There is mention in the book History of the Town of Hingham of his purchasing a parcel of land from the town of Hingham in 1669. It was located off East Street near Hull Street.

The "History" noted, "...near the vicinity of the Weir River on East Street, then a little traveled lane, lived Purthee McFarlin, the Scotchman, who found himself blessed with nine bonny lassies and three sturdy laddies." All were born in Hingham and lived their lives there.

On Feb. 15, 1715, Purthe's farmhouse was burned by the Indians. At the time his son, James was living on the farm with his parents, and subsequently built a new house on the same site.

Records found in the Old Ship Church show that Purthe gave some 30 Pounds Sterling towards the building fund.

Purthe and most of his family are buried in the old cemetery behind the church. However, many of the old markers and graves have been moved or destroyed by age. A monument dedicated to the early founders of Hingham has been placed on the hill in the cemetery.

Source can be found at the internet address: http://www.bit-net.com/~ddillaby/macfarland.html (dated September 6, 1999)