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1192430
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01238 9679
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THE FERGUSON COAT OF ARMS.
JAMES FERGUSON, K. C, SHERIFF OF ARGYLE,
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.
THE
FERGUSON FAMILY
IN SCOTLAND AND
AMERICA
/ 1 , \ r ex- j < --"' I
The Times Presses,
Canandaigua, New York,
1905.
\-.
PREFACE. 1192430
On the eighth day of November, 1901, the last member of the fifth
generation of the Maryland branch of the Ferguson family in the State of
New York passed away. There immediately sprang up among the
younger generations of the family in Ontario County, New York, an
interest in their ancestors and a desire to know something of their gene-
ology. An investigation was begun by the author, making General James
Ferguson of the English Army the key to the inquiry. After about a
year's search, a clue was obtained through James Ferguson, K. C, of
Edinburgh, Sheriff of Argyle.
The following traditions in regard to the family in Scotland have
been handed down from generation to generation in the American family:
That the family was descended from Fergus, the lirst King of the Scots ;
that there was a noted sea captain in the family who died leaving a large
property, and that the family in America were among the heirs ; that one
member of the family was in the Scottish Parliament, and another was a
noted general who lived in the time of Oliver Cromwell ; that one member
of the family saved a portion of the people of Scotland from starving
during a famine, and that he was the business man of a Duke ; that a
noted Colonel was killed on King's mountain in the Revolutionary War,
and that the family in America was founded by three brothers who came
to America at an early date, one settling in the New England States, one
in the Southern States, and the other, Robert, in Maryland, on land
where the City of Washington, D. C, is now located.
All these traditions have been traced back to their proper source, and
have been found to be substantiated by facts found in the " History of
the Ferguson Family in Scotland," which forms the first part of the book.
" The History of the Maryland Branch of the Ferguson Family in
America," forms the second part of the book. Many facts there recorded
have been taken from public records. Great care has been taken to
make the geneology of the family in America as nearly perfect as
possible.
Seneca Falls, N. Y. M. L. FERGUSON.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Part I.
Chapter. Page.
No. 1— Clan and Name of Ferguson. . , 9
No. 2— In Support of Traditions 13
No. 3— Robert Bruce, the King and the Fergusons 16
No. 4— Location of the Ferguson Families 19
No. 5— Ayrshire Fergusons 21
No. 6— Drumfrishire Fergusons 23
No. 7— Fifeshire Fergusons 26
No. 8 — History of Inverurie, Royal Burgh 31
No. 9— William P'erguson, of Crichie 41
No. 10— William Ferguson, of Badifurrow 43
No. 11— Robert Ferguson, the Plotter 46
No. 12— William Ferguson, Head of the Pitfour Family 50
No. 13 — John Ferguson, of Stone Hou.se 55
No. 14 — Major General James Ferguson 56
No. 15— William Ferguson, Representative of the Kinmundy Family. . 63
No 16— Walter Ferguson, of Badifurrow 68
No. 17— Jannett Ferguson 70
No. 18— George Ferguson, Factor of the Duke of Perth 72
Part II.
No. 1— Family Traditions 77
No. 2 -Three English Soldiers ' 79
No. 3- Sons of the Pioneer, Robert 82
No. 4— Three Revolutionary Soldiers 84
No. 5 — Ann Ferguson, of Montgomery County, Maryland 86
No. 6— William Ferguson, of Bladensburg, Maryland 87
No. 7— Business Life of William Ferguson 90
No. 8— James Ferguson and his Descendants 92
No. 9-Catheriue Ferguson and her Descendants 100
No. 10— Ann Ferguson and her Descendants 101
No. 11— Jane Ferguson and her Descendants 103
No. 12 —Robert Bell Ferguson and his Descendants 110
No. 13— Rev. John Ferguson and his Descendants. 132
No. 14— William Ferguson and his Descendants 136
No. 15 — David Ferguson, of Baltimore 139
No. 16 — Levi Ferguson and his Descendants. . 141
TJISTORY of the Ferguson
^ ^ Family in Scotland, by
James Ferguson, King's Coun-
cil of Edinburgh, Sheriff of
Argyle.
(Author of Name and Clan of Ferguson; Robert Fer-
o-uson, the Plotter; The Two Scottish Soldiers.)
THE CLAN FERGUS(S)ON SOCIETY.
OFFICE BEARERS.
PRESIDENT.
William Ferguson, of Kinmundy, Aberdeenshire.
VICE-PRESIDENTS .
Alexander A. Ferguson, Bothwell Park, Bothwell.
Alexander A. Ferguson, 11 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow.
Rev. Fergus Ferguson, M. A., D. D., No. 4 Craigpark Terrace, Den-
nistoun Glasgow.
Ex-Provost George Ferguson, Trinidad Villa, Ibrox.
Rev. R. Menqies Ferguson, M. A., Logie Manse, Bridge of Allan.
COUNCIL.
Daniel Ferguson, National Bank House, Stirling.
D. MacGregor Ferguson, No. 13 Carnarvon Street, Glasgow.
James Ferguson, Jr., of Kinmundy, No. 10 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh.
James Ferguson, No. 16 Robertson Street, Glasgow.
James Haig Ferguson, M. D., No. 25 Rutland Street, Edinburgh.
Very Rev. John Ferguson, The Deanery, Elgin.
Rev. John Ferguson, B. D., The Manse, Aberdalgie, Perth.
John Ferguson, Burgh School, Alloa.
Dr. Peter Ferguson, Norwood, Pollokshields.
Peter Ferguson. No. 15 Bute Gardens, Hillhead, Glasgow.
Peter Ferguson, Mains Gardens, Milngavie.
Robert Ferguson, No. 17 Douglas Street, Stirling.
Robert Ferguson, Muirlaggan, Lochearnhead Station.
TREASURER.
W, M. Ferguson, No. 116 St, Vincent Street, Glasgow.
SECRETARY.
Alex. J. Ferguson, C. A,, No. 190 West George Street, Glasgow.
The following are the objects of the "Clan Ferguson" Society, as
defined by Article II. of the Constitution.
"The objects of the Society shall be the reviving, conserving, and
promoting the interests, sentiment, and associations of the Clan; the
cultivation of social intercourse among the members; the collecting and
pre,serving of records and traditions relating to the history of the Clan;
the encouragement of Celtic education; the assisting of decayed Clans-
men; and any other objects which the Society may from time to time
determine."
TITLED ESTATES AND THEIR PROPRI-
ETORS IN THE YEAR 1873.
In Perthshire: —
John Ferguson, of Easter, Dalnabreck.
Samuel R. Ferguson, of Middlehaugh, Pitlochry.
Thomas Fergusson, of Baledmund.
Margret Fergusson, of Dunfallandy.
Aberdeenshire: —
William Ferguson, of Kinmundy.
Aberdeenshire and Banffshire: —
Colonel George Arthur Ferguson, of Pitfour.
Ayrshire: —
Sir James Fergusson, of Kilkerran, Bart.
John Ferguson, of Fulwood, Stewartton.
Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire: —
R. Cutlar Fergusson, of Craigdarrock, Moniaive,
R. S. D. Fergusson of Isle,
Fife, Elgin, and Ross Shires: —
Ronald Crawford Munro Fergusson, of Raith and Novar.
Kincardineshire:
Mrs. Jane Ferguson, of Altens.
Peebleshire: —
Sir William Fergusson, Bart., of Spittalhaugh.
Lanarkshire: —
James Ferguson, of Auchinheath.
Wigtownshire: —
The Trustees of the Ferguson Bequest Fund.
A PARTIAL RECORD OF THE FERGUSON LINE OF DESCENT IN
SCOTLAND. WITH THE "DATE WHEN LIVING.
Date when living.
Fer.i'-us, of Caledonia, first King of the Scots A. D. 500
Baion Fergus, of Athol 1200
Walter Fergus, Baron of Crichie 1300
William Fergus, Baron of Crichie
William Ferguson, Officer in the English Army in the Reign of
Charles 1 1600
William Ferguson, of Badifurrow, Public Official 1625
George F'erguson, of Old Meldrum, Factor of the Duke of Perth 1650
Robert Ferguson, of Old Meldrum, Lieutenant in tne English Army,
in Oueen Ann's Reign, and Pioneer to America 1675
CHIEF SEAT OF THE CLAN,
The chief seat of the Fergusons as a Highland clan was undoubtedly
in Athol, where they are placed in the map of the clans and where was
the residence of their recognized chief. When the roll was made up in
the year before the Spanish armada sailed on its great enterprise, the
Chiefship was in the ancient family of Dunfallandy, long designed as of
Derculich, whose head appears as Baron Ferguson and as the Laird of
Ferguson in State documents. The date of the original settlement of the
Fergusons in Athol is lost in the mists of the distant past. The house of
Dunfallandy is undoubtedly of very great antiquity, and it is recognized
in the district as one of the oldest territorial families. A tradition has
been handed down in one of the Ferguson families of the district to the
effect that the common ancestor of their stock and of the house of Dun-
fallandy had fled from Ayrshire to the North in the year 1329 and was of
the family of Kilkerran.
The Baledumid tradition is that their race was originally of the stock
of Craigdarroch, in Dumfrieshire. In the male line, as representing
Ballyoukan, they seem to be descended from an Aberdeenshire man, so
it is probable that the clan had been established in the district at a much
earlier period.
In the Thirteenth century Duncan, son of Fergus, witnessed a char-
ter of Malise, Earl of Strathearn.
In the twenty-fifth year of King James V., Robert Ferguson, of Der-
culich, had to make legal process to recover a large number of charters
and other writs which had been retained from him, though he claimed
them as heir of his nephew, the Baron of Downey, and among these
was specified a charter of our most noble predecessor. King John, to
Adam Ferguson, of the Lands of Cluny. Now the only King John known
to Scottish analists is King John Balliol. and this at once carries us back
to the year 1200.
The Clan Ferguson were probably among the gallant Atholerians who followed the banner
of Montrose in the Civil wars, and formed the original nucleus, of the victorious Cavalier
army. They are stated to have joined Viscount Dundee's army, immediately after Killiecrankie,
and many allusions in the extracts from public documents and private papers which follow
show that they formed an important part of the fighting strength of the Dukedom of Athol and
Earldom of Strathardle.
The descent of the Dunfallandy family can be substantially, if not absolutely, traced from a
generation which had passed away before 1489, to the present time, but even at the date when
it can first be identified in the State documents it was, according to the local tradition of the dis-
trict, an old family, and corroboration is to be found in the documents that are described.
THE SCOTTISH BRANCH.
CHAPTER I.
THE CLAN AND NAME OF FERGUSON.
Taken from an address of James Ferguson, of Kinmundy , Scotland, before
the Ferguson Historical Society,
The above title has been selected for the following notes, because I
have felt the difficulty of defining, in the case of a surname of undoubted
Celtic origin, but of frequent occurrence in the Low Country, how much
should be included in the term Clan. If it was clearly of Saxon deriva-
tion, and taken from an occupation, as Baxter or Baker, Webster,
Wright and many others which can easily be imagined, there was no
presumption of a common origin or clan connection with others similarly
designed. However, if it was a clan name, and especially if it were one
of the recognized Highland patronymics, there was a presumption in
favor of a common origin, recognized by the official guardians of gene-
ology and its hand-maid, heraldry, in Scotland.
It must on the other hand be admitted that we Fergusons are, I fear,
"a broken clan," and that the traces of our common ancestor are at least
indistinct.
The seat of the Fergusons, as a Highland clan, recognized among the
Septs, was almost in the center of Scotland, in Athol, and on the banks
of the Isla. But as the name has been found certainly from the days of
the War of Independence, in Aberdeenshire in the north, and in Ayrshire
and Dunfriesshire in the south, I think you will agree with me that it is
safest, as well as most accurate, to follow the example of the old chron-
icler of the House of Forbes, and to embrace what fragments of tradition
and history we can recover, under the correct and comprehensive title of
the "Clan and Name of Ferguson."
My aim is, therefore, to submit to you, what I have been able to find
in books about the Fergusons as a Clan, to supplement it by some
general notes, indicating the leading families of the name who appear in
local history, and to add a few facts about individuals who may have
done some service to their country, and some credit to their name,
10
The names of Fergus, MacFhearghusa, or Ferguson, are really the
saiue, and indeed down to two centuries ago, the forms Fergus and Fer-
guson were used indiscriminately in some families. The name is some-
times derived from feargachus, wrathful, or of a fiery disposition, fearg
in Gaelic signifying anger, or wrath, and feargach.one of bold, irascible,
haughty, or imperious temper. According to Logan, it is a personal
appellation, in its secondary sense implying a hero, but primarily signi-
fying a spearman, or heavily armed warrior, among the Highlanders.
"The name," says that author, "may vie with any in point of
antiquity and honor, for who has not heard of the renowned Fergus, the
founder of Scotland's monarchy?"
We shall not insist on the existence oi the first of the name, whose
era is placed 300 years before the advent of Christ ; it is a matter of no
slight pride to be able to authenticate the reign of a second prince who
flourished 1300 years ago. The Kinglet of Dalriada was formed in the
north of Ireland in 210, when the Scots had been forced to abandon their
native isle, and in 503 Fergus, the son of the then King, came over to
Argyle and re-established their dominion in Caledonia. From him, as
the first and most distinguished of his name, the Fergusons assert their
origin, a descent in which "the most noble of the land may glory."
Logan may not be absolutely accurate as to the precise year of the
arrival of the historic King Fergus, which later historians place in 498
A. D.
The Irish pedigrees also deduce "the stem of the Ferguson family"
from the old royal race of Ireland, and subsequently of Scotland. In
Hart's Irish Pedigrees the Septs are traced, not from "Fergus the First,
absolute King of Scotland of the Milesian race," as he is termed in the
annals of the Four Masters, but from his uncle, another Fergus.
"Fergus," says Hart, "a son of Eoghan, who is No. 88 of the O'Neill of
Tyrone pedigree, was the ancestor of MacFearghusa, anglicised Mac-
Fearghus, Fergus, and Ferguson. Eoghan was the son of Niall Mor, or
said to be the 126th Monarch of Ireland. From Fergus his son (No. 89)
the generations are given by name down to No. 105, Fearghus, and No.
106, his son, Aodh MacFearghusa, the Fergus who founded the line of our
Scottish Kings, the deep attachment of their people to whom is so
quaintly expressed by the old Covenanter Baillie, when he says: "Had
our throne been void, and our voices sought for the filling of Fergus's
chair, we had died ere any other hadsittend own on that fatal marble but
Charles alone."
It is curious that the Scottish and Irish traditions should agree so nearly
in deducing the Ferguson stock from the old Royal House of Ireland. The
11
name was undoubtedly a favorite one among the Scots, though it is also
found among the Picts, and it may perhaps be interesting to quote the
physical characteristics of the true Milesian race, in opposition to the
other elements of the Irish population, from a passage taken from an old
book, and preserved in O'Curry's "Memoirs and Customs of the Ancient
Irish:" "Every one who is white of skin, brown of hair, bold, honor-
able, daring, prosperous, bountiful in the bestowal ot property, wealth
or rings, and who is not afraid ot battle or combat, they are the descend-
ants of the sons of Miledh in Erin."
We may, I think, conclude that the original stock of Fergusons was
of the unmixed Scottish race. In Scotland the Clan, if not a numerous
one, is certainly very widely spread.
The late Dr. MacLachlan, an eminent authority on Celtic tradition
and literature, once told me that he had come across old women of the
name living in Highland huts, whose circumstances were of the poorest,
but who rejoiced in pedigree which put to shame not only the best
Norman descent, but even the blood of many Chiefs of Highland Clans.
The Tartan of the clan is one of the most beautiful of all of the Scottish
Tartans, the set being a dark purple blue, traversed by black and green
bands, and upon the green a sprainge, or white strip edged with black,
and two red stripes, one on either side of the white. A badge given by
the books is the little sun-flower (a rock rose). I have, however, heard
it said that the poplar was used as a badge.
In a volume entitled, " Mclan's Costumes of the Clans in Scotland,"
illustrated by James Logan, a figure is introduced, called a Spearman,
clad in one of the oldest garments peculiar to the Celts. This was called
the Leincroich, or saffron colored shirt, which was the habit of peo-
ple of distinction, and, as its name imports, was dyed of a yellow color
from that plant. This vestment resembled a very ample belted plaid, of
saffron colored linen, being fastened around the middle, and was formed
of sufficient breadth to fall below the knees when so required. The
usual number of yards which it contained was twenty-four, but there
was sometimes more. The Leincroich was not peculiar to the Fergusons,
but was worn by gentlemen of every clan.
'J'he arms which are always given as those of the clan, are the silver
buckle and the golden boar-heads upon a blue field, borne by the house
of Kilkerran, and with appropriate differences by the Aberdeenshire
families. The earliest entry I can find in the "Lyon Register," of arms
of families now represented bearing the boar-heads, is that of Major
Ferguson, of Balmakelly, in 1691. Those of Kilkerran are entered in
1719, and those of Pitfour, between 1734 and 1755. The Fergusons
12
also, in some instances, carry a lion, as Craigdarroch. To this class of
bearings belong those of Raith and Spittalhaugh. The Craigdarroch
arms are registered in 1673, and those of the descendants of the famous
divine, David Ferguson, who bandied witticisms with the Scottish
Solomon, which show the boar-heads, between 1672 and 1678.
It has been stated that the clan MhicFhearguis of Athol, along with
the MacDiarmids of Glenlyon, are admitted by all authorities to be the
oldest clan known in the Highlands The vicinity of Dunkeld and the
confines of Perth and Forfar were undoubtedly their special habitat as a
Highland clan. It is interesting to compare the numbers of the clan with
those of other well known Scottish surnames. The most numerous
name both in England and Scotland is Smith. In a report submitted
by the Registrar-General in 1869 some interesting statistics were given
of Scottish nomenclature. It was estimated that in 1863 there were
44,268 Smiths, 36,624 Macdonalds, 30,212 Campbells, 14,476 Fergusons,
10,444 McGregors, and 9,520 Gordons.
The Laird of Ferguson appears among the roll of landit men, drawn
up in 1590. On the 11th of November, 1590, caution was given by Sir
John Murray of Tullibardin, for certain men in Athol, among whom
was John Ferguson of Darcloch, alias Baroun Fergussoun, that they
should find the required caution by the 10th of December next.
It is recorded of the name in Perthshire that the Fergusons always
followed the Earls of Athol, and that in battle of Inverlochy, in 1347,
between the Earls of Athol and Mar, Baron Ferguson and 260 of his
clan fought with great bravery.
"At a recent excavation at the old historical place known as Tara-
Hill, where generations of Irish Kings held their seats, an old banqueting
hall was uncovered, 360 ft. long, and 40 ft. wide, capable of seating a
thousand of Ireland's nobles, and in the great depression which marks
its site is the great stone chair on which the proud monarchs of early
Erin were seated, with golden crowns on their heads and golden chains
across their arms. Warriors, with bright bared swords in their hands,
lined the walls. The tombs of the Irish warriors, who fell in battle
against the barbarian invaders, have been unearthed, and the dust of the
sleepers has been scattered to the winds."
The oldest manuscript in Ireland, preserved in Dublin, has a careful
description of Tara. During the time it remained the seat of royalty,
136 pagan and six Christian kings reigned in its hall.
It was abandoned in 565, but has ever since been enshrined in the
national affections as a reminder of Ireland's faded glories.
TARA HILL, IRELAND,
Where generations of Irish Kings held their seats. One Inmdred and
thirty-six Pagan and six Christian Kings reigned in its halls. The stone
at the right is the Lia Fail, or Stone of Destiny. The monument is St,
Patrick, Ireland's Patron Saint.
13
CHAPTER II.
IN SUPPORT OF TRADITIONS.
It is interesting- to consider what probable confirmation is afforded to
these traditions, by what is known as to the early history of the families
referred to, and by the historical facts recorded about the Battle of
Inverurie.
Highland traditions describe the clan Ferguson, known to the bards
as having from time immemorial claimed to be the most ancient clan
known in the Highlands, a claim which the old clans of the district have
never disputed, the second place being given to the old McDiarmids of
Glenlyon; and the universal tradition being that they, the Fergusons of
Athol, are descended from King Fergus the First. Curiously enough, the
only modern clan name recognized in the ancient Irish tract on the Men
of Alban, which describes the descendants of Fergus Mor, the founder of
the Monarchy of the Scots, is that given where it says: "Here branch oE
the clan Fegus a Gail, the son of Eachach Buidhe, son of Aidan, (the
warrior King for whom his kinsman Columba prayed), and great-grand-
son of Fergus Mor, the leader of the Scottish Dalriads." Among the
descendants of Lorn, brother of Fergus Mor, also appear the cinel Fergus
Salach, and while the armed muster of the cinel Lorn is stated at 700
men, it includes the cinel Fergus, 60 houses. It has been said that, in
Robert Bruce's time, the Fergusons owned every third ridge in Athol.
Coming to more tangible elements than the mists of early Celtic centuries
afford, it is remarkable to find that in times when Heraldry was still
regarded as a true outward and visible sign of an actual and common
origin, the arms borne by the house of Derculich, and Dunfallandy in
Athol, by that of Kilkerran in Ayrshire, and by those of Kinmundy and
Pitfour in Aberdeenshire, were the silver buckle and three gold boar-
heads on an azure field; while the Fergusons of Craigdarroch, in Dum-
friesshire, whom the tradition of their own neighborhood has described
as the oldest family in Scotland, and between whom and the northern
Fergusons no legend of original kinship exists, had quite different bear-
ings, the principal change being the azure lion rampant of the old Celtic
Princes of Galloway. In Athol and Ayrshire there are also links with
the fortunes of King Robert First; and the first undoubted charter of
the House of Kilkerran was granted in 1466 to Fergus Ferguson. He
is supposed to have descended from a Ferguson of Fergus, to whom
14
King Robert the Bruce gave a charter of Ardrossan. The family of
Durculich aud Dunfallandy in Athol, whose head appears in 1587 as
Baron Ferguson in the roll of the clannies on whom the captains
and chieftians depended, and in the roll of the landit men drawn
up in 1590 as the Laird of Ferguson, had a charter of Clunny before
King Robert's accession, from John Baliol, and charters of Clunny and
Kinnard from King Robert the Bruce himself.
It was Strath Trummel, in the Ferguson country, in Athol, with
whom the King took refuge after the disastrous fight at Methven; and it
is at least a curious coincidence that the same Celtic family name should
be established in the Earldom of Athol, with which the King had a con-
nection by marriage, and whose Earl was executed in his cause; in the
Earldom of Carrick, in which he succeeded his mother; and in the Earl-
dom of the Garrioch in the north, which he inherited along with his right
to the Crown of Scotland from the gallant David, Earl of Huntington
and Garrioch, whose example as a crusader had been followed by the
Earls of Athol and Carrick.
It may be also more than a coincidence that the poet Burns refers to
the Fergussons of Craigdarroch as a line that had struggled for freedom
with Bruce; and that another family represented by Sir James R.
Fergusson, of Spittalhaugh, Peeblesshire, whose arms correspond with
those of Craigdarroch, held property in Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, for
many generations traditionally from the days of Robert the Bruce.
Lochmaben was the burgh that had grown up around the paternal
castle of the Bruces of Annandale, and there the King seems to have
followed a similar policy to that adopted in Inverurie, giving to the
kindly tenants of Lochmaben perpetual grants of land as at Inverurie.
Similar possessions of the burgh lands, holding directly of the crown,
were given to the Fergusons and Bainzies.
That the Athol Fergusons were on the side of the crown in the stern
contest with the House of Cumine, is also indicated by another incident.
A geneology of the Farquharsons (Records of Invercauld) states that
"Shaw of Rothiemurchus, being dispossessed by Cumin, Lord Strathbogie
and Badenock, when he was killed, left behind him one son. His relict
married Baron Farquhanen (Ferguson) in Athol, whose sons when
come of age, assisted the representatives of the Rothiemurchus family
with a considerable number of men against the Cumins, killed Cumin
himself and most part of his retinue between Rothiemurchus and
Strathbogie, in a place since called Lag n' Cuminich, or the Cumin's
grave. Cumin was then a rebel against King Robert Bruce."
Shaw, in his "History of Moray," tells the same story, stating how-
IS
ever, that the dispossessed Shaw "had married a daughter of Baron
Fergusson in Athol;" and that the younger Shaw, whom the Fergussons
assisted, and who in later life is said to have commanded the thirty
champions of the clan Chattan in the famous combat on the North Inch
of Perth, "by a daughter of Macpherson of Clunie, had seven sons,
James, the eldest, Farquhar, ancestor of the Farquharsons," etc. It is
remarkable that Duncan Macpherson, of Clunie, in the time of Robert
Bruce, "had, for his special services against the Cumins, a hand and
dagger added to his armorial bearings;" that "the hand and dagger" in
the Farquharson arms was certified by the Lord Lyon in 1687 as
commemorating "one of his predecessors, called Shaw of Rothiemurchus,
killing Cumin of Stratbogie at Lag n' Cuminich;" and that the crest of
the Fergusons of Dunfallandy is a hand holding a dagger.
Two other pieces of evidence in support of the old tradition are
furnished from Athol. In a manuscript of the 18th century it is
recorded that in the middle of the 17th century, upon the male line of the
Fergusons of Balyoukan failing, the clan sent to Aberdeenshire for a
Ferguson to marry the heiress. She died without issue, and the land
passed from him to his children by a second marriage. "But Balyoukan"
Cnow represented by Mr. Ferguson of Balemund) , saysAdam Fergusson,
late minister of Molin, writing in 1773, "considers himself and is
considered by all the clan in Athole as the family of which Baron
Fergusson is the stem."
16
CHAPTER III.
ROBERT BRUCE THE KING AND THE FERGUSONS,
In a manuscript written by Walter Ferguson, writer in Edinburgh in
1787, it is stated tliat "when King Robert Bruce marched his army
north to suppress a formidable rebellion, he lodged at Crichie, belonging
to Walter Fergus, who with his three sons went with the King to battle
at the town of Inverurie, where he gained a complete victory; and
Walter Fergus for his loyalty and bravery, got a grant of considerable
lands in the neighborhood, of which his descendants have been possessed
ever since; and at this moment I retain a part which at my death will
belong to your father." From the above battle of Inverurie, 1308, the
estates of Crichie and the lands of Inverurie continued in the family of
Walter Fergus from father to son till after 1640, when the heir, having
raised a troop of horse on his own expense and joined King Charles I.'s
army, was by this and the other misfortunes of the times reduced and
obliged to sell the estate of Crichie; and William Fergus, his son, after
the King's restoration, 1660 (in fact, 1665), purchased a small estate
called Badyfurrow, near Inverury.
In another document in possession of a branch of the family settled
in Poland towards the end of the 18th century, the tradition was
similarly given that "Walter of Crichie received hospitably in his own
house the great avenger of his country, King Robert Bruce, setting out
into that part of the kingdom to curb the rebels; and with his three sons
and dependents in the memorable battle of Inverury in the j^ear 1308,
afforded ready and manly aid, on account of which distinguished assist-
ance. King Robert Bruce gave him ample possessions of the adjacent
lands of Inverury.
"Previousto this battle, Bruce was taken with a serious illness, and was
slowly wasting away. His ever faithful followers became alarmed. If
the King died, the hope of Scotland was lost.
"On coming to the river Don, a council was held and a decision
rendered, that the King must go to the seaside, although it would be
attended with great danger from the vigilant hoards of England.
"While being surrounded by his loyal Knights, tidings arrived that his
great enemies, Buchan and Comyn, had taken advantage of the King's
illness and had already driven in the out-posts; some of them had been
slain. This attack aroused the spirits of Bruce and he immediate^
-n'-y^f^^^^^/t^^^^^^^^K^^^^^^^^^t
-/TT- > .__ W ^glij^
-:"-: ^ ",>^^^g"1S:|P%;^^^y ^^^
^ - ■
-'^w>m£-Mkim,
1I\K1)<
/ " '■ /"r/v"' 'v^ \,
■™- ^
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;5^
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f^^'fl-^:
- --- — ■ -
^•-
lURU S EYE VIEW UF INVERURIE, AND THE RI\ER DON,
17
called for his war horse and arms, and ordered his men to prepare for
battle. His friends protested against this effort; but Bruce declared to
them that his enemies had cured him. Heading his troops he came upon
the enemy between Inverury and Old Meldrum, and after a desperate
tight, Buchan and his confederates were defeated. Bruce now marched
into the territory of Comyn, and laid waste the whole country by fire and
sword, the very forests being destroyed."
The same manuscript states, with some flourish of language, that his
descendant, Wm. Ferguson, "flourished with military reputation in the
17th century, nor with less devotion toward the King, as Colonel of a
squadron of horse did he stand in battle for King Charles I., against
the impious and rebellious citizens in 1648. ' ' As Walter Ferguson records
that "five of the family at one time were officers in the army of Gustavus
Adolphus in Germany, and one of them rose to be a General," it is very
probable that his eldest brother, and perhaps Bradifurrow himself, had
brought experience gained in the Swedish service in the "thirty years"
war to the banner of their own Sovereign. Both sides in the civil war
relied greatly on the military skill of Scottish officers trained in the Low
Countries and "Hie Germanie."
In another letter dated in 1786, Walter Ferguson stated: "The family
of the Fergusons in the Garioch were for many years preceding the 17th
century proprietors of the lands of Crichie, and particularly were so in
1308, when King Robert Bruce came to that corner and lodged at the
house of Crichie, from which he marched and fought the battle of
Inverury. But at what time they sold the lands of Crichie I cannot
say, nor am I possessed of any writings concerning these plans.
"This intelligence I had from my father, a remarkable geneologist and
antiquarian, and I remember particularly the first time I heard it was in
the summer of 1730, when passing the lands of Crichie on our road to
Fetternear to witness the interment of James Leslie, Esq., of Balquhain,
whose corpse was brought from France to be buried in his own burial place
there. At diflierent times afterwards my father repeated the same history
of our family being possessed of the lands of Crichie. In the year 1730 I
was about 16 years of age, and my father died in the year 1753."
Among the Pitfour manuscripts is the following curious memorandum ,
written by a George Scott, who had succeeded his father as town clerk of
Inverurie, had a double matrimonial connection with the Fergusons, and
in his old age had settled in Buchan:
"George Scott remembers to have seen the bed in the house of Stone-
house that belonged in property to John Ferguson, Bailie of Inverury,
where King Robert Bruce lay in a fever before the Battle of Barra. It
18
was a plain wainscot bed, with an inscription on the front of it in large
alphabets of an unknown character to the vulgar. It was in this bed the
King seed the spider crawl up the back post, which he considered a good
omen, and immediately thereafter marched off with his army that were
then lying on the burrow Muir of Inverury to meet the Cumines, who
were then on the hill of Barra, and prevailed against them." This is
signed by George Scott, Pitfour, Sth of November, 1788.
The ti-adition I have always heard is that this bed belonged to a
Ferguson at the time the King lay in it, and that after the battle he gave
this Ferguson, who forded the water before him, some land about
Inverurie as a recom[)eiise, of which part now belongs to Mr. Ferguson
of Pitfour, and Mr. Walter Ferguson, G. S.
In the "Records of Argyle," Lord Archibald Campbell, in giving the
Aryllshire legend of Bruce and the spider, mentions that the incident is
also handed down as having happened at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
19
CHAPTER IV.
LOCATION OF THE FERGUSON FAMILIES.
Let us now look more in detail at the various families of the name
who appear in our Scottish records. It is a very curious fact that, while,
so far as I have been able to ascertain, no definite link of connection can
be traced between them, four families, found located respectively in
Dumfriesshire, in Ayrshire, in Perthshire, and in Aberdeenshire, all
cherished independent traditions, connecting their fortunes with King-
Robert the Bruce.
Our national poet, Robert Burns, describes the Fergussons of
Craddarroch as "a line that has struggled for freedom with Bruce."
King Robert the Bruce granted a charter of land in Ayrshire to
"Fergusio Filio Fergusii," who was the ancestor of the family of Kil-
kerran. The representative of one of the Perthshire families once
informed me that his family possesses charters dating also from the days
of King Robert.
The Aberdeenshire families of Piifour and Kinmundy, and I believe
another now represented by the Rev. .lohn Ferguson, the Dean of Moray,
trace their descent from a family established in the Garioch for more than
300 years prior to the Civil Wars of the 17th century, which is said co
have received possessions there from King Robert on account of services
rendered to him when he defeated the Comyns at the battle of Inverurie
in 1308.
A curious old document narrates that "one Walter Fergus or Fergu-
son of Chichie received hospitably in his own house the great avenger of
his country, King Robert Bruce, setting out in that part of the country
to curb the rebels, and with his sons and dependents in the memorable
battle of Inverurie, in the year 1308, afforded ready and manly aid."
Whatev^er may be the value of this document, the tradition was firmly
held by various branches of the family in existence in the last century,
that the connection of their ancestors with Inverurie and the vicinity went
back to the period of the War of Independence; and that they fought at
the battles both of Inverurie and of Harlaw. The name is frequently
found in the old records of the locality; and when the Marquis of Huntly,
the King's lieutenant in the north, hoisted the royal standard at
Inverurie during the troubles in 1644, he staid in the house of the William
Ferguson from whom most of the Aberdeenshire families claim descent,
20
and who subsequently represented Inverurie in the Scottish Parh'ainent of
1661.
The lordship of the Garioch had descended to the Bruces of Annan-
dale, from their ancestor, David, Earl of Huntingdon and Garioch, the
brother of King William the Lion, through whom they claimed the
Scottish crown; and before the battle of Inverurie King Robert was rest-
ing on his own estates.
The policy which he pursued was to settle his supporters upon the
forfeited lands of his opponents, and he planted many families from
the south in the north. vSuch were the Irvins of Drum, the Burnetts of
Crathes, as well as the noble houses of Gordon, Keith, and Hay. The
name Johnstone was common in the Bruce country in Annandale, and
is also found in the Garioch. Not a few of King Robert's followers bore
Celtic names, and it is possible that the Ferguses or Fergusons followed
the Bruces to the north before, or at least did so when every available
i^assal had to be brought to combat the great house of Comyn.
It is very probable that the race crossed over from Scottish Dalriaqa
to Carrick; spread to Dumfriesshire on the one hand, and northward on
the other; followed the banner of the Bruce to the north; profited by the
forfeiture of the ancient Lords of Athole; and were, as the old tradition
records, rewarded for good service at the Battle of Inverurie.
21
CHAPTER V.
AYRSHIRE FERGUSONS.
The Ayrshire Fergusons were located in the south of Scotland. We
have seen that this family was settled at Kilkerran in the time of Robert
the Bruce. A later charter was granted by King James Third in 1466 to
Fergus Ferguson and Jenet Kennedy, his spouse.
"The family," says Nisbet, "suffered much by their loyalty in the
reign of King Charles the First.
"Sir John Ferguson, of Kilkerran, having after he had contracted
great debts for the service of the King, and had his estates sequestrated
by the usurper, retired abroad till the restoration; a short time after
which he died. The present house of Kilkerran are descended from a
younger son of this Sir John; the elder branch, the Fergussons of
Auchinblain, having made over their estates in 1700 to their cousin, Sir
John Ferguson, who had a distinguished and fortunate career at the
Scottish bar. His family, upon the extinction of the elder branch,
became the lineal representatives. In 1703 he was created a baronet, and
his son. Sir James, followed his profession with even greater distinction.
He became a member for the County of Southerland in 1734, was a
compiler of Kilkerran's decisions, and in 1735 was raised to "The Bench"
as Lord Kilkerran, being regarded as one of the ablest lawyers of his
time. His eighth son also became a judge, under the title of Lord Her-
mand. He is described as one of the last of the old race of Scottish
advocates, and his vast store of anecdotes, and amusing stories, with a
vein of dry, caustic humor peculiarly his own, rendered his society most
fascinating. He died in 1827. His elder brother, Sir Adam Fergusson,
represented Ayrshire for eighteen years, and the city of Edinburgh for
four; and in the present head of the family the name of Fergusson is
represented, not only in parliament, but in the government of the
Queen."
In Ayrshire there were also the Fergussons of Monkwood, one of
whom was the author of "Useful Works on Certain Departments of
Scottish Law;" while another, John Fergusson, of Doonholm, an enter-
prising Indian merchant, left a bequest which was the germ of the
Ayr Academy.
Among other men of the name, who by their actions or writings
have benefited their generation and maintained the credit of their clan,
22
was James Fergusson, minister of Kilwinning, in Ayrsiiire, from 1643 to
1667, who was sprung from the house of Kilkerran, and is described as "a
man of eminent piety, much admired for his great and singular wisdom
and prudence, being reckoned one of the wisest men in the nation, most
fit to be a counselor to any Monarch in Europe;" John Fergusson, of
Cairnbrock, born in 1787, died in 1856, was the founder of the Fergusson
bequest fund; also William G. Fergusson, born in 1633, died in 1690, was
a painter of still life, who spent most of his years in Holland; William
Fergusson, born in 1820 was a botanistand entomologist, who pursued his
researches in Ceylon; William Fergusson, M. D., was born in Ayr, became
Inspector General of military hospitals, and wrote some useful medical
treatises; his son, James Fergusson, was an eminent writer on archaeology
and architecture.
Courtesv of McClure's Magazine.
MAXWELTON HOUSE.
23
CHAPTER VI.
DUMFRIESSHIRE FERGUSSONS.
The Dumfriesshire Fergnssons were located in the south of Scotland.
This family also were among the followers of Bruce.
Nisbet records having seen a charter granted to John Fergusson,
undated, but from the names of the witnesses, it must be referred to the
earlier half of the 14th century. In 1717 the representative of the family
married Annie, daughter of Sir Wm. Laurie, of Maxwelton, whose
unsuccessful suitor, Douglas of Fingland, composed the original song of
"Annie Laurie." Their descendant, Alexander. Fergusson, of Craig-
darroch, "famous for wit, worth and law," was the hero of Burns's ballad
of the Thistle.
His son, Robert Cutler Fergusson, went to the English bar, and
being concerned in the escape of some persons charged with treason in
the closing years of the last century, was tried and sentenced to a year's
imprisonment. He afterwards went to Calcutta, became the head of
the bar there, and returned in 1826 to this country. He was elected
member for Kirkcudbright, appointed Judge Advocate General in 1834,
and died in 1838.
The story of Annie Laurie from Frank Pope Humphrey follows:
Most people suppose that Annie Laurie is a creation of the song
writer's fancy, or perhaps some Scotch peasant girl, like Highland Mary,
as are most of the heroines of Robert Burns. In either case they are
mistaken.
Annie Laurie was bornin the purple, so to speak, at Maxwelton House,
in the beautiful glen of the Cairn — Glencairn. Her home was in the heart of
the most pastorally lovely of Scottish shires, that of Drumfries. She was
born December 16, 1682. Her father was Sir Robert Laurie, First Baronet,
and her mother vvas Jean Riddell. Maxwelton House was originally the
castle of the Earls of Glencairn. It was bought in 1611 by Stephen
Laurie, the founder of the Laurie family. This castle was partially
burned in the last century, but the great tower is incorporated in the new
house, and also a considerable portion of the old walls was built in. The
picture shows the double windows of the tower. In places its walls are
twelve feet thick. The lower room is a gun room, and the little
room above that in the next story is alwaj's spoken of in the family as
Annie Laurie's room. This room of Annie's has been opened into the
24
drawing room, by taking down the wall and forms a charming alcove, its
stone ceiling showing its great age. In the dining room, a fine, large
apartment, is again found the old wall, six feet thick. In this room hang
the portraits of Annie Laurie and her husband, Alexander Ferguson,
being half-length life size. Annie's hair was dark brown, with full dark
eyes, the nose long and straight, under lip full; a true Scotch face; a
type to be seen in any Scotch town; she is in an evening dress of white
satin; she wears no jewels but the pearls in her hair.
Alexander Ferguson, the husband of Annie Laurie, has a handsome,
youthful face, with dark eyes and curling hair. His coat is brown, and
his waist-coat blue, embroidered with gold; and he wears abundant lace
in the charming old fashion.
It was at Maxwelton House, Annie's birthplace, that I came across
the missing link in the chain of evidence, that fixes the authorship of the
song upon Douglas, of Fingland. Douglas was a somewhat near
neighbor of Annie.
The Fergusons are a much older family, as families are reckoned,
than the Lauries.
The Fergusons of Craigdarrock were attached to the courts of William
the Lion, and Alexander the Second, 1214 to 1249.
The present proprietor of JVIaxwelton House is Sir Emilius Laurie,
formerly rector of St. John's, Paddington, where he was known as Sir
Emilius Bayley. He took the name of Laurie, when he succeeded to
the family estates. Sir Emilius is a descendant of Sir Walter, Third
Baronet and brother of Annie. The music of the song is modern, and
was composed by Lady John Scott, aunt by marriage of the present
Duke of Buccleuch.
Maxweltoq House sets high upon its braes, painted white, and built
around three sides of a sunny court. Ivy clambers thriftily about it.
Over the entrance of the door of the tower, and above the window of the
opposite wing, are inserted two marriage stones, the former of Annie's
father and mother,, the latter of her grandfather and grandmother. They
are about two feet square. The initials of the bride and groom, and the
date of the marriage are cut upon them, together with the family coat of
arms. Below the grandfather's marriage stone, is cut in the lintel the
following: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who
build it."
Looking up the glen from Maxwelton, the chimneys of Craigdarrock
House are seen, at a distance of about five miles; and Annie had not far
to remove from her father's house, to that of her husband. She was
twenty-eight at the time of her marriage. Craigdarrock House stands
ANNIE LAURIE FERGUSON.
Courtesy of McC lure's Magazine.
ALEXANDER FERGUSON.
Courtesy of McClure's Magazine.
25
near the foot of one of the three glens whose waters unite to form the
Grain, the hills drawing together here, and giving an air of seclusion to
the house and grounds. The house is large and substantial, and lacks
the picturesqueness of Maxwelton. There is plenty of fine timber on the
ground; beeches and great firs are especially to be named, ancient
larches, with knees and elbows like old oaks, given to the proprietor by
George ihe Second, when the larch was first introduced into Scotland.
The present proprietor of Craigdarrock is Capt. Robert Ferguson, of
the fourth generation in descent from Annie Laurie.
General Sir James Fergusson, G. C. B., born in 1787, died in 1865.
was a cadet of Craigdarrock, served with honor in the Peninsular war,
especially distinguishing himself at the storming of Badajoz, and the
assault of Ciudad Rodrigo, and was afterwards Governor of Gibraltar.
Napier, in describing the taking of Badajoz, speaks of the hardiness of
Fergusson of the 43rd, who having in former assaults received two deep
wounds, was here, his former hurts still open, leading the storraers of his
regiment, the third time a volunteer, and the third time wounded.
26
CHAPTER VII.
THE FIFESHmE FE%GUSSONS.
Tlie Fifeshire Fergussons were located in the north of Scotland.
The present faraily of the name are said to have possessed the estate of
Raith since 1707. Four of them have represented various local constit-
uencies in Parliament, and one of them, Sir Ronald Crawford Fergusson,
was a general officer under the Duke of Wellington, specially distin-
guished himself at the battles of Rolica and Viraiera, where he com-
manded a brigade.
The kingdom of Fife was the home, even if Dundee was the birth-
place, of the distinguished Scottish divine, the Rev. David Fergusson,
minister of Dunfermline ("to which charge he was appointed in 1560),
one of the leading Scottish reformers. He describes himself as " one of
the six who fir.'Jt put their hands to the work."
He was a Moderator of the General Assembly in 1573, and again in
1578, and is said to have been remarkable for his combination of sagac-
ity, firmness, and knowledge, with a pleasant and humorous disposition,
which made him a useful representative of the Kirk in negotiations with
the Court. He is said to have begun the history of the Church of Scot-
land, which was carried out by his son-in-law. Row, and the perusal of a
sermon of his by John Knox, upon his death bed, produced the quaint
and emphatic recommendation from the old reformer, "With my dead
hand but glad heart praising God that of his mercy he leaves such light
to his Kirk in this desolation."
David Fergusson was not a voluminous writer, but he has left some
ecclesiastical publications, which have been printed by the Bannatyne
Club. He was the author of the first collection ot Scottish proverbs, for
which he had a great liking and it was said that he both spoke and
preached in proverbs.
It is, however, by his wise and witty observation, especially when
interviewing King James, that he is best known. It was he that gave to
the bishops appointed, while the revenues of the Sees were drawn by lay-
men, the name of " Tulchan bishops," and who answered King James,
when he asked why the master of Grays house shook during the night,
"Why should the Devil not rock his ain bairns?"
He describes the proposals for the reintroduction of Epi.scopacy, as
like "the busking of the brave horse, or the over-throw of Troy." In an
interview with the King, referring to the feuds that were prevalent, he
observed that it was the surnames that made all the commotion. "If
you go to surnames," he said, jocularly, " I will reek with the best of
you in antiquity, for King Fergus was the first King in Scotland, and I
am Fergus's son; but always, Sir, because you are an honest man, and
have the possession, I will give you my right." This, it is said, put
King James in a good humor, and he exclaimed, "See, will you hear
him?"
The Robert Fergusson who represented Inverkeithing in the Parlia-
ment of 1572 and 1587, was very probably a relative of his. It is interest-
ing to trace, if not a blood connection, yet a link as strong as that of
adoption, which, in the days of old Rome, connected the elder and the
younger Scipios, between this old reformer and other distinguished men
of his name.
The last male descendant of the minister of Dunfermline was Mr.
David Fergusson, Minister at Strickmartin, whose arms were registered
between 1672 and 1678, who was one of the Episcopal ministers ejected at
the Revf)lution, and who died shortly after.
In the memoirs of Mr. Adam Ferguson, minister at Logierait, he
stated that he, when a young man, was recommended to Mr. David
Fergusson, "who had considerable stock in money, but who had no child
to enjoy it, except a brother's daughter, and being very clannish, was
very much inclined to be beneficial to any of the name of Fergusson that
were thought capable of liberal education, especially after his only son
was lost on the ice in the north Loch, at Edinburgh." Mr. David Fer-
gusson was thus drowned on the 11th of February, 1682.
Owmg largely to David Fergusson 's influence, a connection of whom
was his Professor, "and did reckon Mr. Adam his relation that way,"
Mr. Adam made a good start in life.
Adam Fergusson 's parents are said to have descended from tlie Fer-
gussons of Dunfallandy, an old family in Athole.
It is said that they had for generations pursued the vocation of
smiths, an honorable one in a Highland village, "the first of them being
John, son of Fergusson of Drumachoir, who was at the Battle of Pinkie,
and relieved Stuart of Balnakeillie from five Englishmen that were
assaulting him." Adam was subsequently settled at Crathie, and after-
wards at Logierait and was the leader of the Synod of the party opposed
to the Erskines, at the time of the first secession. The youngest son of
the young man whom the descendant of the reformer had befriended, was
Dr. Adam Ferguson, the famous Professor of Moral Philosophy in
Edinburgh.
Dr. Adam Ferguson, born in 1724, died in 1816, was the youngest of
28
his family. He is said to have changed the spelling of his name by omit-
ting the second "s" on the ground that it was unnecessary, and therefore
unworthy of a philosopher.
When a young man, he was appointed Chaplain of the Black Watch,
(the 42nd. Highlanders), recently raised, on account of his knowledge of
Gaelic, and at the Battle of Fontenoi is said to have seized a broad sword
and insisted, in spite of his commanding officer, on charging with the
regiment.
He was for some time Professor of Natural Philosophy, and after-
wards of Moral Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh; and was
selected by the government as Secretary to the Reconciliation Commis-
sion, which was sent out to America during the Revolutionary War. His
principal works were the History of the Roman Republic, The Essay on
Civil Society, Institutes of Moral Philosophy, and The Principles of
Moral and Political Science.
Perhaps we may trace a touch of the clannish feeling which had done
so much for his father, in his Memoir of Colonel Patrick Ferguson, the
young officer from Aberdeenshire, who fell at King's Mountain. The
friend of Adam Smith, Hume, Blair, and Gibbon, Adam Ferguson was
one of the best known figures in the intellectual society of Edinburgh.
A most interesting description of him is given by Lord Cockburn, in
his memoirs. He had a severe illness when in his SOth year, but strict
care, and a vegetarian diet enabled him to live for nearly fifty more. At
72, he set ofT in a strange sort of carriage with no companion but his
servant James, to visit Italy for a new addition to his history. He had to
pass through a good deal of war, but returned in about a year, younger
than ever.
In his latter years his life was practically sustained by the great
interest he took in the great war, and in the words of Sir Walter Scott,
" The news of Waterloo acted upon this aged patriot as an inspiration."
His son. Sir Adam Ferguson, was "the intimate friend and country
neighbor at Huntley Burn," so constantly referred to in Sir Walter Scott's
journal. He had served in the Peninsula, and Scott is said to have l)een
greatly pleased on hearing that, when the "Lady of the Lake" first came
out, Capt. Ferguson, who was with his regiment in the lines of Torres
Vedras when the work reached him, read the whole description of the
battle in Canto G to his company, while lying on the ground exposed to
the fire of the enemy's artillery. Another son was an Admiral, and the
present representative of the family is the son of the late Dr. Robert
Ferguson (1799-1865), son of Robert Ferguson of Glen Islay, Perthshire
29
(a nephew of the historian), who wrote on natural history and medica]
subjects, and was for a long time Physician to the Queen.
James Ferguson, the astronomer, was born in 1710, died in 1776. In
the Banffshire herd-boy, who studied the stars when in the field by night,
who is still remembered in our schools as "the boy who made the wooden
watch," and who for a long time supported himself and his family by
making portraits in India ink, we have one of the greatest self-taught
mechanicians that Scotland has produced. His works on mechanics and
astronomy were numerous, but the most enduring interest in his life is
found in the charming little auto-biography which recounts his early
efforts and struggles, and in the domestic calamity that over-shadowed
his latter years, after he had won fame and honor and had been elected a
Fellow of the Royal Society of London. A full life of him has been
published by Henderson, and it may be not uninteresting to note that my
own family possesses three pictures painted by him about 1740, being
those of James Ferguson of Kinmundy, his wife, and son.
Robert Ferguson, born in 1750, died in 1774. If the North country
astronomer was known as the "Scottish Franklin," we can also claim
"the fore-runner of Burns."
Robert Ferguson was the son of William Ferguson, who came orig-
inally from Tarland in Cromar, Aberdeenshire.
Curiously enough, the poet also owed his education to a Bursary
founded at Dundee by Mr. David Ferguson, of Strathmartin, who had
assisted the father of Adam Ferguson, the philosopher.
The circumstances of his short and troubled life and his sad and
solitary end, are well known. It was left to Robert Burns to erect a stone
to his memory, with the inscription :■
"No sculptur'd marble here, nor pompous lay,
'No storied urn, nor animated bust;'
This simple stone directs pale Scotia's way
To pour her sorrows o'er her Poet's dust."
One cannot fail to be struck with the sensibility, the command of
language, and the power of versification of Ferguson's poems. It is,
however, in his Scotch pieces that he is at his best, and perhaps, if it
had not been for Burns, whose genius he awakened, he would have
remained a greater popular favorite.
From poet to piper, is perhaps a natural transition, especially when
their origin is in the same northern region.
Donald Ferguson, from Corgarff in Mar, was a cheerful volunteer in
Prince Charles Edward's array, in 1745.
30
When a party of the government troops were made prisoners at
Keith, Donald was thrown in the skirmish off the bridge into the Isla,
but kept blowing with vigor, and his inflated bag sustained him until he
was rescued. He used afterwards to say that so long as he could blow
up his muckle pipes he should neither die nor drown.
BASS ROCK,
rhe Rallying Point for Scotland's Armies.
31
CHAPTER VIII.
THE HISTOW OF INVERURIE, %OYAL '=BURGH,
The Home of the Ferguson Family of Aberdeenshire, the Ancestors of the American Branch
of the Ferguson Family.
Some sixteen miles from Aberdeen, hard by the main line of the
great North of Scotland Railway, and overlooking the storied waters of
the Don and the Ury at the point where they commingle, a conical
mound of verdant sward uprises from a triangular field of forty acres.
The mound is the "Bass" of prophetic fame, of which "Thomas of
Ercildoune" has rhymed.
And the triangular piece of ground is the Stanners. These bear silent
witness to the conditions of life in the Garioch long before the dawn of
authentic history. They are, indeed, the starting point of the history of
Inverurie, and to the geologists the mound speaks of a time, thousands of
years before the Roman legionaries penetrated the fastnesses of Aberdeen-
shire.
According to one theory the Bass is a memorial of the glacial period
and the "Stanners" is so called on account of the stony nature of the
ground. The history of Inverurie and the Garioch, as told by antiqua-
rian finds of the stone age, is that of the history in Britain generally.
Flints, stone axes, stone circles, cairns, sculptured monoliths, barrows,
and stone coffins turned up accidentally by the plow share, or unearthed
by the exertion of the antiquary, are eloquent testimony that the ancient
inhabitants of Aberdeenshire and the Garioch, and in particular around
Inverurie, fought and fell, and lived and died, and were buried in much
the same way as the ancient Britains in other parts of this Island.
Nor is the unwritten history untinged by the superstitions of pre-
Christian worship. These lingered after the dawn of Christianity, and
are to be found embodied in many a place name.
For centuries after Christianity had been introduced a central portion
of the "Stanners" was left uncultivated, under the name of the "Good
man's croft." And according to all historical speculations this was the
fortress of Inverurie.
Here, too, passed the Roman iter. Here the Romans must have
forded the Don on their expedition to Ultima Thule. Here was probably
the prison and death chamber of the unfortunate Monarch, Eth, where
32
Syric, or Guy , defeated him in battle at Strathallan, in August, A. D. 878,
and down the centuries the Bass was still the rallying point in the making
of the history of the Garioch, and for the matter of that, of Scotland.
Before 1176 its slope was crowned by the Castle of Inverurie, the chief
seat of the Royal Earldom of the Garioch. Malcolm, the son of Bartolf,
held it as constable for his friend David, Earl of Huntington, and the
Garioch from whose daughter the Royal houses of Bruce and Stuart and
the reigning dynasty of Great Britain are all descended.
The ancient Royal Burgh has indeed been through all the "strut and
strife," common to the feudal chiefs and families of the district ; has been
through "the melting pot of history, civil and ecclesiastical.'' It had its
share of Reformation troubles; it saw the Duke of Cumberland's Red
Coats filing over the hill of Kintor, and past the southwest corner of the
Stanners, on their way to Culloden. Long before that, when it was a
rude hamlet of huts, and its primitive inhabitants supported themselves
on the produce of the chase, the Eagles of the Roman Legions waved
over it.
Still later it came under the influence of Celtic civilization, and Celtic
Christianization.
And when the Danes from over the seas attempted to make good
their footing on the Cruden coast, the rude shock of the tide of invaders
was felt even in the haughs of the Don and Ury; tor tradition makes the
name Denysburn, in Keith hall, commemorative of a great defeat inflicted
upon the Danes at Kinmuick, where a large range of fields bears the
name of Blair Hussey, or the field of blood; but any historical sketch ot
Inverurie would be incomplete without reference to the part it played in
the Scottish War of Independence, and that historic field is perpetuated
in balad and song, and even by the street names of the ancient burgh, as
the "Bloody Harlaw."
It was the year after King Edward's triumphal progress through
Aberdeenshire that Sir Willam 'Wallace visited Fetternear, where the
name "Wallace Tower," attached to a portion of the house of Fetternear,
now removed, commemorates his residence there; and tradition points to
the Kirkyard of Bourtie as the last resting place of Sir Thomas Delongue-
villfc, who as a pirate was overmastered by Wallace and became ever
after the devoted adherent of the Scottish patriot.
And when Wallace had bled and died for his country, and Robert
the Bruce had risen to the occasion by throwing off the yoke of the
usurper, the Garioch was again the theater of many stirring incidents in
the War of Independence.
The fugitive King had fared his worst. His wanderings in the west-
33
ern Isles had at last come to an end. The turning point in iiis career
had been reached. Loudon Hill had been fought and won. But it was
only the thin end of the wedge. Opposition was still rampant; and no-
where more so than in Buchan, where his arch enemy, the Earl, held
lordly sway. But in the Garioch and Strathbogie, Bruce found a safe
refuge. Unfortunately, at Inverurie he was taken ill, and, along
with his brother, Sir Edward Bruce, he removed to Drumbhide, there to
await his recovery. The fortunes of Bruce were indeed still at a low ebb.
With body debilitated by illness and the neighboring province of Buchan
overrun by the followers of the Comyn, it said much for the strength
of mind and indomitable will of King Robert that he arose above it all.
The devotion of his brother. Sir Edward, and the loyalty of Garioch
and Strathbogie, were indeed bright spots in the lowering clouds of mis-
fortune. From the fastnesses of Strathbogie the royal party again
sought the fertile settlement of Inverurie.
This was iu 1308, and the place names of Bruce's retreat on the lands
of Crichie (Ferguson) still speak of his sojourn there.
"Bruce's Camp," is still pointed out on the Hill of Crichie (Fergu-
son). "Bruce's Cave" is still identified as the indentation in the face of
a precipitous bank across the Don from Ardtannies; and near the road
from Kintore to Inverurie a long trench, eight feet deep, was known
about 1790 as "Bruce's Howe."
It must have been a picturesque scene that was enacted towards the
end of 1308.
Round the litter of the sick King stood groups of his faithful follow-
ers. Lord James Douglas was there, "he who followed and died by the
kingly heart among the Moorish hordes."
Sir Robert Keith, the hereditary Marshal of Scotland, was there, still
faithful as he had been through all the adverse fortunes of his royal
master, and forming a bright example for the imitation of his illustrious
descendant who fell some four or five centuries later at Hochkirchen.
Sir James de Garoiach, the ancestor of the lords of Caskieben, and
Thomas de Longueville, now the faithful follower of Bruce, as he had
been tfie sworn friend of Wallace, were also there.
A messenger arrived foot hot from the outlying district. His news
was important. Comyn, Earl of Buchan, with his nephew. Sir David of
Brechin, and Sir John the Moubra, taking advantage of the King's con-
dition, were advancing on the Garioch. The effect on the King's con-
dition was electrical. It was in vain that his followers represented that
he was not yet recovered. "This their boast has made me hale and fer,"
was the reply.
5
34
The little army was marshalled, and forthwith set in motion. At
Barra, near the present castle of that name, about three miles from
Inverurie, Comyn's thousand men were overtaken. A tight both fierce
and fell ensued. But victory rested with the King; and so sweeping was
its consequences that he was enabled to carry the war into Buchan, the
country of the Comyns.
The battle of Bannockburn was the grand culmination of Bruce's
fight for freedom, but undoubtedly the battle of Inverurie paved the way
for the greater victories that followed. It shattered the power of the
Comyns; it enabled the fugitive king to assume the aggressive; and on
that account, and also because of the fact that Inverurie and the Garioch
formed a safe retreat for King Robert the Bruce, the ancient and royal
burgh must justly be regarded as playing no inconsiderable part in
securing the independence of Scotland. "Comyn's Camp," the "King's
Hill," the "King's Burn," and the "King's P'ord," are to this day
pointed out by the finger of tradition, and the popular imagination has
invested the battle with a legend similar to that told of the Hays of
Luncarty and the plough yoke.
The story goes that in the battle of Inverurie the King received
valuable support from a farmer named Benzie and his eleven sons, and
that he rewarded them by dividing a part of the Inverurie lands among
them.
For over one hundred years following the battle of Inverurie, the
history is of feudal wars and the ups and downs of feudal families.
After the battle of Bannockburn, fifteen years were left to King Robert
the Bruce to set his Kingdom in order; and Inverurie may be said to have
profited in common with the rest of Scotland by his wise and strong rule.
The Earldom of the Garioch had returned to the crown by inheritance;
and, as a mark of affection and reward, the King bestowed the dignity in
1326 upon his sister, Christian, widow of the Earl of Mar, then married
to her third husband, Sir Andrew of Moray; but her descendants by her
first husband, Gartney, Earl of Mar, became the lords of the Garioch,
and superiors of the Inverurie and other lands of the earldom. Thusthe
Earldom of Mar was joined with the Earldom of the Garioch. With the
death of King Robert in 1329, and the accession of David II., a child of
four years, Scotland once more "fell upon evil days." Randolph, Earl
of Moray, who was Warden of Scotland in the minority of David, died in
1331; and the Scottish parliament elected Donald, Earl of Mar, son of
the Lady Christian Bruce by her first husband, Gartney, Earl of Mar,
Warden in his stead. The change from the wise rule of that sturdy
patriot, the great King Robert, to the administration of one who had spent
3S
1192430
his early years as a prisoner in England, and had given signs of his
English up-bringing by fighting against his own countrymen under
Edward II., at Bilaw, was soon apparent. He was called upon to beat
back the invasion of Edward Baliol at Dupplin, and he paid the penalty
of his military incompetency.
Ultimately Scotland was freed for good from the oppression of
English minions, but her own turbulent nobles were slow to let her gather
strength. The remaining years of David II., and the reigns of Robert II.
and Robert III., form a record of internal dissension, of Baron against
Baron, and even defiance against the King himself. The vacillating
reigns of Robert II. and Robert III., which gave scope for the intrigues of
the Regent, Albany, proved an iinhappy enough period for Scotland;
but it was not until five years after Robert III. died, and while Albany
was still Regent, during the captivity of James I., in England, that the
Garioch and the neighborhood of Inverurie was once more the scene of a
national event. The battle of Harlaw was more than a mere feudal fight,
it was a trial of strength between the Highlands and the Lowlands; and
it has been the theme of three ballad narratives.
The Duke of Albany was the cause of this, as of other needless
spilling of Scottish blood. On the Earldom of Ross being resigned in his
favor by Eupheraia, Countess of Ross, when, without heirs, she retired
to a convent, he secured it by royal charter to his own son, John Stewart,
Earl of Buchan. Then the wife of Donald, the Lord of the Isles, was
the rightful heiress should Euphemia die without issue; and accordingly
the great Highland chieftain disputed the legality of the action of the
Crown.
Redress was refused; and Lord Donald had recourse to the sword.
With Hector Maclean of Duart, as his second in command, and also
accompanied by the Chief of Macintosh, the great Island chieftain
crossed to the mainland with his horde of ten thousand sturdy clansmen.
The Earldom of Ross submitted almost without a blow. Dingwall made
some show of resistance; but Inverurie opened its gates at his bidding.
Thence he issued a summons that all the fighting men of Enzie and the
Boyn should join his standard. Moray and Strathbogie succumbed to
the Celtic invaders. In the twinkle of an eye he would have been
thundering at the gates of Aberdeen itself, which he had boasted he
would give to the flames. But the Garioch proved an insurmountable
barrier to the impetuous valor of the Gaels, as it had to the persistent and
dour attacks of the Comyns in the days of the good King Robert.
The savior of the Lowlands was Alexander Stewart, an illegitimate
son of the Earl of Buchan, the Wolf of Badenoch, who had assumed the
36
title and dignities of the Earl of Mar, on the death of his wife, the
Countess Isabel. She was the daughter of the Countess Margaret, and a
sister of James, Earl of Douglas, who fell at Otterburn in combat with
Henry Percy. The Countess Margaret was the sister of Thomas, Earl of
Mar, and the daughter of Donald, Earl of Mar, who was slain at Dup-
plin. The Countess Isabel, the wife of Alexander Stewart, had been
married before to Sir Malcolm Drummond, designated the brother of
Robert III. as having been the brother of the wife of that monarch; and it
is an interesting fact that with her death the line of the surname of Mar,
holding the two honors of Mar and the Garioch, came to an end. All
subsequent claimants have sought to prove themselves Heirs to her.
Through the failure of her two marriages just specified, and by a decision
in the case of the Mar Peerage, pronounced Feb. 25th, IS75, by the House
of Peers, the ancient Earldom of Mar was assumed by the Judges to have
terminated on the decease of Thomas, the 13th Earl, in or before 1377.
Into the romantic career of the hero of Harlaw we cannot enter at
length. As a soldier of fortune and a famous Knight of the tourney, he
upheld the honor of Scotland in many foreign wars and in many a tilt.
And when adventures by land had failed, he turned pirate and with a
small squadron scoured the coast from Berwick to Newcastle in search
of English prizes. Such was the romantic figure Donald, Lord of the
Isle, found opposed to him with a small but well equipped following,
little more than a tenth of the Highland host of ten thousand clansmen.
The issue of the battle has been told and retold times without num-
ber. The part played by Provost Davidson and the Burgesses of Aber-
deen is one of the proudest traditions of the granite city. The Irvings, of
Drum, the Leiths, the Leslies, the Gordons, the Keiths, and the Forbeses,
fought shoulder to shoulder. The battle was long and bloody; but when
night fell on the scene of carnage, where limbs of steel-clad men-at-arms
and horses had been hacked through by Highland claymores, Mar, with
the remnant of his army, still held the field, while Donald, Lord of the
Isles, was in full retreat toward the west. The victory was dearly bought.
The constable of Dundee, the provost ot Aberdeen, and the mass of their
followers were slain; the sheriff of Angus also, Sir Alexander Irving, Sir
Robert Maule, Thomas Moray, William Abernethy, Alexander Striton,
James Lovel, Alexander Stirling, Gilbert de Greenlaw, and about five
hundred men-at-arms, including the principal gentry of Buchan, lay dead
upon the field. By this terrible trial of strength at Harlaw, the supremacy
of Lowland authority was permanently secured. The only monumental
record of the memorable fight is the upper half of the tombstone of
Gilbert de Greenlaw, within the roofless walls of the once richly orna-
37
merited templar church of Kinkell. A farm house of Harlaw is said to
mark the large Whinstone monolith, about two hundred yards westward
of the burial place of the females who had followed the Highland host
and perished.
The century and a half which followed the struggle at Harlaw was a
more tranquil, but still a highly interesting, period in the history of the
Garioch. A new genealogical formation begins in it, which, by the time
of the Reformation, had developed into wide spread families, while some
of the earlier surnames became extinct.
The settlement of new names in the Garioch at this period indica-
ted a change; and social order also assumed a different phase. The sub-
ordination to law, established by the last of Scotland's powerful kings,
which, after his death, came to depend upon the isolated or combined
action of patriotic nobles, and in the Garioch had always the advantage
of being upheld by a strong Lord Superior of the Regality, was provided
for in that district, after the line of its feudal lords of Regality had
terminated, by the appointment of a King's Lieutenant, or hereditary
sheriff.
Burgh life in Inverurie begins to show itself to the antiquarian stu-
dent a little before the battle of Harlaw. The town was probably, in 1400,
all within sight and cry of the Cross, and the Cross Well may have served
the whole community. Not long after Harlaw was fought, we find names
on record which enable us to reconstruct at least the skeleton of a town
council.
In Inverurie the date of the Reformation was coincident with that of
the resuscitation of the municipal life of the burgh. Queen Mary having
granted it a new charter in 1558. This document narrated that Inver-
urie's ancient evidence had been lost through pestilence, troubles, and
negligent keeping; but that it had been a burgh beyond the memory
of man. The charter records and confirms the privileges which had
been enjoyed from time immemorial by the burgh. These privileges
included the right to erect a JMarket Cross and hold two weekly markets,
on Wednesday and Saturday, and two annual fairs, each continuing eight
days. The burgh, which possessed the right to elect a provost and
baillies, did not, for at least a century after the new charter was granted.
Belief in demoncraft was, in 1SU4, so prevalent that ministers and elders
were directed by the church to make all efforts to put an end to fche
superstitious practice of leaving a "good man's croft" uncultivated on a
farm or estate. It was a piece of ground left to the occupation of super-
natural beings, in honor of whom the tillers of the soil threw stones upon
it with some ceremonies. Inverurie furnished examples of this practice.
38
The efforts of the church appeared to have little effect, for we find this
order repeated a century afterwards.
Two years after the charter was granted to Inverurie, the Scottish
Parliament sanctioned the reformed doctrines, and the General Assembly
of the Reformed Church met. But the Reformation spread slowly in
Aberdeenshire, a fact clearly indicated by the celebration of mass, in 1562,
in the chapel of the Garioch, when Queen Mary was present. During the
first generation after the Church of Rome was established, in 1560,itmust
have proved nearly as difficult to find school masters for the schools as it
was to have the parishes served by competent clergymen. The readers,
who very defectively supplied the place of parish ministers, may generally
have acted, as they certainly in some cases did, as school masters, orcon-
firming priests.
In 1601 schools were very deficient, for the General Assembly in that
year complained of the decay of the schools, and of the imperfect educa-
tion of the youth in the knowledge of good letters and Godliness.
During the Civil war that ended in the deposition and death of
Charles I., Inverurie was dragged into the struggle, the burgh being
repeatedly visited by Montrose and his deadly foe, Argyll. After chasing
Argyll into the sea at Inverlochy, Montrose was supreme in the north.
He made his headquarters at Elgin, where he was joined by the Laird of
Grant, and punished the covenanting Barons, especially harrying the
lands of the Earl of Findlater, and the Laird of Frendraught.
He marched from Frendraught to Kintor, Kinkell, and Inverurie, in
which neighborhood his army was quartered. He himself lodged in the
house of Mr. John Cheyne, minister of Kintor.
The earliest minutes of the Kirk session of Inverurie present the
minister, in 1650, engaged every Wednesday, in his tumble down
thatched kirk, examining the people, and swearing them to fidelity to the
solemn league and covenant.
When Charles II. returned in 1760 to his native land, the face of
society had changed considerably in the Garioch, and his reign was to
see still more of the disintegration and reconstruction belonging to all
national revolutions.
The most marked historical feature of the restoration in Scotland was
the reintroduction of Episcopacy as the national form of church. The
most impressive outward change that marked the end of the Covenanting
rule was that all the surviving ministers of the preceding Episcopacy,
who had been removed by the Covenanters, were at once replaced in their
parishes.
Quakerism made its appearance in the Garioch in 1663, and the
1
Presbyterres were obliged to give up the names of all suspected persons.
But repressive measures failed to suppress the new sect.
It is suggestive of the rougher completion of the period, to find
several in the list of town councilors or of elders, who had their only
previous publicity in prosecutions for the rudest offence which came under
reprehension. Old offenders turned up in time as magistrates or as
ecclesiastical overseers. They do not, however, seem so much out of
place at a time when Episcopal ordinances had to be issued against
violent carrying away of offenders.
In 1677 Sir John Keith was created Earl of Kintor, and the Inverurie
community hastened to do him honor in the somewhat humble way of
electing, not himself, but his servitor, to the magistorial bench. It was
the town council of 1677 that recalled the Cross of Inverurie back again
to the place where it stood anciently.
Improvements effected by Sir John Keith included a bowling green,
for the formation of which the council minutes of Inverurie record that
the baillies, in 1673, sold him the scruff of the Kirk green and Stream-
head. Monmouth's rebellion had a special interest in connection with
Inverurie, because Robert Ferguson — "Ferguson the Plotter" — who didso
much to bring it about, was the eldest of the six sons of William Fergu-
son, of Crichie. William assumed the fantastic sign of mourning, not
uncommon in that cause, of never shaving his beard after the defeat of
the Royal Stewarts. The burgh, in 1696, possessed four merchants, three
tailors, six masons, .seven shoemakers, three smiths, and one wright.
Fifteen of its householders had servants. Then followed a period of
comparative quietude, and in the beginning of the last century the state
of the place is thus described:
"Inverurie had none of the characteristics of a town. It was a mere
village, the houses of which were scattered along the high road from
Aberdeen to Banff". Its population was chiefly agricultural. There
were manufactures only for home use. The population in 1804 was
under 500. In 1821 it was 755. In 1831 it had increased to 944, with
199 houses.
"After passing the reformed act, the population increased so that in
1871 there were 390 houses and a population of 2,593. The population at
the last census was 3,153, but that was just before the first contingent of
tho,se employed at the railway works had arrived.
"In the early years of the century, Inverurie was a little village.
Three important events in the history of the burgh during the last cen-
tury, were the building of the bridge over the Don, in which a member
of the Ferguson family took a deep interest; the erection of a bridge over
40
the Urie at Keith Hall; and the opening of the Aberdeenshire canal
between Aberdeen and Inverurie.
"Trade was considerably increased by these works, the effect of tlie
opening of the canal especially being shown in the fact that the popu-
lation of the place advanced from 400 to 2,000 in 50 years. In time the
canal gave place to the railway, and now it is the great source of the
burgh's prosperity. There seems to be in store for Inverurie an even
greater measure of success. To this its favorable situation, surrounded
as it is by peculiarly productive agricultural districts, has powerfully con-
tributed; but perhaps the main factor is to be found in the energetic and
strenuous character of its people."
Inverurie has been favored with a number of royal visits. As far
back as 881 A. D. we have mention of King Aodh, a Pictish monarch,
son of Kenneth Macalpine, being there. Having died after the battle of
Strathallan, he was buried at the Coning Hill of Inverurie, in the
picturesque tree covered mound which is to be seen opposite the parish
church manse.
In 1308 King Robert Bruce took up his quarters at Inverurie for a
short time.
More than 250 years later, in September, 1563, Mary, Queen of Scotts,
passed through Inverurie.
There was a lapse of 300 years before the next royal visit, which was
that of the late Queen Victoria and the Prince consort, on Wednesday, the
14th of October, 1857. Along with them on that occasion were the Princes
Royal and the Princess Alice. They drove from Balmoral to Haddo
house, a distance of 60 miles, on a visit to the Premier, the Earl of Aber-
deen, at Haddo house, the route being by Ballater, Tarland, Bridge of
Alfred, Inverurie, and Old Meldrum.
At Port Elphinstone there was a magnificent arch of flowers, and at
the market square of Inverurie, another gigantic and most beautiful
floral arch, 30 ft. in height, with five spans, had been erected.
The inhabitants of the town gave the royal party a most enthusiastic
reception, and not the least cordial in their reception were the Keith Hall
tenantry.
41
CHAPTER IX.
WILLIAM FERGUSON OF CRICHIE.
The oldest manuscripts (Records of Clau and Name of Ferguson,
Vol. 11.) state the tradition as to the origin of the name of Aberdeen-
shire and the Garioch. The tradition about the Fergusons settling in
Aberdeenshire is that two younger sons of Baron Ferguson of Athole, in
an affray with a neighboring chieftain, killed him, after which they were
obliged to abscond. One of them settled near Inverurie, and was the
ancestor of the families of Pitfour and Kinmundy; the other went to the
shire of Ayr and is said to be the predecessor of Kilkerran and Aucinblain;
and this is said to have happened upwards of 400 years ago.
Walter Ferguson, who is doubtless a direct ancestor, went forth,
with his three sons as a guide, to assist Robert Bruce, the King, in
lighting the battle of Inverurie. The full particulars have already been
given in the history of Inverurie. No other name in the line of descent is
given until we come to William Ferguson, of Crichie. With the uncertainty
which characterized the spelling and even the form of Scottish surnames,
the family seemed to have used several indefinitely, the form of Fergus
or Ferguson being indiscriminately used in the Inverurie records. Locai
tradition also records grants of land within the capacious boundaries of
the royal burgh, and by the 17th century there were several Fergus or
Ferguson families, more or less residents in the burgh or vicinity.
Tradition has it that one of the Fergusons fought at the Battle of
Harlaw.
William Fergus had holdings of land within the extensive limits of
the burgh of Inverurie, which, according to the family tradition, had
been in possession of the family for over three hundred years.
William Ferguson, of Crichie, was born in the latter part of the 16th
century. He was a military officer of some note. It is recorded that five
of the family at one time were officers in the army of Gustavus Adolphus
of Germany and that one of them arose to be a general. It is very
probable that his elder brother and perhaps Badifurrow himself had
brought experience, gained in the Swedish service in the Thirty Years
war, to the banner of their own sovereign.
It is recorded that on the 6th of June, 1608, William Ferguson, of
Crichie, a horseman sufficiently in arms, conformed to the proclamation
42
and was one of the mounted men present at a wapinschaw, and that
there was also present Alexander Fergus.
In 1619 William Fergus was censured for "adding to and building
farder nor the rest of the town, contrary to the laws of the burgh, and
likewise for disobeying the Bailie's command."
About 1640, William Fergus raised a troop of horse on his own
expense, and joined King Charles 1. army. He was by this and other
misfortunes of the times reduced, and was obliged to sell the estate of
Crichie.
William had five sons:
Alexander — who accompanied Montrose in all of his wars. Died
unmarried.
Robert — lived in Inverurie and had considerable property. He had
sons.
William— lived in Inverurie. Was the great-grandfather of the
present representatives of Pitfour and Kinmundy. Was Laird of
Badifurrow.
James — James was town clerk in Inverurie, from 1645 to 1673.
John — John resided in Stonehouse and was the father of John, who
married Janette Ferguson, his cousin.
The younger John, in 1663, chose his uncles, James and William, as
his curators, and was in 1675 a Burgess of Inverurie.
43
CHAPTER X.
WILLIAM FERGUSON, LAIRD OF BADIFURROW.
William Ferguson was the head of one of the families of Aberdeen-
shire. The connection of the Ferguson families, of which William Fer-
guson of Kinmundy is now, 1902, the representative, with the royal burgh
of Inverurie, and now recalled and revived by the presentation to him of
the Freedom of the Burgh, was one continued more or less intimately for
a period of about 500 years, from the era of the Scottish War of Indepen-
dence to that of the times of the French Revolution. From the William
Ferguson, of Badifurrow, who represented Inverurie in the Scottish
Parliament in 1661 and 1663, were descended some seven families, allnow
extinct in Scotland with the exception of those of Pitfour and Kinmundy
and a representative of his daughter, but in all of which in the last cen-
tury, the tradition of the connection of the burgh and of the gift by King
Robert Bruce, of the burgh lands, then in possession of the family, was
handed down. Badifurrow was a mansion situated on the braes which
sloped down to the Don, and not very far from that prominent feature of
Aberdeenshire landscape.
It is recorded that William Ferguson, of Badifurrow, was living on the
estate of Crichie in 1645, and that he purchased the estate of Badifurrow
in 1655 (we conclude of his father.) It contained a house and consider-
able holdings of land within the extensive limits of the burgh of Inverurie,
which, according to the family tradition, had been in possession of his
family for over threehundred years. Walter, William Ferguson's sixth son,
says the Kinmundy manuscripts, lived and died in Inverurie in the house
where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were born, a fine
house where his progenitors had been for upwards of 300 years. (Clan
Ferguson Records, Vol. 1, Page 283.)
The old house had witnessed stirring scenes in the troublous times of
the great Civil War. Spaulding records that when the Marquis of Hunt-
ley mastered the northern cavaliers and hoisted the royal standard at
Inverurie on the 11th of April, 1644, he stayed in "unkill William Fer-
gus' house." He stayed Saturday and Sunday, and then assembled a
force of two thousand five hundred men, of whom four hundred were
cavalry.
On that very Sunday, the Marquis was excommunicated in St. Giles
44
church, Edinburgh. A week later he was there again, staying in Baillie
William Ferguson's house on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tradition also says that the great Marquis of Montrose enjoyed
hospitality under the same roof in the course of his meteor-like campaign.
It is certain that when, after the restoration, the remains of the great
Marquis and those of Sir William Hay, of Dalgety, executed at the same
time, were exhumed from the burrough Muir of Edinburgh, and buried
with great pomp and full heraldic honors in the Montrose Isle, in the
Cathedral church of St. Giles in Edinburgh, among those who took part
in the ceremony was William Ferguson of Badifurrow, who is recorded
as carrying the gumphion before the bier of Delgathy.
St. Giles cathedral was built by Alexander the First of Scotland, in
1120. It is nearly certain that it replaced a building as old as 854 A. D.
It was a massive Norman structure similar in extent to the present build -
ing. It was partially destroyed in 1385 by an invading British army. It
was rebuilt in 1460; but a complete restoration was made b}' Dr. William
Cambers at his own cost in 1879.
The remains of the great Marquis of Montrose, who was executed in
1650, whose limbs had been scattered in different parts of Scotland, were
reverently collected after the Restoration and deposited in the Montrose
Isle.
The Athole Fergusons were, like the elder brother of the Laird of
Badifurrow, constant followers of the great Marquis of Montrose in his
cavalier campaigns; while Sir John Ferguson, of Kilkerran, was also at
Louden Hill with Montrose, and embarrassed his estate by his sacrifices
in the cause of the King.
William Ferguson, of Badifurrow, was a member of the Scottish
Parliament in 1861 and 1863, representing Inverurie; and appeared at
Edinburgh, in 1661, as commissioner to supplicate the enrollment. He
signed the letter to King Charles the II. in 1661. His name appears as
Bailie of Inverurie, in 1664. In 1666, he was requested, along with John
Johnson, on the recommendation of the Lord Bishop, to become an elder;
but he was infirm in so far that at times, especially in the winter, he was
unable to come to church, which, he said, he had signified to the Lord
Bishop. He purchased the estate of Badifurrow and disposed the fee to
his second son, William. In the same year a discharge and renunciation
was granted by Robert Ferguson (his oldest son, the Plotter), to William
Ferguson, his father, of his portion and birthright in consideration of a
sum paid down. He again appeared as Bailie in 1677. In 1669 William
Ferguson, the elder, and his son, William, were among the heritors of
Inverurie, who signed the Presbytery minutes of agreement, dividing the
45
Church. The Badifurrow seat in the church is said to have adjoined on
the eastward that which had formerly belonged to the Council, and was
afterwards occupied by the Earl ofKintor. In 1740 George Scott, writing
to Mr. Ferguson of Pitfour, sent him a copy of the arms of his great-
grandfather's desk in the church. In 1680 William Ferguson disposed
of the old house in Inverurie and large holdings of the burgh roads, to
his youngest son, Walter. He w^s alive in 1686, and in 1699 his grand-
son, James, obtained letters of general charge against his uncle, Robert
Ferguson, minister in London, to enter heir to his deceased father.
It is said of William Ferguson that he was so grieved because Robert
went with the enemies of King Charles the First, that he refused to shave,
and wore a full beard to the day of his death as a sign of mourning.
William Ferguson had seven children, six sons and one daughter,
born in the middle of the 17th century:
Robert (the eldest son) was known in history as Robert the Plotter;
descendants in England.
William (second son) was the head of the Pitfour family; descendants
in Scotland.
James (fourth son) was of Bellmakelly. A major general in the Eng-
lish army, and head of the Kinmundy family; descendants in Scot
land.
George (fifth son) was of Old Meldrum, a factor of the Duke of Perth,
descendants in America.
John (third son) was of Stonehouse. Baillie for Inverurie for many
years; descendants in Austria.
Walter (sixth son) inherited Badifurrow. Was Baillie of Inverurie;
descendants in Poland.
Janette (daughter) married her cousin, John Ferguson; descendants in
Scotland.
46
CHAPTER XL
ROBERT FERGUSON, THE PLOTTER.
Robert, the eldest son of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow,
known to history as "The Plotter," was one of the most preplexing
characters that has ever crossed the pages of English history. It would
be impossible even to sketch his career in the limits of this paper. I will
refer those who care to pursue it to his biography, by David Douglas,
Edinburgh.
He went to England before the Restoration, and the connection with
his father's family seems, for years, to have been completely severed.
The property passed to the next brother, and then to his eldest son, who
afterwards became the first of the Fergusons of Pitfour. The "Plotter"
began life in England as an independent clergyman, and wrote two or
three able treatises on theological subjects. But, taking to politics, he
became an active political writer, and was mixed up with the most danger-
ous and turbulent episodes of the period between the Restoration and
the accession of the House of Hanover, especially the Rye House plot. He
has been denounced by historians, particularly by Macaulay, but recent
years have brought to light a narrative by himself of the Rye House plot,
preserved in the state paper office, which puts a very different complexion
upon his share in that transaction.
Having examined most carefully the whole of the evidence relating to
the whole conspiracy, I came to the conclusion that there was nothing in
the real facts previously known inconsistent with this narrative, and that
it fitted in most accurately with, and explained much that was obscure
and inexplicable upon, the previous information. But it is impossible to
claim "The Plotter" as a creditable representative of his clan.
But the tones of his private papers are high; and if his own account of
these transactions is correct, he certainly saved his country from a great
calamity, and the Whig party of those days from a dark crime. He has
been described by one of his cotemporaries as "a man by himself, and of
as odd a make and mixture as the age has produced." It is said that
during the western insurrection the Duke of Monmouth's army was atone
time very badly oflf for provisions. The Duke was very dejected; and
Ferguson offered, if the Duke would give him the command for five
minutes, to provide for the next day. He immediately issued an order,
47
that the army should observe the next day as a solemn fast, and pray for
success.
Referring to the tradition that the Fergusons of Inverurie derived
their origin from the Fergusons of Athole, the same writer says: "Mr.
Adam Ferguson, late minister of Logierait, told me an anecdote he had
from the first Duke of Athole, who, we well know, also treated him with
peculiar attention and confidence, that Robert Ferguson, often called
'The Plotter,' had come to him at London, and informed him of a
design some rival courtiers had to involve him, the Duke, in some real or
sham plot.
'Robert himself was privy to it or connected at the time with the per-
sons who were against him, but he could not restrain himself from giving
him notice, and setting his Grace on his guard.
"Robert gave for his reason that he considered himself as having a
connection with Athole. The Duke told that he found the informa-
tion of use and not to have been without foundation."
The plot referred to was "the Scots Plot" of 1703, and it is a matter
of history, that "The Plotter" on that occasion not only warned the Duke
of Athole of the intrigues of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, but set by the
ears the Whig House of Lords and the Tory House of Commons, a char-
acteristic sequence of cause and effect.
The notorious Simon Fraser, afterwards Lord Lovat, in the course of
his mysterious intrigues, which he had been for some time carrying on,
which perplexed the courts of both St. James and St. Germain and
procured him a lodging in the Bastile from the most Christian William,
had made the acquaintance of Robert Ferguson, "The Plotter," in Lon-
don.
According to Lovat, the "Old Plotter," who had, if not the more
natural talent for intrigue than Lovat, at least more experience in
the art, suspected his associate of being more intent on gratifying his
personal hatred than in advancing the Jacobite cause.
He gradually unraveled the tedious thread of the conspiracy to ruin
the Duke of Athole (Ferguson), and by the disclosure of which, at the
right time, he managed to spoil a very pretty piece of mischief, and thus
discredit the existence of the alleged Jacobite design, known as the
"Scott Plot." Before, however, the unraveling process had been completed,
the intriguers parted with mutual protestations of friendship and esteem,
and Ferguson gave Fraser a letter of recommendation to his brother.
Major General Ferguson, who had entered into the service of King Wil-
liam, who at that time commanded the Scottish regiment in garrison
48
at Bois leDuc, entreating him to render the same service to Lord Lovat,
as he would to himself in his situation.
This letter was the means of saving Lord Lovat's life about a fort-
night later, while traveling through Holland. He, being a suspected
person, found himself in great danger among the Dutch.
In this situation he remembered the letter he had received from old
Mr. Ferguson, of London, to his brother, Major General Ferguson, who
commanded the troops at Bois leDuc With this recommendation, he
determined to set out for that fortress. Lovat, his brother, and Major
Fraser, having disguised themselves in the uniform of Dutch officers,
arrived in the evening. He waited upon General Ferguson, who read his
brother's letter, entreating him to communicate to Lord Lovat respecting
the interest of the King and bestow upon him all the attention in his power,
and who invited that nobleman to sup with him alone, observing that he
could inform him of several things of importance to both courts. When
Lord Lovat waited upon him in pursuance of his invitation, the General
assured him that he had been obliged to enter into the services of King
William and the Dutch Republic; but he had always been at heart faith-
fully attached to King James. Lord Lovat was with General Ferguson
until after midnight, and the General told him that he would send his
Valet de Chambre to introduce him again by a private door.
In the morning, however, the Commander found his garrison alarmed
and mutinous. Some of the officers of the regiment of Orkeney and
Murray, relatives of Lord Athole (Ferguson), understood that Lord Lovat
was in town and had addressed several soldiers of the Frazin clan, who
had enlisted in the regiment. These gentlemen immediately spread a
report that he had come to debauch the Scottish garrison and induce
them to desert. Upon this event, General Ferguson dispatched immedi-
ately a message to bring Lord Lovat to his headquarters. He told him
with concern the great danger he was in, and that it was necessary that he
should disguise himself and set out upon the spot, since, if the Dutch had
the least rumor of the intelligence which had been spread by the Scottish
officers, it would be impossible for him to save his life or hinder him from
being cut into a thousand pieces. Lord Lovat thanked General Fergu-
son with great warmth and told him that he was ready to set out
immediately, providing he had the meams of assuring his safety to
Antwerp. The atl'air was difficult, but General Ferguson accomplished
it by means of a sum of money and by the assistance of a rich Dutch
Roman Catholic merchant, whom he knew to be deeply attached to the
Fi-ench interests. The merchant brought to General Ferguson a Catholic
49
postilion, which he used when he went to Antwerp and Brussels in time
of peace.
The postilion had three saddles and one draught horse. He agreed
to conduct Lord Lovat and his brother to Antwerp upon two of the
saddled horses, he himself being mounted on the third, oiTering his little
cart to carry Major Fraser and Lord Lovat's page. At the same time he
demanded ready money upon the spot for the risk of his horses and $50.00
for the risk of his life, both of them being forfeited in case of discovery.
Lord Lovat counted down the money required, and, by the device of Gen-
eral Ferguson, disguised himself like a carter in order to drive the cart out
of town. In this disguise he passed all the gates and redoubts of Bois
leDuc.
Why General Ferguson aided Lord Lovat to escape is a mystery,
unless to get rid of a troublesome visitor as easily as possible.
It is perhaps a coincidence worthy of notice, that when in 1746 Lord
Lovat was seized hiding in a hollow tree on the island Loch Morar by a
posse of soldiers from the Campbell militia, the naval part of the force
was commanded by Captain John Ferguson, a grand-nephew of the (xen-
eral who had entertained at Bois leDuc. He met with less courtesy
now, for as the sailors marched him off to the ship, the pipers of the
Campbells played the Lovat march.
Robert was noted for his hair-breadth escapes. He is said to have
crossed to Holland in an open boat after the battle of Sedgemore, in
which he had taken an active part and of which he has left an account
not devoid of touches of dry humor. It is said that he was once in Edin-
burgh when a proclamation arrived offering a reward for his appre-
hension. The gates were shut and diligent search made, but he had
taken himself to the rooms of an acquaintance in the old Tolbooth (the
public prison), which he thought rightly, under the circumstances, was
the safest place.
His family consisted of a wife and two daughters. His descendants
are supposed to be in England. He was born in the 17th century, about
1640, and died in 1714.
50
CHAPTER XII.
WILLIAM FETiGUSON, HEAD OF THE TITFOUR FAMILY IN SCOT-
LAND,
It has already been stated that Robert's birthright was conferred
upon William Badifurrow's second son. William appears as bailie in
lf>77, but there is no evidence that he was a man of note. But we may
infer that in his day he was prominent in church work. There were
many brilliant men in his line of descent.
James, his only son, became an eminent advocate at the Scottish
bar and SheritT Substitute of Aberdeenshire. It is said of him that he
had a distinguished career. He sold Badifurrow, we conclude, to his
grandfather and purchased Pitfour in Buchan. James's son was also an
eminent advocate at the Scottish bar, and was raised to the bench as
Lord Pitfour. A distinguished successor, Lord President Blair, described
Pitfour and Lockhart as " the two greatest lawyers that ever did honor to
this court, men who stood long unrivaled at the head of the bar, and
whose characters were equal to their legal knowledge."
The eldest son of the judge became the Father of the House of
Commons, in which he served the people for 30 years, from 1790 to 1820.
His third son was Governor of Tobago. His second son, Patrick
Ferguson, was lieutenant colonel in the British army. He was born in
1744. His mother's name was Annie Muray, daughter of Lord Elibank.
Brigadier General James Muray, who was known as Old Minorca,
was the brother of his mother. The Colonel was said to be the best
marksman in his regiment. March 17th, 1776, he patented a breech
loading rifie which went into general use. He reached his crisis at King's
Mountain in South Carolina, in the American Revolutionary war.
It is said of him that he once saved the life of George Washington.
This story was published in the New York Mirror, the 16th of April, 1831,
on authority of Major John P. Delancey.
Delancey was second in command of Ferguson's riflemen, and had
seen Washington in Philadelphia the year before the outbreak of the war.
Ferguson had been wounded in the arm. While Captain Delancey was
occupied in arranging the sling for Fei'guson's arm, it was reported that
an American officer of rank, attended only by a mounted orderly, had
ridden into the open ground and was within point blank rifle shot.
51
Two or three of the best marksmen desired to bring him down.
Ferguson emphatically refused. The mounted officer saw his enemies,
drew his reins, and sat looking at them attentively for a few moments.
A sergeant now offered to hit his horse without injuring the rider, but
Ferguson withheld his consent, affirming that it was Washington recon-
noitering, and that he would not be the means of placing the life of so
great a man in jeopardy by such unfair means.
The horseman turned and rode slowly away, To his last moment
Ferguson maintained that the officer whose life he had spared was
Washington.
Colonel Ferguson was of middle stature, slender make, possessing a
serious countenance; yet it was his peculiar characteristic to gain the
affection of the men under his command. He would sit down for hours
and converse with the country people on the state of public affairs, and
point out to them, from his view, the ruinous effects of the disloyalty of
the ringleaders of the Rebellion.
He was as indefatigable in training them in his way of thinking as he
was in instructing them in military exercises. This condescension on his
part was regarded as wonderful in a King's officer, and very naturally
went far to secure the respect and obedience of all who came within the
sphere of his almost magic influence.
At the same time his energy in action and tenacity of purpose was
such as to gain from his comrades the epithet of "Bull dog Ferguson,"
while those who met him in battle and felt the vigor of the onset which
he led, alluding to his disabled right arm shattered at Brandywine,
spread in the Carolinas an unfeigned respect for one distinguished among
the fierce inhabitants of these wild regions as "The one-armed Devil."
Colonel Ferguson was killed at King's Mountain, bravely leading his men
into battle. Lord Cornwallis commenced his march towards North Car-
olina, having attached Ferguson to the Western confines of South
Carolina. Colonel Ferguson had with him, variously estimated, from
four hundred to twelve hundred men. His orders were, says Washington
Irving, "to skirr the mountain country between the Catawba and the
Yadkin, harass the Whigs, inspirit the Tories, and bring the people under
the royal banner." He had been chosen as being calculated to gain
friends by his conciliating disposition and manners.
His address to the people was in that spirit. He came not to make
war upon women and children, but to give them money and relieve their
distresses. He hoped that they would excuse him if, meeting with their
husbands or brothers in the field, he should use them a little more
roughly. While in the region of the old Fort, it is said that a party,
52
which Ferguson personally commanded, halted at the house of Captain
Lytle, a noted Rebel leader. Mrs. Lytle appeared at the door in her best
attire, and when the Colonel rode up and inquired- for her husband,
invited him to come in. He thanked her, but said his business required
haste; that the King's army had restored his authority in all the Southern
provinces; that the rebellion was virtually quelled; and that he had
come into the valley to see Captains Lytle and Hempthill, and a few others
who had served in the Rebel army against the King; and that he was the
bearer of pardons for each of them. Mrs. Lytle's reply was that her hus-
band was away from home. He earnestly asked if she knew where he
was. She said: "I only know that he is with others of his friends, whom
you call Rebels." Then said Ferguson: "I have discharged my duty; I
felt anxious to save Captain Lytle, because I learned that he is both
brave and honorable. If he persists in rebellion and comes to harm, his
blood be upon his own head." The lady replied that her husband
would never desert his country. The Colonel rejoined that he half way
admired her zeal in a bad cause. "Give my regards to Captain Lytle,"
he said. "He will not be asked to compromise his honor. His verbal
pledge not to take up arms against the King is all that will be asked of
him." He then bowed to Mrs. Lytle and led off his troops. On the 30th
of September, the news of the imminent invasion reached Colonel Fergu-
son, who realized at once the gravity of the situation. He halted and
commenced to fall back towards Cornwallis. Finding his members
scanty and threatened by a force much superior in numbers and fierce
in hostility, he endeavored to increase his force and collect the Royalists
for one final effort. He issued an order to arouse the Tories. The
storm clouds seemed to have demoralized the Royalists in that section.
He dispatched a messenger to Cornwallis to inform his Lordship of what
had passed, of the enemies he had to deal with, and of the route he had
taken to avoid them, and stated that he should halt at the King's Moun-
tain, hoping that he might be supported by a detachment from his Lord-
ship and saved the necessity of any further retreat. The letter, having
been intercepted, gave notice to the enemy of the place where Ferguson
was to be found. A duplicate was sent the following day, which was
received by Lord Cornwallis, but it came too late to prevent the disaster
which followed.
It was in the evening of Friday, the 6th of October, that Ferguson
took post on King's Mountain to await the expected aid, and if necessary
to make a stand and fight it out to the last. The mountaineers were
anxious for their prey At Cowpens on Broad River, the western army
had been joined by Colonel Williams, one of the American leaders, with
COL. PATRICK FKR(UlSON,
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53
450 horsemen, who had been acting against Ferguson. The combined
force has been described by an officer as "a swarm of backwoodsmen;
the wild and fierce inhabitants of Kentucky, and other settlements west-
ward of the mountain."
On the 6th of October, the Americans arrived at Gilbert Town with
3,000 men, determined to push on and attack the Royalists before they
could be relieved. Major Ferguson's force was estimated at 800. The
position, writses Washington Irving, was a strong one.
King's Mountain rises out of a broken country and is detached on
the north from inferior heights by a deep valley with sloping sides
excepting on the north. The mountain was covered for the most part
with lofty forest trees, free from underwood, interspersed with boulders
and masses of gray rock. The forest was sufficiently open to give free
passage to horsemen. As the Americans drew near, they could see
the glittering of arms along a level ridge forming the crest of King's
Mountain. The morning had been wet and stormy, but the weather had
cleared and it was a beautiful afternoon. When the Americans came
within striking distance of King's Mountain, screened by the surrounding
forest, they dismounted and formed themselves into at least four main
columns; those on the right and left were to pass around the British
position and to attack the mountain from the rear, while the central
columns advanced to the assault in front.
In this order they arrived within a quarter of a mile of the British
position before they were discovered. For ten minutes a furious and
bloody battle was kept up with the two central columns alone; then the
others chimed in and the attack was delivered from all points of the
compass. For fifty-five minutes more, the firing was heavy and almost
incessant. The mountain was covered with fire and smoke. Ramsey,
the American historian of the Revolution, speaks with the highest
respect of the British commander and relates that when the pickets were
driven in on the main body, Colonel Ferguson, with the greatest
bravery, ordered his men to charge. The charge had no sooner been
made with effect than the Americans poured in a well directed fire. The
British bayonet was again successful, and caused them to fall back.
Another relay of adversaries ascended and renewed the attack from
that eminence. Colonel Ferguson, whose conduct was equal to his
courage, presented a new front and was again successful; but all his
efforts were unavailing. In all ot these charges he seems to have had his
men perfectly in hand. Having driven back the Americans at the point
of the bayonet, they poured a rifle volley after them; then slowly with
precision retreated, loading their rifles as they retraced their steps, as
54
they had learned very skillfully to do by the example and instructions of
Colonel Ferguson. But in these short retreats they suffered severely
from the hidden marksmen in the cover below.
Many of the British bullets rattled over the heads of the Americans,
shredding the twigs from the trees; while the loyalists, distinctly seen
above, stood exposed in the open, and owing to their situation on the
summit, could be fired at freely from all sides. It has been claimed by
an American authority that they drove back the enemy seven times
before the final catastrophe. Washington Irving writes that Ferguson,
exasperated at being hunted into his mountain fastness, had been chafing
in his rocky lair, and meditating a furious sally. He rushed out with his
regulars, made an impetuous charge with the bayonet, and dislodging
his assailants from their coverts, began to drive them down the mountain.
He had not proceeded far when a flanking fire was opened by one of the
other divisions. Facing about and attacking this, he was again success-
ful, when a third fire was opened from another quarter. Thus, as fast
as one division gave way before the bayonet, another came to its relief,
while those who had given way rallied and returned to the charge.
Ferguson found that he was completely in the hunter's toils, beseiged on
every side; but he stood bravely at bay until the ground was strewed
with the killed and wounded, picked off by the fatal rifle. His men were
at length broken, and retreated with confusion along the ridge. He
galloped from place to place endeavoring to rally them, when a rifle ball
brought him to the ground, and his white horse was seen careering
down the mountain without a rider. He had, says his biographer. Dr.
Adam Ferguson, two horses killed under him, while he remained un-
touched himself; but he afterwards received a number of wounds, of
which, it is said, anyone was mortal,, and, dropping from his horse,
expired while his foot yet hung in the stirrup. The spirit which refused
to be subdued being now no more, the officer on whom the command
devolved, though brave and equal to the trust, was compelled to accept
quarter for himself and the few that remained under his command.
The battle of King's Mountain, inconsiderable as it was in the numbers
engaged, turned the tide of Southern warfare. The victory of King's
Mountain, in its influence on the spirits of the American soldier, changed
the aspect of the war. Cornwallis had hoped to step with ease from one
Carolina to another, and from these to the conquest of Virginia; he had
now no choice but to retreat.
The Historical Society of Tennessee has in its possession the sash,
sword, and field glasses of Col. Patrick Ferguson.
55
CHAPTER XIII.
JOHN FERGUSON, OF STONEHOUSE.
There appears to be a doubt which one of the six brothers occupied
the third place in tliis family. Some authors claim that it was James, but
a recent and more reliable account gives him the fourth place.
George is spoken of as one of the younger sons of the Laird of Badi-
furrow. Walter was the youngest. So we conclude that John was the
third son of William Ferguson, of Badifurrow.
The record of this family is very brief. He was for a long time
bailie of Inverurie, and was generally associated with his younger
brother, Walter. He purchased the southern part of the Inverurie rood,
called Stonehouse, about 1676. In 1696, he was sole commissioner for
the poll tax in Inverurie parish, his youngest son, George, acting as clerk
and collector. The eldest, William, sold Stonehouse to the Earl of
Kintor. Another, James, entered the Austrian service and attained a
good station, afterwards serving as captain in Spain and governor in
Panama. This line of descent is extinct in Scotland; the descendants
are settled in Europe. The last trace of the family in Scotland we get
from Dr. Davidson's enumeration of the property holders in the burgh.
In the latter part of the 17th century, the large property on the
southern extremity belonged to John Ferguson (son of Badifurrow), who
about 1675 held the old Leslie roods on both sides of the King's Gate.
In 1681, he sold the part most north of his upper rood, 125 to 130 High
street, and the rest was afterwards sold to the Earl of Kintor. Two other
roods, Knights Lane and 30 High street, belonged to Marjory Ferguson,
heir to her grandfather, John Ferguson, (Geneology) registered in 1761.
John Ferguson lived and died in Inverurie; married Barthia Carr.
They had three sons, William, James and George. William married a
Miss Keith; they had one son, Alexander, and five daughters, Henrietta,
Margaret, Catherine, Bothia, and Isabel.
James entered into the Emperor of Germany's army, but it is not
known if he married.
George, John's youngest son, died in his youth.
56
CHAPTER XIV.
MAJOR GENERAL JAMES FERGUSON, OF BALMAKELLY,
The Head of the Kinmundy Family in Scotland.
James Ferguson, of Balmakelly, Major General, Colonel of the
Cameronian regiment, was the fourth son of William Ferguson, Laird of
Badifurrovv, who represented Inverurie in the first Scottish Parliament
after the Restoration, remembered for its demonstrative loyalty as the
"Drunken Parliament." James was the younger brother of Robert,
known as "The Plotter." He appears to have entered the Scots Brigade
in the pay of Holland, probably as a gentleman volunteer. Sometime
during the reign of Charles H., he received his first commission, that of
quartermaster in Colonel MacDonald's battalion of the brigade, and dated
June the 12th, 1677. He became ensign in the battalion in September,
1678, and lieutenant in February, 1682. This battalion was one of those
brought over to England in 1685, at the time of Monmouth's Rebellion.
He became captain in 1687 and in 1688 landed with William of Orange at
Torbay. His regiment, then known as Balfour's, afterwards as Lauder's,
was one of the first landed and was soon after dispatched from London
to Heith under MacKay. The fight at Killiecrankie, where he is
said to have been taken prisoner, left him a regimental major,
and in March, 1690, he was dispatched by General MacKay, who
described him as a resolute, well efi:ected officer, in whose discretion
and diligence he had full reliance, at the head of six hundred men to
reduce the Western Isles, a service he accomplished satisfactorily with the
aid of the Glasgow authorities and the co-operation of Captain Pottinger,
of the Dartmouth frigate.
In 1692, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of Monros (late Angus,
now the first Cameronians, Scottish Rifles), which at the time was in the
Dutch pay. Ferguson led the regiment at the battle of Laden, and at the
seige of Namer, on the 25th of August, 1693, he had been appointed
colonel, which office he held up to his death.
Owing to the reduction after the peace of Ryswick, the regiment
was retained in Holland; but in December, 1700, it was finally transferred
to the British service and was brought to Scotland. Ferguson went with
his regiment to Holland, under Marlborough, in 1702.
MAJ. GEN. JAMES FERGUSON, OF BALMAKELLY,
Head of the Kinmundy Family in Scotland.
57
In 1703, he was in command at Bois le Hue, with the rank of
brigadier general. In the campaign of 1704, he commanded a Ijrigade
which led the attack on the heights of Schellenburg, and at Blenheim
shared with Rowe's brigade the protracted fighting around tlie strongest
part of the enemy's position. Here he ascended to the lie glit of his
fame. In the campaign of the year following, he had a brigade at the
facing of the enemy's lines in Brabant, and afterwards commanded with
the rank of major general.
"If there be," said Lord Beaconsfield, "any epoch of history more
glorious, more satisfactory than another, it is the reign of Queen Anne.
Then were our armies most brilliant with success, then were our
victories most glorious; for even Waterloo, the most famed of battles,
has not obliterated the memory of Blenheim." Certainly the year of
1704 was one of the most stirring in the annals of Great Britain. The
forces were vast and wielded by rare genius and the adversary was that
of bold France. The real interest at stake in the wars was the Protestant
religion and the balance of power, and in Marlborough and Prince
Eugene, its issue was to be determined by men equal to the occasion.
Hitherto the war had dragged on without any decisive achievements, but
now the crisis was at hand. A great scheme had been developed to
strike at the heart of the Empire; and IMarlborough had resolved on a
decisive effort to meet it, on which hung the fate of the civilized world.
Throughout this campaign, the Duke seems to have relied greatly on
the experience and energy of Brigadier Ferguson, whenever there was
special work to be done. He was to commit the care of his base and the
defense of the line of the Meuse and the Low Countries to Dutch troops.
He reviewed these forces in a body before embarking on his great
enterprise
The Holland garrison marched out of Maestricht, and left the keep-
ing thereof to Brigadier Ferguson with the English detachment, and
joined a great body of their own and auxiliary troops on Peter's Hill, on
the west side of the town. For about five weeks Ferguson seems to have
commanded the garrison of Maestricht, and they must have been weeks
full of occupation. The Duke of Marlborough reached Maestricht on the
10th of May, where he remained until the 14th, actively employed in
assembling and organizing the army.
He reviewed the army. Little was known of the ultimate aim of the
General. It was evndent that the result of the campaign just o])ening
must be either unequaled triunaph or complete disaster.
The military ascendency of France in Europe had been for years un-
questioned and the prestige of the French soldiery was yet unbroken,
58
It may not be uninteresting to notice that Brigadier Ferguson, amid all
the bustle of preparation for the march, found time to review and regu-
late his private alTairs and settle their disposal in the event of his falling
in the battle about to be fought.
The 12th of May, 1704, was the date of a settlement of accounts be-
tween him and his nephew, Mr. James Ferguson, of Pitfour, an advocate
at the Scottish Bar, who managed his afifairs in Scotland for him. His
will bears the above date, headed in the following language: "Beit
known to all men present, Mr. Brigadier James Ferguson, of Balmakelly,
for as much as nothing is more certain than death, nor more uncertain
as the time and manner thereof, and I, being most earnest and desirous
to leave my worldly affairs clear whenever it please God to remove me
from this transitory life, and being at present in perfect health of body
and soundness in mind, do therefore make this my latter will and testa-
ment: (to-wit) I bequeath my soul to God Almighty, to be saved alone
by the merits of his only Son and my Lord and Redeemer, and I recom-
mend my body to be decently and honourably interred when it please
God to call me, and my worldly substance to dispose of them in the fol-
lowing manner," etc.
Two days later, a bulletin dated May 14th, 1704, gave this announce-
ment : "A detachment under command of Brigadier Ferguson will
march from hence tomorrow, and my Lord Duke of Marlborough, with
the Generals here, will follow on Friday, and on Sunday we will join all
the English troops at Bedbarg, near Cologne, and so pursue our march
towards Coblenz." On Friday, Marlborough caught up with Fergu-
son's detachment and marched with them to Bedbarg, when they
joined the English forces and a train of artillery under General Churchill.
Ferguson'scommand was composed of abattalion of the Firstguards,
a battalion of Orkney's regiment, the 23rd. or Welsh's fusileers. It was
a fine brigade and bore the brunt of the fighting in the operations that
followed, for it led and sustained the attack on the Schellenberg and at
Blenheim shared with Rowe's brigade the protracted struggle around the
strongest part of the French position.
Without delay Marlborough pressed forward the execution of his grand
design, marching from Bonn early in the morning and resting during
the heat of the day. He proceeded up the left bank of the Rhine, at
Coblenz. He crossed the river and advanced to Mayence, where the
troops were reviewed before the Elector, who remarked: "These gentle-
men appear to be all dressed for the ball." At last at the end of June,
the allied army found itself in front of the fortified heights of Schellen-
l)erg. This position, strong by nature, was occupied by a Gallo-Bavariari
59
force of 12,000 men. Marlborough determined to lose no time in attack-
ing, and without waiting for the arrival of the main body of the Imperi-
alists, selected a picked body of 1000 men to lead the assault. Brigadier
Ferguson leading up the first line of foot, Count Howe and other Gen
erals bringing up the rest.
Lieut. General Goor commanded the whole. They pressed forward,
exposed to a storm of grape from the entrenchments in front and a flank-
ing fire from the works of Donauwerth. The enemy did very great exe-
cution. The first discharge of musketry struck down General Goor and
many other officers. The enemy came out of their trenches with their
bayonets, but they were quickly obliged to return to them again, for the
guards stood their ground bravely, and the rest of Ferguson's brigade
coming at this critical moment rushed forward to their support. But
though the enemy were driven back into their lines, they were not yet
won; and the defense was so vigorous that the assailants were twice re-
pulsed, and the carnage was great.
The Lord John Hay dismounted his dragoons (the Scots Grays)
and brought them up to the aid of the infantry, and the Imperialists
forcing an entrance, he called to them to meet the principal attack, and
the whole lines pressed forward. The entrenchments were carried and
the enemy fled in confusion. The Duke of Marlborough, coming in
with the first of our squadrons, found them on foot pursuing the enemy.
He ordered Brigadier Ferguson to keep them to their column and to con-
tinue upon the field of battle. In this action, which Marlborough de-
scribed as the warmest that had been known for many years, the regi-
ments composing Ferguson's brigade suff'ered more than any others.
The victory was complete, though its lustre soon paled before that
of Blenheim. The Emperor of the House of Austria, conscious that his
kingdom had been saved from destruction, might well write to Marlbor-
ough: "This will be an eternal trophy to your most serene Queen. The
victorious arms of the English nation have never penetrated so far since
the memory of man." A month passed in marches and negotiations.
The combined troops of Marlborough and Eugene confronted the united
forces of Marshal Fallard and the Elector.
The allied Generals on that morning advanced, accompanied by the
battalion of guards from Ferguson's brigade, and preparations were
made to attack the enemy the next day.
The French and Bavarian armies largely outnumbered the allies.
The steep banks and marshy bottom, through which Nebel followed
down to the Danube, presented an obstacle to the assailants, and several
villages lent additional strength to the defense. Of these the most im-
60
porlant was Blenheim, on the right of the French position. Pollard,
throwing so many men into Blenheim, weakened his center, which
largely contributed to the losing for him of the battle. The British army
moved forward from their encampment early in the morning of the 13th.
Lord Cntts had command of the 9th column, composed of Rowe'sand
Ferguson's brigades, Halsen's Hessian infantry, and the British cavalry,
and Wood and Ross. Lord Cutts had orders with these troops to attack
the village of Blenheim under heavy artillery fire.
The British soldiers established line bridges over the Nebel at mid-
day, hearing that Prince Eugene was ready. Marlborough ordered Lord
Cutts to commence the attack on Blenheim. Rowe, whose brigade was
leading, gave the order to fire, but in a few minutes he fell, mortally
wounded. His Lieutenant Colonel and Major were killed trying to carry
him otf. One-third of his men had dropped, and the brigade, scattered
and disordered, fell back on the Hessians. But notwithstanding this
destructive fire, the brigade of Ferguson and Halsen crossed near the
lower water mill and advanced in front of the village. The enemy met
the attack with such vigor that, after three successive repulses, the as-
sailants halted under cover of the rising ground.
Ferguson, commanding, attacked the village of Blenheim on the
left, but with no better success. Rowe's and Ferguson's brigades
crossed the Nebel. Colonel Philip Dormer was on the right of Fergu-
son's brigade, and they ascended the ridge which at first concealed them
from the view of the troops. In Blenheim they found themselves oppo"
site the center of that village, exposed to the direct musketry fire of its
garrison. The soldiers, reserving their fire, steadily advanced in the
most intrepid manner toward the palisades by which it was defended, but
a deadly volley at thirty paces distant, struck down many a gallant fel-
low, while the rest rushing forward attempted by sheer strength to drag
away the palings. They fired through intervals, or struck at the French-
men with their swords and clubbed muskets wherever an opportunity
offered itself, but all efforts were unavailing. Dormer, commanding the
battalion, was killed Mordaunt lost an arm.
The French charged the right of Rowe's disordered troops, and in
turn were charged by the British horse, who, coming under the fire of
Blenheim, fell back behind the Hessians. In the meantime Ferguson's
brigade, with the first guard, assisted by the Hanovarians, renewed
their attempt upon that village. Their efforts were again unavailing,
and they stood exposed to the murderous fire of the garrison, until Marl-
borough desired Lord Cutts to withdraw for a time under the shelter of
the rising ground. Baffled though they were in their endeavors to force
61
an entrance, the troops of Lord Cutts held the ground they had won.
For the tenacity with which he stood his ground in front of the village
in spite of the storm of bullets, Lord Cutts received the designation of
the "Salamander that lives in fire." The French center was driven off
the field in confusion. General Churchill took part in the rear of the
village. Lord Orkeny approached from the north, while Lord Cutts
with Ferguson and Rowe's brigade threatened it from the side of Nebel.
The French proposed to capitulate, but as General Churchill insisted
upon an unconditional surrender, no resource remained. To resist was
hopeless, to escape was impossible. With despair and indignation, the
French troops submitted to their fate. Twenty-four battalions and
twelve squadrons surrendered themselves prisoners of war, and thus
closed the mighty struggle of this eventful day.
The trophies of this victory saved the Austrian Empire, and for the
time destroyed the power of France in Central Europe. The trophies
consisted of one hundred guns, twenty-four mortars, one hundred and
twenty-nine columns, one hundred and seventy-one standards, seventeen
pairs of kettle drums, and thirty-six hundred tents. The loss of the enemy
in men was very great, and the number of prisoners and deserters raised
the total casualties to more than forty thousand men, before the dispirited
remains of the French army reached Strasburg. Lediard, after mention-
ing the officers of high rank who especially distinguished themselves,
said that Rowe, Ferguson and Burnsdorff, Brigadiers of Foot, deserved
particularly to be mentioned for their great bravery and prudent con-
duct. Old Mixonn includes Ferguson in a similar list of those "whose
names ought to live with honor as long as history can preserve them."
General Ferguson was married twice. His first wife was Helen,
daughter of James Drumond, of Perthshire, by whom he had a son and
daughter, and his second wife was Hester Elizabeth, daughter of Abra-
ham Hibelet, pastor of the Walloon church, a woman of Dutch family,
by whom he had one daughter. His second wife remarried Capt. Hen-
drik Dombach. His daughter married Gerard Vink, advocate at Bois
le Due in 1730. James, his son, sold the estate of Balmakelly and Ker-
tonhill and bought those of Kinmundy and Kaynach. Aberdeenshire is
now held by his descendants. The present representative of the family
is William Ferguson, of Kinmundy, LL.D., chairman of the great North
of Scotland Railroad Company, Honorary Burgess of Inverurie.
Soon after he received his commission for Maior General, he died very
suddenly, October 22nd, 1705. An old manuscript states that he served in
four reigns, still maintaining the character of a brave, valiant and
prudent officer, until his fame raising envy in the breast of the then
62
commanding officer, he was cut off by sinister means. Contemporary
writers are discreetly silent on this ugly story, but all agree in regretting
his loss as a brave and experienced officer. He was buried in St. Jan's
Kirk, Bois leDuc, where there is a small tablet to his memory.
WILLIAM FERGUSON, LL. D.
Present Representative of the Kinmundy Family in Scotland,
63
CHAPTER XV.
WILLIAM FERGUSON, LL. D.
Present Representative of Kinmundy. and Chairman of the Great North of Scotland Rail-
way Company. Honorary Burgess and Guild Brother of Inverurie. The Presentation
of the Freedom of the Burgh to William Ferguson, February 10. 1892.
The 10th of February, 1892, was the occasion of the opening of a new
railroad station in Inverurie, Scotland, when the freedom of the royal
burgh was presented to Dr. Ferguson. Provost Jackson was accom-
panied to the platform by Mr. Ferguson with the magistrates and
councilors of Inverurie. Previous to the speaking, instrumental music
was played by the band. Provost Jackson was met with a very hearty
reception. In addressing the assembled company he said: "We meet
today to celebrate the beginning of an important era in the history of
this ancient royal burgh. The first mention of Inverurie being a burgh,
is found in a bill by Pope Celestine the Third, issued in 1195, confirming
the Abbey of Lindores in Fifeshire, in the possession of a revenue for a
toft of land in the burgh of Inverurie granted by the Earl of Huntington.
Tradition says that Inverurie was created a royal burgh by King
Robert Bruce, after the battle of Inverurie in 1308, at which time ready
and manly aid was received from Walter Fergus of Crichie, who with his
three sons and some dependents fought on the side of the King. It may
be that Inverurie is indebted to the family of Fergus, or Ferguson, of
which our guest. Dr. Ferguson, is a descendant. The charter was lost
during the troublesome times which followed. There is in existence two
charters of confirmation, namely: one by Mary, Queen of Scotts, dated
June 22nd, 1558, and one by King James VI., dated July 29th, 1587.
"For many years Inverurie is described as a small town or village,
until the erection of the bridge over the Don, and the one over the Ury
at Keith Hill. The roads through the town were often impassible by
reason of the united inundation of the two rivers. The erection of these
bridges gave great impetus to trade, and the opening of the Aberdeen-
shire canal some years later was also a great benefit to the town, bring-
ing as it did great strings of carts from all quarters, laden with grain to
be exchanged at the canal head for coal, lime, and feeding stuflf, with
generally a goodly quantity of current coin of the realm, a portion of
which would find its way to the tills of the Inverurie merchants for value
64
received. The bridges remained; but the canal after a brief existence
had to give place to the railway. Many were the prophecies of dire
disaster to business on the closing of the canal.
"Merchants, however, soon adapted themselves to the new order of
things. New sources of business were opened up to them by the railway,
which in course of a short time made up for any loss caused by the pass-
ing away of the old order of things. To show the progress of the burgh,
I may state that in 1804 the population was under 500, in 1821 it was 735,
in 1831 it was 994, in 1851 it was 2,593, in 1881 it was 2,669, in 1891 it was
3,153. We expect by Whit Sunday, the population will be 4,000
"If Dr. Ferguson will permit me, I would like to give an outline of his
personal history as far as it bears on the honorable position which he
holds among us today. Dr. Ferguson's education was completed at
Marischal College at Aberdeen, in 1840. His business training began in
Heith and Glasgow, from 1840 to 1852; then he emigrated to Liverpool,
where he remained a couple of years. In 1854 we find him a partner of
Robert Benson & Co., American bankers and general merchants, in
London, in which business he continued for eight years, after which he
returned to Liverpool as a partner in the business of Messrs. Croppen,
Ferguson & Co., and later by himself. He conducted the business in
Liverpool from 1862 until 1872, when he retired toKinmundy, to which he
succeeded in 1862, on the death of his father. Dr. Ferguson is an LL. D.
of the University of Aberdeen, and a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of
the Peace of the county, besides being a Fellow of two learned societies
and a valued member of the General Assembly of the United Free
Church, from 1873 to 1900, without a break.
"He has written a useful and interesting guide to the Great North of
Scotland Railway, and has contributed many papers to societies and
articles for magazines. Such a varied experience m business has
qualified Dr. Ferguson in an eminent degree for the position as a
director of the Great North of Scotland Railway, to which he was
appointed in 1867. Before I finish I desire to give a short account of the
ancient connection which existed between this burgh and Dr. Ferguson's
ancestors. It is recorded in the late Dr. Davidson's book, 'Inverurie and
the Earldom of Garioch,' that there were at least three brothers, sons of
William Fergus or Ferguson, at whose house the Marquis of Huntley lodged
during his occupation of the town in 1644. One of the brothers' names
was James; he held the office of town clerk of Inverurie from 1645 to
1673. John took up his abode at Stonehouse. William, the other brother,
is described as William Fergus of Crichie, Bailie of Inverurie and Laird
of Badifurrow, now a part of the estate of Manar. This William Fergu-
65
son married and became the father of six sons and one daughter. James,
the third son, adopted the profession of arms. During his long period of
service, extending over four reigns, from James II. to Queen Anne, he
attained the rank of Brigadier General. He married and settled down for
a time on his estate in the Merns. By his first wife he had an only sou
and daughter. After the death of the Brigadier General, his son, James,
who succeeded to the estates, sold them and bought Kinmundy in
Buchan, which estate has been handed down from father to son and is
now in possession of our respected guest, whom we trust will long be
spared to enjoy it. I may state that Dr. Ferguson had a family of one
son and one daughter, the son filling the honorable and responsible
position of Sheriff of Argyll. It gives me the greatest possible pleasure
in being permitted to take part in this renewing of an ancient and honor-
able connection which existed between the burgh and the family of which
Dr. Ferguson is so distinguished a representative."
At Inverurie, the 10th of February, 1892, at a meeting of the provost
magistrates and councilors, which day was the occasion of the opening of
a new railway station at Inverurie, William Ferguson, Esq., LL. D., of
Kinmundy, was admitted and received a free Burgess and Guild Brother
of the Royal Burgh of Inverurie, in recognition of his long, admirable
service as chairman of the directors of the Great North of Scotland Rail-
way Co., and in appreciation of his high character and attainments
(extracted from the council records and the seal of the burgh affirmed by
H. G. L. Mollinor, town clerk.) It may be mentioned that the seal is
enclosed in silver and is attached to the scroll with the seal and is
enclosed in a magnificent morocco case. The Lord Provost handed the
burgess a ticket for Dr. Ferguson amid enthusiastic cheering, the
audience rising in mass and waving hats and handkerchiefs.
Dr. Ferguson, on rising to reply, met with a very hearty reception.
He said: "Lord Kintor, Provost, Councilors, Ladies and Gentlemen; it is
difficult for me to express in any adequate way the great honor that I
feel the burgh of Inverurie has done me on this occasion. There are
three points that occur to me that I might simply touch upon. First of all
there is the honor which has been done me, and my sense of it. The
burgh of Inverurie, as you have just heard from your Provost, as an
ancient and royal burgh, has great claims on the respect and admiration
of all who know anything about it, as you have no doubt gathered from
the very clear account of its history submitted by your Provost.
"Therefore you will understand that I thoroughly appreciate the posi-
tion in which I am placed by the generosity of your town council and
esteem that honor in a very high degree. The diploma that you have
66
heard read touches two points as a reason why you have conferred this
honor upon me. The first is the personal aspect of the case, and the
other is the position in which I am today placed as Chairman of the
Great North of Scotland Railway Co.
"I could dilate at some length on the personal aspects of the case, if
that were desirable, which is not at this particular time, for I have long
looked back upon my family connections with Inverurie with pride. Of
course there are certain historical references of today, and we have cer-
tain traditional ones which are interesting to us.
"One of tnese traditions is that my direct ancestors entertained the
famous Sir Robert Bruce on the occasion of his visit to Inverurie, and al-
though, as you perhaps know, the very pretty story of the spider has been
controverted by Sir Herbert Maxwell in his book on Sir Robert Bruce,
yet we retain the tradition that it occurred with ourselves and with this
burgh of Inverurie. Of course the ordinary idea is that it happened on
the coast of the Island Arran^ off the north of Ireland, on the occasion
when he was about to make a seventh attempt to replace his fortunes in
this country. That while lying where he saw a spider attempting to spin
its web in the loft, it attracted his attention and he counted the number
of times it made the effort, one, two, three, four, five, six, scarcely the
number which he had made himself. The seventh time he made a spas-
modic effort, and succeeded in crossing the aperture and taking hold of
the other side; and it is said Bruce took courage from that, as it was the
turning point of his fortune.
"Well, the tradition is, that he slept the night before the Battle of
Inverurie in Mr. William Ferguson's house, which is or was on the site
a few yards in front of the town hall. The story of the spider is that it
attached its web from one side of the post to the cross beam on the other.
There is a letter existing at Pitfour, I saw it not long ago, in which one
of the old retainers, Sandy Scott, wrote that he has seen the bed where
this event took place. Well, seeing is believing.
"The Provost has touched upon the famous Mr. William Ferguson;
he had six sons and one daughter. It is from the fourth of these sons,
not the third, as the Provost says, but the evidence recently given to us
shows that it is the fourth son, James, the first of the seven or eight
Jameses who have lived at Kinmundy; and as he told you he became a
soldier. I think that Mr. William F'erguson, of Crichie, must have been
a man of considerable means. We know nothing about that, but he
seemed to be able to set the six sons out in the world with some degree
of means. The eldest of all became a political agent, and on account of
his having changed from the politics of his father, of the family for gen-
67
erations, his father of Crichie required him to give up his right to the
estate, and the deed is in existence in which he renounces that right. But
I have to do with the fourtli son, James, who was the founder of the
family 1 now represent, and the history from that time until now is un-
broken. We know the story or the record of the family, so you will see
that the personal element of my connection with this burgh is very
strong, and it is very good that the diploma should allude to it, and for
that I can only briefly thank the Council. The Provost Magistrates have
alluded to my personal character and I can only say they have made
more of me than I deserve.
"The representative character is the real character on which I felt
from the beginning that I was honored by receiving this honor, and on
which I could cordially accept it. I stand before you as the representa-
tive of the Great North of Scotland Railway, and I accept this great
honor which I feel is conferred on the Railway company rather than on
myself. I am very proud to receive this honor on behalf of the Great
North of Scotland Railway."
William Ferguson, LL. D.,of Kinmundy, Scotland, died September
11, 1904, having attained to the age of 81 years. His son, James
Ferguson, of Edinburgh, K. C, succeeds him as the representative of
the family in Scotland. James is now living on the estate of Kinmundv,
and has been transferred as Sheriff, from Argyll to Inverurie.
CHAPTER XVI.
WALTER FERGUSON, OF BADIFURTiOW.
In 1680, William Ferguson, of Badifurrow, disposed of the old house
in Inverurie and large holdings of the burgh roods to his youngest son,
Walter, who for a long time was bailie of the burgh, and died in
Inverurie in 1728. Walter married Margaret Panton, by whom he had
four sons, James, William, John, and George; and five daughters,
Margaret, Janet, Mary, Barbara, and Bathia, Walter's second and
youngest son went to Poland, since which no notice has been had of
him. Walter's third son, John, was a wine merchant in Bath and died
without issue. William married, in 1716, Catherine Concordia Tepper,
sister of Peter Tepper, of Warsaw. James, Walter's eldest son, was
born in 1681, died in 1753. He married Isabel Scott, daughter of George
Scott, town clerk of Inverurie. He had four sons, Walter, James, John
and Anthony, and three daughters, Margaret, Mary, and Janet. Walter
conveyed the estate to William, his second son. The property finally
passed to his grandson, Walter Ferguson, of Kinnaird, writer in Edin-
burgh. One of Walter's youngest sons became Colonel in the Russian
army. One branch of Walter's descendants settled in Prussia, where one
of them became Fort Major at Breslau in the army of Frederick the
Great, while another branch, settling in Poland, prospered greatly, in the
18th century, a grandson becoming a member of the Polish diet and
banker of the Empress Catherine of Russia, his father having married a
Polish heiress. He assumed the additional name of Tepper and received
a letter of congratulation from the King of Prussia on the purchase of an
estate in his dominion.
The German army list of 1870 contained the name of a Ferguson
Tepper, and the estate of his family was called Trezeban Ferguson.
This family is now extinct in Scotland. Walter Ferguson, of Kinnaird,
writer in Edinburgh, grandson of the elder Walter, son of William of
Badifurrow, redeemed the Inverurie common lands which his father had
bonded to their relative Pitfour, and left them to his widow, Katherine
Swinton, who sold them to the Earl of Kintor in 1798. "The ancestral
seven lower roods and one sixteenth common lands of the Fergusons,"
69
says Dr. Davidson, "were the last remaining link to this family to Inver-
urie." The sixteenth measured about 16 acres, forty-two roods Scot.
Walter Ferguson, of Kinnaird, for a long time kept up a correspon-
dence with Mr. William Davidson, parish minister of Inverurie, and sev-
eral of his letters indicate the interest which was taken by himself and
by his brother, James, a captain in the Royal Navy, who had received
very high compliments from Admiral Rodney and from Lord Howe on
his conduct in the sea fight of the time, and was Lieutenant Governor of
Greenwich hospital. On the 18th of June, 1791, Walter Ferguson, of
Kinnaird, writing to Mr. Davidson, said: "I now have the pleasure to
inform you that I have made an elegant plan of buildings upon my
ground, which, if it please God I live to see finished, will be acknowl-
edged to do credit to the town of Inverurie. I am happy to hear that
the bridge over the Don is finished and gives satisfaction. I am now
anxious to see the bridge of Ury begun, and when that is also finished I
shall hope my native burgh will prosper, as I have a very great attach-
ment to it, and am very much pleased to hear its improvements are begun
and hope it will raise a spirit of trade and manufacture."
On the 8th of February, 1796, he announces the final abandonment
of his scheme: " I wrote you before that I had made a plan for an ele-
gant building on my grandfather's possessions, but that is now entirely
dropped by the death of my brother, the Governor, without lawful issue,
and as to my brother Anthony, he is now settled for life in another coun-
try and will never inquire about it."
In his last letter, dated July the first, 1796, he says: "I am determined
to part with Inverurie immediately and give you a power to treat with
people upon the subject, but not to finish anything without acquainting
me. I never spoke to any person but Pitfour alone and it is a thing I
never intended, after the landlord had been about five hundred years
in my family from father to son."
Walter Ferguson, of Kinnaird, died in May, 1797, and the property so
long held by the family passed from his widow to the Earl of Kintor.
Walter Ferguson's geneology is not complete — among his descend-
ants are the following grandchildren: James, governor of Greenwich
hospital; Anthony, settled in Poland, received the additional name of
Tepper Ferguson; Walter of Kinnaird, arms registered in 1779.
With the above generations', this line of descent became extinct in
Scotland.
70
CHAPTER XVII.
JANET FERGUSON, THE ONLY DAUGHTBl^ OF THE LAIRI) OF
BADIFURWW.
Janet Ferguson was born in Scotland about the middle of the seven-
teenth century. She married her cousin, John Ferguson, a Polish mer-
chant.
This line of descent has a representative in Scotland at the present
time, but the record of the family is very brief.
A younger son, Alexander Ferguson, became bailie in Inverurie about
1723. In the uprising of 1745 the tov^rn clerk sent a complaint to Moir, of
Stanwood, then commanding under Lord Louis Gordon, of the conduct
of a party of Jacobite soldiers under the command of a Mr. Taylor.
They attacked Bailie Ferguson's house in search of arms; the Bailie
received a personal injury, and blood was shed on that occasion. It was
a great surprise, for the royal burgh had always been loyal. In Doctor
Davidson's record of property holders in Inverurie, we find that George
Scott sold his property to his cousin, Alexander Ferguson, who falling
into pecuniary difficulties sold this property under redemption to the Earl
of Kintor, from whom it was recovered by his son. Smith Ferguson, but
only to be re-sold.
This Alexander Ferguson is the author of the following letter, which
is pleasing evidence of the interest that the members of the family took
in the ancient burgh with which they had been so long connected:
To the Honorable Magistrates of Inverurie:
Gentlemen :
The great regard and affection I have for the good town of Inve-
rurie, where so many of my friends and relatives have lived and died,
and where I have enjoyed so many happy days, naturally prompted
me at my leisure to look into the Parliament of Scotland and conventions
of the royal burrows, to see at what period it claimed a vote in the laws
of our country.
From each of these records I have taken such excerpts as related to
the representatives of your burrow, as none are so much interested in
that representation as you who have the honor to be the administration.
71
I hope it will not be disagreeable for you to see who your predeces-
sors thought proper to intrust in that capacity. I have therefore enclosed
a copy of the excerpts from each of the records.
1 am, with very earnest wishes for the good and prosperity of the
town, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,
Edinburgh, June 6th, 1768. Alexander Ferguson.
Alexander had at least one older brother who was known as Robert
Ferguson, of Peterhead. He owned the property two roods north of
George Ferguson before 1727.
CHAPTER XVIII.
GEORGE FERGUSON, FcACTOR OF THE DUKE OF PE^TH, cAN^
HIS "DESCENDANTS IN SCOTLAND.
George Ferguson, the fifth son of William Ferguson, Laird of Badi-
furrow, lived and died in Old Meldrura, which is situated about four
miles from Inverurie and about seventeen miles from Aberdeen. He was a
man of great executive ability, and had the entire control of the business
afifairs of the Duke of Perth. He was noted for his generosity. During
the famine of 1696 in Scotland, he and a friend are recorded as having
purchased twelve hundred barrels of bere (a species of barley) to sell
to the people in the north of Scotland, and as having applied to the
Privy Council for protection for their cargo from the French privateers.
The price to the people was fixed by the authorities, "they having no
desire of profit but for the keeping of the poor in the shire from starving. ' '
George Ferguson was twice married. He first married Jane Forbes,
and then Christian Stephens. By his first marriage he had four sons,
Robert, John, William, and George, and five daughter, Jane, Janet,
Mary, Christian, and Magdalen. William, the third son, married and set-
tled in Scotland. Robert, John, and George entered the English army,
in which Robert and John attained the rank of lieutenant and George
the rank of corporal. There is no record in Scotland of these three
brothers having returned to their native land. They are recorded as
having died unmarried. But it is now believed they left the army and
went to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. Of the
daughters of George Ferguson, Jean, Janet, Christian, and Magdalen
died unmarried, and Mary married a Mr. Milure, a merchant of Old
Meldrum, aqd had two daughters. By his second marriage George
Ferguson had three daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth, both of
whom died unmarried, and Isabel, who married a Mr. Murdock, of Old
Meldrum, but had no issue.
William Ferguson, the third son of George Ferguson, lived in Troch
in Aberdeenshire, and being a "man of sound judgment and quick pen-
etration," was familiarly addressed as " Judge." He married Mary
Panton, and had two sons, George and John, and two daughters, Eliza-
beth and Mary.
73
Elizabeth Ferguson, the elder daughter of William Ferguson, mar-
ried a Mr. Jardine, an officer of excise, son of Sir A. Jardine, of Apple-
garth, of Drumfrieshire; and had three sons and one daughter. Mary
Ferguson, the younger daughter, died unmarried.
George Ferguson, the elder son of William Ferguson, lived at Kel-
mory and was married to Margaret Tullock, a member of one of the
most ancient families in the county of Moray. He had one son, William,
a merchant in London, and one daughter, Mary, who died unmarried.
John Ferguson, the younger son, was a captain in the Royal navy.
He married Lydia Chambers and had four children: John, who was a
captain in the navy; William, who was a captain in the army; Lydia,
who married a Mr. Sheridan and who appears on record as an authoress;
and Marion, who married a Dr. Smith.
John Ferguson, Senior, was called the "Black CajDtain of the Forty-
fifth." He was a most active officer. The Jacobite writers describe him
as "a most active emissary of the Hanoverian party." He more than
once narrowly missed capturing the fugitive prince. It is recorded as a
coincidence that the arrival of his ship on the coast of Sher in hot pur-
suit of Prince Charles was foreseen by a Highland seer. It was by that
ship that the "Flora MacDonald" was captured, and the Campbell militia
seized only a lesser prize in the capture of Lord Lovat. The following
notice of John Ferguson is given in Charmock's "Biographia Navals."
This gentleman in the early part of the year 1746 was commander of the
boat, "Turace," then employed as a cruiser off the coast of Scotland.
He seized 800 stand of arms of McDonald of Banasdale House in the Isle
of Rosay; he rendered himself so conspicuous on that station by his activ-
ity, diligence and general conduct, that on the sixth of October in the
same year he was promoted, it is said, in consequence of the express
interference of the Duke of Cumberland, to be captain of the "Nightin-
gale," a new frigate just then launched.
During the ensuing year he was probably stationed on a cruising ves-
sel. In the month either of September or October, he again distinguished
himself by the capture of a French ship of somewhat superior force,
called the "Dauphin Royal," carrying twenty-two guns and one hundred
fifty men. The enemy made a running but very obstinate fight and
was not overpowered until after a contest of ten hours' continuance. No
further mention is made of him until the year 1753, when we find him
commanding the sloop "Porcupine" on the coast of Scotland, and being
very active in scouring that quarter and preventing the return of the rebel
chiefs who had escaped to France, it being rumored that many of them
were on the point of attempting to return to their native country in hope
74
of inciting anotrier revolt. He was not long afterwards appointed regu-
lating officer of this same station.
There is no account of him from this time until the year 1758. In
that year he was captain of the "Prince of Orange," a fourth rate ship
of sixty guns, which was one of the ships sent on the expedition against
Lewisburg. He probably remained in the same station for some time, for
there is no mention of himself or his ship until the year 1762, when the
"Prince of Orange" was one of the Channel fleet under the orders of Sir
John HawKes and his Royal Highness the Duke of York. After the war
he was appointed to the command of the "Firews," a fourth rate ship of
sixty guns.
The following anecdote is related of Captain John Ferguson during
the expedition against Lewisburg. The coast in the neighborhood of
Lewisburg was so strongly fortified both by nature and art that to effect
a landing was considered by the officers generally almost an impossibility.
The Admiral took the advice of each captain separately and, to use the
historian's own words, "when it came to the turn of Captain Ferguson,
an old, brave and experienced officer, whom the Admiral had requested
from the Lord's Admiralty to attend him in the service, and on whose
opinion and conduct in the most trying occasions he placed great con-
fidence, the Captain delivered himself in the most respectful terms in
regard to the opinion of his brethren, but he despised the arguments
drawn from danger connected with the landing. He advised an attempt
to land and to force the enemy's forts with all the arts and strength in
their power. He advised the Admiral for his own honor and the glory of
his country to exert that power with which he was invested and not to
leave it to the uncertain resolutions of a council of war, which had been
so fatal at Minorca, at Rochfort, and even at Halifax, to the disgrace
of all concerned and to the extreme loss of the nation." The Admiral
acquiesced in the justice of the Captain's observation on a council of
war. He resolved to call no council of war, but strictly to adhere to his
instructions, which were to land the troops on the island of Cape Breton.
Captain John Ferguson died June 13th, 1767. His two sons are supposed
to have been lost either during the American or French Revolution, so
that when the Captain died he left a large estate in Scotland without
heirs. This heirship was traced to the Maryland branch of the American
family, but not being able to establish a claim, the records of the family
having been lost in a fire, this estate we suppose went to the Crown of
England.
With the death of Captain John Ferguson, this line of descent
became extinct in Scotland,
TTISTORY of the Maryland
^ ^ Branch of the Ferguson
Family in America, by Martin
Luther Ferguson, of Seneca
Falls, New York.
THE MARYLAND BRANCH.
CHAPTER I.
FcAMILY TRADITIONS.
The following eight traditional stories have been handed down from
generation to generation in certain related but widely separated families
by the name of Ferguson in America.
These traditions have been collected and have been traced back to
their proper source in Scotland. They have been found to agree in sub-
stance with facts found in the foregoing history of the family and descend-
ants of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow.
These traditional stories are as follows: —
1st. That the family was descended from the Royal House of Scot-
land, from Fergus, first King of the Scots.
2nd. That some of the ancestors of the family were among the landed
aristocracy of Scotland.
3rd. That one of the ancestors was a member of the Scottish Parli-
ament.
4th. That the family descended from a family in Scotland in which
there was a noted general, who lived in the days of Oliver Cromwell.
5th. That there was an ancestor who saved a portion of the people
of Scotland from starving during a famine.
Gth. That there was a noted sea captain in the family who died in
Scotland without heirs.
7th. That three brothers, Robert, John and George, came to Amer-
ica at an early date, one settling in New England, one in Maryland and
one in Georgia.
Sth. That the head of the Maryland branch of the family was Rob-
ert Ferguson, an English army officer, who settled where the city of
Washington, D. C, is now located, and whose residence at that time was
opposite to where the White House now stands, and just back of Jack-
son's monument.
Referring these traditions to the foregoing history of the family and
78
descendants of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow, it is found that
they are substantiated by the following facts: —
1st. That the family was descended from Fergus, First King of the
Scots.
2nd. That some of the representatives of the family possessed titled
estates.
3rd. That William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow, represented Inve-
rurie in the Scottish Parliament in 1661 and 1663.
4th. That General James Ferguson lived durmg the latter part of
the 17th century, and the forepart of the 18th century, he being the only
one of the name who attained to that distinction.
5th. That George Ferguson, the Factor of the Duke of Perth, saved
many people from starving during a famine in Scotland iu 1696.
6th. That Captain John Ferguson, a noted sea captain, died in
Scotland without heirs.
In 1875 an agent visited America to look for the heirs of this cap-
tain. The records of the family in America having been destroyed by a
disastrous conflagration, the claim could not be established, and the
estate reverted to the Crown.
7th. That George Ferguson, the Factor of the Duke of Perth, had
three sons, Robert, John and George. These brothers entered the mili-
tary service and no record is found of them after 1706. They were sup-
posed to have been killed in battle.
When the above traditions in the American family are thus referred
to the corresponding facts in the history of the Scottish family, no
doubt can exist but that these two families are from one and the same
line.
w oi
2 «
W o
79
CHAPTER II.
THE TH%EE ENGLISH SOLDIERS, %OBER% JOHN, cAND GEORGE.
The pioneers in America are believed to have been the sons of
George Ferguson, of Old Meldrum. They were born the latter part of
the 17th century. In the year 1693 they entered the English army, under
the command of their uncle, Colonel James Ferguson. John was
appointed ensign in 1700, lieutenant in 1702. There was another John
Ferguson, a cousin of the first, who was said to have been the hand-
somest man in King William's army. George Ferguson was a corporal.
Records are found of three soldiers by the name of Robert Ferguson,
who were in the army at the same time, and all of them nephews of Col-
onel James Ferguson.
One of these Robert Fergusons was in Colonel Lauder's regiment of
Scotch brigade, of which his uncle. General James Ferguson, was then
major. He was promoted to captain, May 7th, 1694. When General Fer-
guson was transferred to the Dutch service in Holland in 1697, this Rob-
ert Ferguson resigned. The second Robert Ferguson is known to have
been in the army as early as 1692. He was promoted to lieutenant in
1693, and was transferred with his regiment to the Dutch service in 1697.
He was in the battle of Blenheim, where he was dangerously wounded
and was not expected to live. He was sent to London, where he
recovered. He returned to the army, and was promoted to captain in
1706, and major in T717. In 1730 he retired from the army and took his
invalid wife and family into Ireland, where he died in 173S.
The third Robert Ferguson has been identified as the brother of John
Ferguson, and the son of George Ferguson. He entered the army in
1693, and was made first lieutenant in the Cameron regiment under his
uncle, then Colonel James Ferguson. He was wounded at the battle of
Blenheim, but must have remained in the army, for his record, and those
of his brothers, John and George, have been traced until the year 1706,
after which year no trace of them can be found. These three brothers
are recorded in Scotland as having died in the army, unmarried. It is
now believed that this is not a true record. It is believed they did not
die in the army, but after the death of their uncle, General James Fergu-
son, on whom they probably depended for promotion, they left the mili-
tary service and accepted the first opportunity oftered to seek their for-
tunes in what was then known as the New World. In fact it is now
believed that these brothers were the three traditional brothers, Robert,
John and (ieorge, who were the pioneers of the Ferguson family in Amer-
ica.
This conclusion is reached from the similarity between the tradi-
tional stories found in the American families, and the historical records
of the descendants of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow, and from
this additional fact, that there was but one member of that family who left
descendants, the third son, William, which line of descent became extinct
in the fourth generation, which fact is on record in the records of the
Names and Clan of Ferguson. These three brothers, Robert, John and
George Ferguson, according to the tradition in the American family,
landed at Baltimore the latter part of the 17th, or the forepart of the 18th
century, and settled in Maryland. There is a tradition, in the New Eng-
land branch of the family, that the three Ferguson brothers went to
Ireland before they came to America, and that the head of the family in
America went from Prince George county, Maryland, to Pelham, Massa-
chusetts, about the year 1740. Another brother settled in Georgia, and
one remained in Maryland. Each of these brothers became the
origin of a long line of descendants, thus establishing the three branches
of the family, the New England branch, the Southern branch, and the
Maryland branch, in each of which are related the same or similar tradi-
tions.
A destructive conflagration having destroyed the records of the first
three generations of the family, but little can be learned of the earlypio-
neers. In the records of Prince George county, Maryland, where these
brothers first settled, a mention is made of John Ferguson as early as
1713; and there is also a record of his marriage to Mary Williams in 1715.
No trace of Robert or George can be found.
There is a strong probability that John Ferguson, the Pioneer, went
from Prince George county, Maryland, to Pelham, Massachusetts, about
1740, and became a prominent man in that locality. He had four sons,
William, James, Samuel, Robert. Among his descendants are the Thorn-
ton family, descendants of Matthew Thornton, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, the Ralph family, of Watertown, N. Y.,
and the family of Stephen Ferguson, near Rushville, N. Y. There is a
tradition in this branch of the family that the three brothers went to the
North of Ireland, and afterwards came to America.
Two sons of "The Pioneer," Robert, have been identified, Robert
and David; and it is thought there was another son whose name is lost to
the family. Robert, the Pioneer, probably passed away at the old home-
stead where the city of Washington, D. C. , is now located. It is uncertain
1
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81
under whose control the estate went; but it is believed to have Hnally
come into the possession of Edward Peerce, who married Ann Ferguson,
the daughter of William Ferguson, and the grand-daughter of David
Ferguson, the son of "The Pioneer," Robert.
Another tradition is that all the Ferguson families in Virginia,
Maryland, and Mississippi, are of the same line of descent, one of the
members of the Pioneer family having located where one of the parks in
Washington, D. C, now stands. This evidently refers to Robert
Ferguson .
The Hon. Thomas B. Ferguson, Governor of Oklahoma, who belongs
to the Maryland branch of the family, relates that his grandfather held a
tradition that his grandfather held a claim with other relatives to the
land where the city of Washington, D. C, is now located. This claim
was never satisfied.
The following incidents show that the three branches of the family
were aware of their relationship within a recent date, and also show that
they held the same traditions in regard to the three brothers who founded
the family in America.
Robert B. Ferguson, formerly of Orleans, N. Y., often told that he
distinctly remembered when correspondence was kept up with the
Southern branch of the family; and that at one time a cousin of his
grandfather, a fine appearing, well to-do gentleman, came to visit them
from Georgia, making the journey on horseback, with two colored ser-
vants as attendants, and remained nearly a week. John H. Ferguson,
formerly of Canandaigua, N. Y., the son of Robert B. Ferguson men-
tioned above, had a friend by the name of Stephen Ferguson, of Rush-
ville, N. Y., whose ancestors were from New England. There was a
striking resemblance between these two families ^ They held the same
traditional stories, especially those in regard to the three brothers who
settled in America.
82
CHAPTER III.
THE SONS OF ROBERT FETiGUSON, " THE PIONEER/'
Founder of the Maryland Branch of the Family.
Robert Ferguson.— Little is known of this son of "The Pioneer."
He is mentioned in the Record of Maryland, in 1769, as the owner of three
parcels of land, over three hundred acres of which were sold about that
date. The next mention found of him is in Frederick, Md., where he was
engaged in the mercantile business. He died in 1780, leaving one son,
Cumberland.
David Ferguson. — This son of "The Pioneer" was born the fore
part of the eighteenth century. This name, David, here enters into the
family for the first time. It is^quite remarkable that in six successive and
fully recorded generations of the family in Scotland, but seven different
names are found, namely: William, Alexander, Robert, George, James,
John and Waller. In the first three generations in America only six
different names are found; three of the names recorded in Scotland,
Alexander, George and Walter, are dropped, and two, David and Leyi,
are added. For ten successive generations the names William, Robert,
James and John occur, except in the fourth or pioneer generation, in
which the name James is not found. In the ninth and tenth generations
the names George and Walter again appear as family names, so that all the
names of the sons of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow, are in the
family of today. This fact goes far in establishing the line of descent.
From the evidence at hand, it is thought that David Ferguson must
have lived in Bladensburg, Md., across the Potomac from the present
city of Washmgton. He was a planter and an owner of slaves. During the
Revolutionary War he was a patriot and used all his influence in assisting
the colonists in their struggle for independence. A tradition has been
lianded down in the family that he held for a time an official position
under the Colonial government. It is now known that he held such a
position.
In a list of prominent men by the name of Ferguson, gathered from
the records of several of the Southern States, appears the name of David
Ferguson of Maryland. He was appointed a member of the Council of
Safety in 177G, which Council had the authority to transact public busi-
82
CHAPTER III.
THE SONS OF ROBERT FERGUSON, ' ' THE PIONEER, ' '
Founder of the Maryland Branch of the Family.
RoBKRT Ferguson.— Little is known of this son of "The Pioneer."
He is mentioned in the Record of Maryland, in 1769, as the owner of three
parcels of land, over three hundred acres of wh^ch were sold about that
date. The next mention found of him is in Frederick, Md., where he was
engaged in the mercantile business. He died in 1780, leaving one son,
Cumberland.
David Ferguson. — This son of "The Pioneer" was born the fore
part of the eighteenth century. This name, David, here enters into the
family for the first time. It is quite remarkable that in six successive and
fully recorded generations of the family in Scotland, but seven different
names are found, namely: William, Alexander, Robert, George, James,
John and Walter. In the first three generations in America only six
different names are found; three of the names recorded in Scotland,
Alexander, George and Walter, are dropped, and two, David and Leyi,
are added. For ten successive generations the names William, Robert,
James and John occur, except in the fourth or pioneer generation, in
which the name James is not found. In the ninth and tenth generations
the names George and Walter again appear as family names, so that all the
names of the sons of William Ferguson, Laird of Badifurrow, are in the
family of today. This fact goes far in establishing the line of descent.
From the evidence at hand, it is thought that David Ferguson must
have lived in Bladensburg, Md., across the Potomac from the present
city of Washmgton. He was a planter and an owner of slaves. Duringthe
Revolutionary War he was a patriot and used all his influence in assisting
the colonists in their struggle for independence. A tradition has been
handed down in the family that he held for a time an official position
under the Colonial government. It is now known that he held such a
position.
In a list of prominent men by the name of Ferguson, gathered from
the records of several of the Southern States, appears the name of David
Ferguson of Maryland. He was appointed a member of the Council of
Safety in 1776, which Council had the authority to transact public busi-
ROBERT FERGUSON.
"The Pioneer."
Founded Maryland E
-Robert Ferguson.
—David Ferooson.
-John Bell Ferguson.
married Elizabeth White,
married Sarah Ferguson.
-David Bell Ferguson,
-John Ferguson,
I Thomas Wood.
—Thomas Wood.
83
ness during the interval between the Colonial Congresses. He was at one
time in the Colonial army, serving under Generals Wayne and Small-
wood.
In the fore part of the nineteenth century, David Ferguson's resi-
dence burned to the ground. The ruins can be seen even to this day.
How long he resided in Bladensburg, or where he died, cannot be ascer-
tained. It is known that the family left this locality and settled at
Baltimore, near where a statue of a horse is now placed. There is no
further record of them.
The following public record is proof that David Ferguson was alive
in 1805.
Book I. R. N., page 207. Indenture made the 20th of June, 1N05,
between William Ferguson, of Ontario County, N. Y,, of the one part,
and David Ferguson, of Prince George County, Maryland, of the other
part, witnesses that for $800.00 paid, William Ferguson sells land in
Washington County, D. C, which was deeded by William Conn to
William Ferguson in 1780, called Barbadoes. The children of David
Ferguson, as far as they are known, were: David, William, James, John
and Ann.
84
CHAPTER IV.
THE CHILD%EN OF 'DAVID FERGUSON, OF 'BLADENSBURG.
Three Revolutionary Soldiers. David. James, and John.
Among the many men, soldiers, lawyers, physicians, and clergymen,
and others, whose names the Ferguson family have given to history,
none stand out more prominently than those who made warfare their
business in life. It was Walter Fergus and his three sons who brought to
the family a position and prestige which has endured for many genera-
tions. They went forth with Bruce to the battle of Inverurie which
brought about the final independence of Scotland, and their services on
that day were rewarded with land grants from the King himself.
And they were not the last Fergusons to take up arms. There have
been many since who have fought for their country. The American
families point with pride to three soldiers of the American Revolution,
David, James, and John, grandsonsof "The Pioneer," Robert.
David was born about the middle of the eighteenth century and "was
enrolled by S. Chew with all Maryland," the 25th of July, 1775. His
identification is made complete by the fact that there was but one David
Ferguson in the Maryland enrollment. And from the following records he
would seem to have figured both in the land and naval service. On the six-
teenth of November, 1776, David Ferguson, Second Lieutenant of Marines
on the galley Conqueror, resigned his commission. Later, on June 17th,
1777, he enlisted in a company, called the Gallant Conquerors, and was
appointed SeciHid Lieutenant on April 2nd, 1778, having with that com-
pany taken the oath of fidelity and support to the State according to law,
and received his certificate.
The public records afford no information as to his residence or death.
The facts concerning the younger brothers, James and John, are much
more scarce. While David was often mentioned by name, the same does
not occur with his two brothers. They would seem to have dropped
from the knowledge of the family The public record affords the follow-
ing information concerning them. James and John Ferguson were mem-
bers of a company of which Andrew Beall was Captain, organized April
12th, 1776, in Bladensburg, Md., the petition for which was signed by
forty-eight persons. There is a tradition that these two brothers were
85
killed in battle; but there seems to be nothing in the public records to
confirm such a story. It is known that in 1789, in the neighborhood of
Bladensburg, "the estate of one Ruth, widow of James Ferguson, was
settled." It is believed that Sarah Ferguson, who in later years became
the wife of her cousin. Rev. John Ferguson, was a daughter of James
and Ruth Ferguson above mentioned.
CHAPTER V.
cANN FERGUSON, OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD.
Ann Ferguson, the only daughter of David Ferguson, was born at
Bladensburg, Md., June 15th, 1756. But little information can be found
concerning her early life. She was married to Thomas Wood, a farmer,
of Montgomery, Md.
Mr. Wood was a Revolutionary soldier, and for sixty years is said to
have carried an English bullet under his shoulder. He moved to New
York State probably in 1803, and settled on a farm two miles southeast
of Clifton Springs. He built a house facing the Orleans road on the
south side of his farm, near a very high hill. Some indications of this
primitive home can still be found. In later years a more substantial
residence was built on the opposite side of the hill. This building is still
standing. Though this farm was sold over thirty years ago, it is still
known as the Wood Farm.
Mrs. Wood was a plain, unassuming woman, neat and precise. Those
who knew her, refer to her in terms of highest praise and respect. She
died December 8th, 1842, in her 86th year. Her husband, Thomas Wood,
died December 8th, 1840. Many of their descendants are living in
Orleans and Ontario counties, N. Y., and in the State of Ohio. The
children of Mrs. Wood born in Maryland were: Elisha, John, Thomas
and Nancy.
The fifth generation of this family in America are: Elisha Wood; John
Wood, of Clifton Springs, N. Y., who married Mary Williams; Rebecca
Wood, of Orleans County, N. Y., who married Walter Sherwood; Eliza-
beth Wood, Sarah Wood, and Spencer Wood.
87
CHAPTER VI.
WILLIAM FERGUSON, OF BLADENSBURG, MD.
William Ferguson, of Bladensburg, Md., grandson of "The Pioneer,"
Robert, and the son of David Ferguson, was born about 1750, in Bladens-
burg, Md. He was a planter and owner of slaves. He married Elizabeth
Bell, daughter of Robert Bell. About the beginning of the 19th century,
there was an extensive emigration from Prince George county, Md., to
the Genesee Valley in New York State, then thought to be the "Garden
of the New World." When one family went there was an inducement
for others to follow, and in some cases nearly the entire neighborhood
went to New York State. It was a long and tedious journey of some
twenty days, the luggage being hauled over the mountains in wagons
drawn by four horse teams, the men and women riding on horse-back.
William Ferguson, with his wife and four unmarried sons, Robert, William,
David, and Levi, made this journey in the year 1803, and settled one mile
east of Clifton Springs, near what is now called "Tillot's Corners," on the
Phelps road. He brought with him twenty-one slaves, who were set at
liberty soon after their arrival, those who were past laboring being cared
for by the family.
James Ferguson, the oldest son, and Jane, who had married Henry
Wirt, soon after followed their parents into the new country. In the year
1807, a sad incident took place. William Ferguson was a man who would
not be imposed upon, proud and spirited. In a controversy with one of
his hired help he was struck with a knife. The wound proved fatal, and
he died in his S7th year and was buried at Phelps, N. Y. His wife
declared she would no longer live among barbarians, so she sold her
property to her son, William, and went back to Maryland, taking with
her two of her sons, David and Levi. She lived to a good old age and
was buried in Washington, D. C.
William Ferguson and his wife were dignified people, and stood high
in society. Mrs. Ferguson's china closet contained a rare collection. It came
into the possession of her grandson, Levi Ferguson, who prized it so
highly that no one was allowed to handle it. Among the colored people
who came to New York State with William Ferguson was a William
Riley. His daughter married a colored man by the name of County. As
long as this family lived, they kept a sacred guard over the grave of their
former master. This may be considered an index to William Ferguson's
character. He won the love and respect of the colored people about
him by his kindness and by the interest he took in their welfare.
BLADENSBURG, MARYLAND.
Bladensburg, the former home of the Ferguson family, is situated on
the Annacosta river. Formerly it was a port of entry for vessels of con-
siderable tonnage and was of more importance commercially than the
city of Washington. But the river has fast filled with sand, and now in
many places is but two feet deep. The town has been the scene of many
stirring events. It was a chosen spot for the settlement of disputes by
dueling. At the present time its inhabitants are mostly negroes, and the
buildings old and dilapidated. There is a hotel in the town once called
the Indian Queen, but now known as the George Washington House. It
is an ancient looking building with an inscription near the top of one of
the walls, "George Washington, 1732."
During the war with England, in 1812, a battle was fought here
under General Winder. The British were victorious. The Americans
retreated in some confusion in the direction of Georgetown. The city of
Washington was then at the mercy of the enemy. The British crossed
the Potomac, fired the Navy yard, Capitol, State, War and Treasury
buildings, besides many private residences. At last they came to the
White House. President Madison had prepared a feast for the army
officers on their return; but the British officers were partakers of what
had been provided. They then fired the White House, President Madison
having hastily departed before the arrival of the English army.
WILLIAM FERGUSON'S WILL.
In the name of God, Amen — I, William Ferguson, of the County of
Ontario, and State of New York, considering the certainty of death, and
the uncertainty of the time thereof , do therefore make and request this my
last will and testament, in manner and form as follows, that is to say:
first and principally I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty
GOD, and my body to the earth, to be decently buried by direction of my
executors hereinafter named; after my debts and funeral charges are sat-
isfied, I desire and bequeath as follows:
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Elizabeth Ferguson, one-fifth
part of my real estate, which is in the county aforesaid, which one-fifth
part of the said lands is to be laid oft" so as to include my dwelling house,
together with the other buildings, such as barns, sheds, stables, and
other houses adjoining thereto, which said fifth part of my lands, together
with the improvements thereon, it is my will that my said wife, Elizabeth,
have peaceful and quiet possession and free use thereof during her life,
and after the death of my wife, Elizabeth, I give and bequeath unto my
youngest son, Levi Ferguson, his heirs and assigns forever, all the above
described one-fifth part of my land; and the remaining part of my lands,
being four-fifths, 1 give and bequeath to my four sons, namely Robert
Bell Ferguson, John Ferguson, William Ferguson, and David Bell Fergu-
son. To them that are my last named sons, their heirs and assigns for-
ever, and as touching my personal estate, it is my will that my above
named wife, Elizabeth, have the free use and benefit of all my goods
and chattels, and personal estate of every kind whatsoever, during her
life, and after the death of my wife it is my will that all my children have
an equal part of the personal estate, share and share alike, agreeable to
value. The names of my children, which are to share in my per-
sonal estate, are as follows :
James Ferguson, Catherine Witherall, residing in the District of
Columbia, the wife of John Witherall, Ann Pierce, wife of Edward
Pierce, residing in Maryland, Robert Bell Ferguson, John Ferguson,
William Ferguson, David Bell Ferguson, and Levi Ferguson, also Jane
Wirt, the wife of Henry Wirt. These my nine above named children to
have equal share alike of all my personal estate after the death of my
wife. Lastly I constitute and appoint my beloved wife, with my sons,
Robert Bell Ferguson and David Bell Ferguson, executors. This my last
will and testament thereby ratifying and confirming this my last will
and testament, and revoking all others, in testimony whereof I have here-
to set my hand and seal this the 12th day of May, 1806.
WILLIAM FERGUSON. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed and acknowledged by William Ferguson, the testator of
his last will and testament, in the presence of us at his request, and in his
presence and in the presence of each other, subscribed our names as
witnesses. WILLIAM BUCHAN,
JOHN SHECKEL,
THOMAS EDMONSTON.
90
CHAPTER VII.
BUSINESS LIFE OF WILLIAM FERGUSON, AS TAKEN FROM THE
VU'^BLIC 'RECORDS.
Washington deeds, book C. , No. 3, page 441. Indenture made the 16th
of May, 1798, between William Ferguson of Prince George county, State
of Maryland, of one part, and John Tompson, of Georgetown, Montgom-
ery county, State of Maryland, of the other part, witnesses that William
P'erguson for $100.00 paid by John Tompson sells lands being in Hol-
mead's addition of Georgetown, in Montgomery county, in the State of
Maryland, beginning near the northeast corner of Dunbarton and West
Streets, 30 feet in front, with a depth of 120 feet.
WILLIAM FERGUSON.
Witnesses: CHAS. A. BEATTY,
THOS. CORCORAN.
Washington, D. C, deeds, book K., No. 10, page 328. Indenture
made the 2nd day of May, 1804, between William Ferguson, of Prince
George county, State of Md., of the one part, and John Laird, of George-
town, D. C, of the other part, witnesses that William Ferguson for
$394 paid by John Laird sells a tract of land, being a part of the land
called Barbadoes, and part of Scotland enlarged, situated and being
partly in Prince George county, and partly in Washington county, D. C,
beginning at a stone at the root of a white oak, one hundred yards north-
ward of a main road that leads from Bladensburgh to Georgetown, the
said stone being the end of the first line of the aforesaid tract, and also
the beginning of a parcel of land conveyed to said William Ferguson by
a certain William Conn, by deed dated about the 11th of November, 1780,
said land laid out for 78 acres, and 124 perches.
WILLIAM FERGUSON.
Witnesses: GEORGE FRENCH,
HENRY WIRT.
Washington, D. C, deeds, book L., No. 11, page 322. At the request
of David Ferguson the following power of attorney, the 17th of Novem-
ber, 1804, was recorded. Know all men that whereas William Ferguson,
late of the District of Columbia but now of Ontario county, N. Y., owner
91
of a certain tract of land situated and lying near the city of Washington,
D. C, and in Prince George county, Md., known by the name of Barba-
does, and Scotland enlarged, containing 135 >4 acres and occupied by one
Ed. L. Butler. Now know ye, that I the said William Ferguson and
Elizabeth his wife have appointed and by these presents do make, consti-
tute and appoint our son, David Ferguson, our true and lawful attorney,
to sell and dispose of the said tract of land. Dated the 29th of September
1804.
Signed: WILLIAM FERGUSON,
ELIZABETH FERGUSON.
Witnesses: WM. HOW CAYLER,
JACOB M. HATTELL.
Washington, D. C, deeds, book O, No. 14, page 67. Indenture made
the 23rd of December 1805, between David Ferguson, of Ontario county,
and State of New York, now on a visit to his friends in Washington
county, D. C, and Prince George county, Md., where he has business to
transact, of the other part, and William Tompson, of Washington, D. C,
of the other part, witnesseth that David Ferguson for $620.00, paid by
William Tompson, sells a tract of land called Barbadoes and part of Scot-
land enlarged, lying in Washington county, D. C, sold by the late Wil-
liam Conn to William Ferguson, father of said David Ferguson. Dated
the 11th of November, 1780. Recorded in Liber No. 1, page 100 and 101,
Prince George county, containing 13SX acres of land.
Signed: DAVID FERGUSON.
Witnesses: GABRIEL P. VAN HORNE,
GEORGE PAGE,
THOMAS CORCORAN,
JOHN OTT.
It will be observed that two men by the name of David Ferguson
transacted business for William Ferguson. David Ferguson, of Prince
George county, Md., was the father of William, but David, of Ontario
County, N. Y., was William's son.
92
CHAPTER VIII.
JAMES FERGUSON ANT) HIS DESCENDANTS.
The Ferguson Family in Orleans County. New York State.
(I.) James and Catherine, the oldest children of William and Eliza-
beth Ferguson, were twins. They were born in Bladensburg, Md., about
1771 and received the best education that could be procured for them at
that time, the period just after the Revolutionary War. James Fergu-
son became a miller. He married early in life, Mary Wevlie and settled
in the District of Columbia. The following public records in Washing-
ton, D C, make it possible to locate his place of business quite accu-
rately:
Deeds, Book R., No 17, page 106. Indenture made November
11th, 1806, between Asa Lanlian,of Prince (leorge county, of the one part,
and James Ferguson, of Washington, D. C, of the other part, wit-
nesses that Asa Lanhan for $100.00 paid by David Ferguson sells lands
near Rock Creek containing 84 acres.
ASA LANHAN.
Witness: MARCUS ROBINSON,
Deeds, BookL., page 311. Received December 11th, 1803, of Mr.
James Ferguson, the sum of $100.00, in full satisfaction for all my rights,
titles, claims, and interests in a tract of land near Rock Creek in the ter-
ritory of Columbia, the property and residence of my late father, Notley
Lanhan, containing eighty-two and one-quarter acres.
Rock Creek passes through the northwest portion of that part of the
city of Washington that separates it from Georgetown. In all proba-
bility James Ferguson owned a mill on that Creek within the limits of
the District of Columbia.
If the above property was in the Ferguson family at the present
time, it would be worth a fortune of many millions.
The glowing accounts which James Ferguson received of the Gene-
see country from his parents and brothers who had settled there, induced
him in 1807 to seek his fortune as a pioneer in the western part of the
State of New York. The journey was made on horseback, Mrs. Fer-
guson carrying her fir.st born in her arms. The family settled at Orleans,
a little hamlet about three miles south of his father's land.
E E
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92
CHAPTER VIII.
JAMES FERGUSON ANT> HIS DESCENDANTS.
The Ferguson Family in Orleans County. New York State.
(I.) James and Catherine, the oldest children of William and Eliza-
beth Ferguson, were twins. They were born in Bladensburg, Md., about
1771 and received the best education that could be procured for them at
that time, the period just after the Revolutionary War. James Fergu-
son became a miller. He married early in life, Mary Wevlie and settled
in the District of Columbia. The following public records in Washing-
ton, D C, make it possible to locate his place of business quite accu-
rately:
Deeds, Book R., No 17, page 106. Indenture made November
11th, 1806, between Asa Lanhan,of Prince George county, of the one part,
and James Ferguson, of Washington, D. C, of the other part, wit-
nesses that Asa Lanhan for $100.00 paid by David Ferguson sells lands
near Rock Creek containing 84 acres.
ASA LANHAN.
Witne.ss: MARCUS ROBINSON,
Deeds, BookL., page 311. Received December 11th, 1803, of Mr.
James Ferguson, the sum of $100.00, in full satisfaction for all my rights,
titles, claims, and interests in a tract of land near Rock Creek in the ter-
ritory of Columbia, the property and residence of my late father, Notley
Lanhan, containing eighty-two and one-quarter acres.
Rock Creek passes through the northwest portion of that part of the
city of Washington that separates it from Georgetown. In all proba-
bility James Ferguson owned a mill on that Creek within the limits of
the District of Columbia.
If the above property was in the Ferguson family at the present
time, it would be worth a fortune of many millions.
The glowing accounts which James Ferguson received of the Gene-
see country from his parents and brothers who had settled there, induced
him in 1807 to seek his fortune as a pioneer in the western part of the
State of New York. The journey was made on horseback, Mrs. Fer-
guson carrying her first born in her arms. The family settled at Orleans,
a little hamlet about three miles south of his father's land.
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ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH.
Fifth Generation m America.
A mi ISDN f,AGK.
Z\HETH ^riKClISON ('.ACili.
FLOYD BENTON. MAKV J. i-KKGUSUN BENTON.
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH.
Fifth Generation in America
GEORGE WASHINGTON FERGUSON. KOSEITA L. FER(iUSON.
HENRY ROOT. AMANDA FERGUSON ROOT.
93
Mr. Ferguson soon became one of the leading business men of the
place. A few years later, seeing better opportunities at Albion, New
York, he moved there with his family and became the principal miller of
the town, as well as a successful farmer. He died in 1829, when about
sixty years of age. His wife lived for thirty years after his death and died
in 1861, having completed her four score years.
James Ferguson was a very generous man, greatly beloved by his
family. He loaned money willingly to his friends, much of which was
never returned. He left a considerable fortune to his family. His wife
is said to have been a beautiful and aristocratic woman. She considered
it beneath her dignity to display any irritability, no matter what the occa-
sion. She made friends among all classes of people.
The children of James Ferguson and his wife are as follows: Ann
Julina, Amanda Weylie, William Henry, George Washington, Elizabeth
Sophia, Mary Jane, Edgar Preston, and Edwin Patterson.
THE CHILDREN OF JAMES AND MARY FERGUSON, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS.
(H.) Ann Julina Ferguson and her descendants.
Ann Julina Ferguson was the oldest child of James and Mary Fergu-
son. She was born in 1806 in the District of Columbia, and was brought
to the State of New York in her infancy. She received the best educa-
tion that could be procured for her. She married Walter Sherwood, who '
was a farmer by occupation. She was a woman greatly admired for her
sympathetic manner and her loving character. She was considered a
superior woman by all who were fortunate enough to come under her
influence. Besides her own children, she had the care of three girls at
different times in her life. She died in 1854, her husband in 1868. The
children in this family were: Ophelia Rosmond, James Ferguson, Mary
Jane, and William Harrison.
(III.) Ophelia Rosmond, the oldest child of Walter and Ann Julina
Sherwood, was born near Albion, New York. She married Philo D.
Ferris. They settled at a town called Lyden, near Stocton, where Mr.
Ferris was employed in a flouring mill for a number of years. At this
place Ophelia died. Mr. Ferris then went to Texas for a short time,
then returned to Orleans county, New York, where he died. They had
one daughter, Eva Jennie, who was born near Medina, New York. She
married William F. Fisher. At present Mr. Fisher is an organizer of
"Woodmen of America" life insurance lodges, and is considered a man
of ability.
(III.) James Ferguson, the oldest son of Walter and Ann Julina
Sherwood, was born near Albion, New York. He first married Caroline
94
(ioodale, a resident of Orleans, Ontario county, New York. They
resided in Orleans county a short time, then went to California and set-
tled near San Francisco. Here Mr. Sherwood had the misfortune to
lose his wife and child by drowning. Mr. Sherwood's health became
greatly impaired, so he made his home with his sister, Mrs Ferris, at
Lyden, until he was fully recovered from the shock occasioned by the
death of his family. He then entered the mercantile business in a small
town near Lyden. He afterwards moved to Westminster, in Los Angeles
county, California, where he engaged in the grocery business and mar-
ried his second wife, Mary McFadden. He finally moved to Los Angeles,
where he was employed in a flour mill. He was a member of the Con-
gregational church at Los Angeles, and at one time was a deacon of the
church. He died in 1890. By his second marriage, Mr Sherwood had
four children, Walter, Charles, Bertie, and May.
(HL) Mary Jane, the second daughter of Walter and Ann Julina
Sherwood, was born near Medina, New York. She married George D.
Anderson, a successful and independent farmer of the the town of Gaines,
Orleans county. New York. They are now living on the farm which
came into the family from the Holland Land Company in 1814. Their
residence is built of cobblestone and it is furnished with all the modern
conveniences. They have two sons, Robert wSherwood and Howard
Reid.
(IV.) Robert Sherwood Anderson was born in the town of Gaines,
Orleans county, New York. He was graduated from the Buffalo Com-
mercial College. He married Clara Byrd, of Fern Hill, a suburb of
Tacoma, Washington State. Miss Byrd is a descendant of the royal
Stewart family, of England- Their home is at Olympia, the capital of
Washington. They have one child, Alexandra S. Anderson. Mr.
Anderson has a fine position as a bookkeeper.
(IV.) Howard Reid Anderson was born in Gaines, Orleans county.
New York. He is a plumber and an installer of gas generators, and
makes his home with his parents. Mr. Anderson is a literary man, and
has traveled in the Holy Land and in Europe. He is a prominent Pro-
hibitionist.
(III.) William Harrison Sherwood, the youngest child of Walterand
Ann Julina Sherwood, was born in Medii>a, New York. He married
Anna Truesler. Mr. Sherwood is a farmer, and lives near Iowa Falls,
Iowa. He is a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served for three
years in the 8th Heavy Artillery of New York. He was taken prisoner at
Cold Harbor and endured the hardships of Southern prison life, being
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth Generation in America.
GEORGE G. ANDERSON
Is an independent farmer. Resides in Orleans County, New York.
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH.
Sixth Generation in America.
IMARV J. ANDKRSUX,
The Wife of Geori^e G. Anderson.
95
confined most of the time at Salisbury, North Carolina. He returned
home shattered in health. There were three children in this family,
George, Leon, and Mary Jane.
Mary Jane Sherwood married Mr. Thompson and lives in the State
of Ohio.
AMANDA WEYLIE FERGUSON AND HER DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Amanda Weylie Ferguson, the second daughter of James and
Mary Ferguson, was born in New York State. She married November
29th, 1835, Henry King Root, a farmer residing in Orleans county, New
York. Mrs. Root is said to have been a woman of intelligence and a
very capable business woman. She was a great factor in securing for the
family a fine property. There was but one child born in this family,
Floyd Ferguson Root. Mrs. Root died in Knowlesville, New York,
March 11th, 1876, in her sixty-ninth year. Mr. Root died February 2Sth,
1897, having completed his ninetieth year.
(III.) Floyd Ferguson Root, the only child of Amanda and Henry
Root, was born in Orleans county. New York. On May 12th, 1867, he
married Henrietta Kendall, of Clifton Springs, New York, who at that
time was living with her aunt, Mrs. Levi Ferguson. Mr. Root inherited
the property of his parents. During his active life he was a farmer. He
is living at the present time at Knowlesville, New York. There were five
children in this family, Henry Kendall, Alma L., Levi Ferguson, Gertrude
D., and John J. H.
(IV.) Henry Kendall was born in Orleans county. New York. He
married Lottie Peachey, October 18th, 1891. Mr. Root is a house decor-
ator and resides in Rochester, New York. They have four children,
Henry B., Orene C, Bertie, and Mary C.
Alma L Root was born in Orleans county, New York. She married
Charles Cutts, September 23rd, 1891. Mr. Cutts is a blacksmith and owns
a fruit evaporator He resides at Eagle Harbor, New York. They have
had two children, Robert E. and Ora V. Robert E. Cutts died October
17th , 1898, at the age of six years. Ora V. Cutts is living with her par-
ents at Eagle Harbor.
Levi Ferguson Root was born in Orleans county, New York. He
married Edith Dome, December 30th, 1892. Mr. Root is a farmer by
occupation and lives near Watkins, New York.
Gertrude was born in Orleans county. New York. She married
Albert A. Root, December 5th, 1901. Mr. Root was an inventor and pro-
moter. He died October 26th, 1903, at the age of fifty years. There was
96
one child in this family, J- Kenneth Root. Mrs. Root and her son reside
at Knowlesville, New York.
John J. H. Root, the youngest child, was born at Knowlesville, New
York, where he lives at present.
WILLIAM HENRY FERGUSON.
(II.) William Henry Ferguson, the oldest son of James and Mary
Ferguson, was born in Orleans county. New York. He died in early
life. He is said to have given great promise of a useful life.
GEORGE WASHINGTON FERGUSON.
(II.) George Washington Ferguson was the second son and fourth
child of James and Mary Ferguson. He was a farmer by occupation,
and resided in Orleans county, New York. He married, first, Rosetta
Woodruff. After her death, he married Sophia Wirt, the widow of Henry
Wirt. Mr. Ferguson was a capable business man. He was industrious
and frugal, and generous in many ways. He was a friendly and hospitable
man, and always appeared to be delighted to meet his relatives and
friends. He accumulated a large property. He had no descendants,
but adopted in childhood George Washington Ferguson, the oldest son of
his brother Edwin, and made him his principal heir. Mr. Ferguson
died in the year 1894.
ELIZABETH SOPHIA FERGUSON AND HER DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Elizabeth Sophia Ferguson, the third daughter of James and
Mary Ferguson, was born in Orleans county. New York, May 23rd, 1813.
She married Addison Gage in 1836. Mr. Gage was a farmer by occupa-
tion and resided in Orleans county. New York. Mrs. Gage was a very
sociable woman, having a very wide acquaintance. She was well quali-
fied to discharge the duties which she found during her life. She died
May 10th, 1870, having completed her fifty-seventh year. Mr. Gage died
April 17th, 1877, in his sixty-third year. They had a family of six child-
ren; Helen Jenette, Hanah Mariah, William Harrison, Melissia Melvina,
Alice Jane, and Taylor Addison.
(III.) Helen Jenette, the oldest child of Addison and Elizabeth
Gage, was born in Orleans county. New York; married Richard Shaw
November 23rd, 1862. He made his residence in Knowlesville, New
York. Mr. Shaw was a farmer. The family still own the farm, which
was taken from the Land office by Mr. Shaw's father. Richard Shaw
died January 14th, 1904. There were two children in this family: Jessie
Leon and Melvin Elijah.
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH,
Seventh Generation in America.
H. READ ANDERSON,
Resides with His Parents in Orleans County, New York. Is a Plumber
and Installs Gas Generators.
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(IV.) Jessie Leon Shaw was born in Orleans county, New York, and
married Ellsworth McGillivray. They reside with Mrs. McGillivray's
mother in Knowlesville, New York.
(IV.) Melvin Elijah Shaw was born in Orleans county, New Ycjrk.
He is president of the Kittridge Medicine company, in which concern he
is the majority stock holder. He resides with his mother in Knowlesville,
New York.
(ni.) Hanah Mariah Gage, the second daughter of Addison and
Elizabeth Gage, was born in Orleans county, New York. She married
John Weld, February 22nd, 1860. Their residence is in Medina, New
York. Mr. Weld is a farmer, an extensive peach grower, and is said
to have the largest orchard in New York state. Mrs. Weld died May
25th, 1903, in her sixty-third year. They had two children, Frank and
J. Leon.
(IV.) Frank Weld died in childhood. J. Leon Weld was born in
Medina, New York. He married Emma E. Chesebrough, February 22nd,
18S8. Mr. Weld's residence was formerly in Rochester, New York. He
was in the railroad and shipping business and has held the positions of
general passenger agent and secretary of the Rochester and Sodus Bay
railroad. He died September 1st, 1S9S. There were three children in
this family, John Warren, Lawrence Peter, and Louis Chesebrough-
(V.) John Warren Weld died in infancy.
Lawrence Peter was born in Albion, New York, and lives in Medina.
Louis Chesebrough was also born in Albion, New York, and resides
in Medina.
(III.) William Harrison, son of Addison and Elizabeth Gage, was
born in Orleans county, New York. He married Marette Gibson, and
resides in Albion, New York. Mr. Gage was for two years a soldier in
the Civil war. Corporal in Company D., 151st New York Regiment. On
his return from the war he became a farmer, but has since retired.
(III.) Melissa Melvlna Gage, the third daughter of Addison and Eliza-
beth Gage, was born in Orleans county, New York. She married Henry
Harrison Holt, and resides at Albion, New York. Mr. Holt is a contrac-
tor and carpenter.
(III.) Alice Jane Gage, the fourth daughter of Addison and Eliza-
beth Gage, was born in Orleans county. New York. She married John
H. Post, who owns a cooperage and saw mill. They reside at Kendall
Mills, New York. They have a family of three children, J. Casiraer,
Minnie Elizabeth, and Fred.
(IV.) J. Casimer Post was born at Kendall Mills, New York. He
entered the cooperage business, and married Lena B. Webster, November
98
l^-lth, 1892. They have two children, Lillian Caroline and Clinton
Casimer.
Minnie Elizabeth Post was born at Kendall Mills, New York. She
married Newel J. Gary, June 16th. 1892, Mr. Cary is in the commission
business. They have two children, Jesse Post and Gilbert.
Fred Post was born at Kendall Mills, New York. He is an engineer.
He married Kate Duffy, and has three children, John Richard, Lulu,
and Salin.
(III.) Taylor Addison Gage, the youngest child of Addison and
E^lizabeth Gage, was born in Orleans county, New York. He married,
first, Althea E. Gates, December 22nd, 1874. Mrs. Gage died November
20th, 1892. Mr. Gage then married Gertrude Parks. Their residence is
on Poseville avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Gage is a manufacturer.
He formerly lived in Cortland, New York.
MARY JANE FERGUSON.
(II.) Mary Jane Ferguson was the fourth and youngest daughter of
James and Mary Ferguson. She married Floyd Benton, a farmer resid-
ing in Orleans county. New York. Mrs. Benton was an invalid the
greater part of her life, but a very capable woman. She looked after her
business interests though confined to her bed most of her time. She
died without descendants. Her husband is still living at Albion, N. Y.
EDGAR PRESTON FERGUSON.
(II.) Edgar Ferguson was a twin brother of Edwin Patterson Fer-
guson, the youngest children of James and Mary Ferguson. He was an
invalid throughout his life. In spite of his afflictions he was very ambi-
tious and industrious, and passed a useful and cheerful life. His only
regret was that he had not been able to accomplish more.
EDWIN PATTERSON FERGUSON.
(II.) Edwin Patterson Ferguson, the twin brother of Edgar Preston
Ferguson, was born near Albion, N. Y. He was a great lover of society,
a genial, kind hearted man. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived
at Big Sowamica, Wisconsin. He married Mary Derimeau, who died
early in life, leaving one son, George Washington Ferguson, who was
adopted by his uncle, after whom he was named. Edwin Ferguson mar-
ried a second time, Litia Purdy. They had a family of six children, Etta,
Amine, Harrison, Lavina, Melva, and Floyd.
(III.) George Washington Ferguson, the only son of Edwin Patter-
son and Mary Derimeau, was born in the State of Michigan. He was
adopted shortly after the death of his mother, by his uncle, George
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH,
Seventh Generation in America.
ROBERT SHERWOOD ANDERSON,
A Bookkeeper. Resides in Olympia, State of Wasbiington.
ORLEANS COUNTY BRANCH,
Eighth Generation in America.
ALEXANDRA PA'RD ANDERSON,
Is the Daughter of Robert Sherwood Anderson,
99
Washington Ferguson, of Orleans county, N.Y. He married Mary Stock-
ton, and settled on his uncle's farm. He resides at Albion, N. Y., and
has a winter home at Daytona, Florida.
(HI.) Etta Ferguson, the oldest child of Edwin Patterson and Litia
Purdy Ferguson, was born in Wisconsin. She married a Mr. Crooks, a
farmer by occupation, and resides in Sowamica, Wisconsin.
Amine Ferguson was born in Wisconsin. Married George Ide, a
farmer, who resides near Albion, N. Y.
Lavina Ferguson was born in Wisconsin. She married a Mr. Bos-
well, who was a mason by trade, and resides in Manonrine, Michigan.
Harrison Ferguson was born in Wisconsin. He is a farmer by occu-
pation, and resides at Sowamica, Wisconsin.
Floyd and Melva Ferguson were born in Wisconsin, where they reside
at the present time. They are engaged in the furniture business.
100
CHAPTER IX.
WASHINGTON BRANCH-L
Catherine Ferguson and Her Descendants, The Witherall Family.
(I.) Catherine Ferguson was the twin sister of James Ferguson,
and the oldest daughter of William and Elizabeth Ferguson.
She was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, about 1771. No knowledge
of her early life can be found. She married John Witherall, of Prince
George County, Maryland. Mr. Witherall was a planter and owner of
slaves. From Robert B. Hartley Marcellus, of the (;:ongressional Library,
at Washington, D. C, it is learned that his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Marcel-
lus, is supposed to be the only living grandchild of Catherine Witherall,
who was familiarly known in the family as Aunt Kattie. Mrs. Witherall
died in 1843, and was buried in Washington, D. C.
THE CHILDREN OF JOHN AND CATHERINE FERGUSON WITHERALL.
(11.) Richard Witherall, who resided in Washington, D. C, and died
in J839.
(II.) John Witherall, who resided in Washington, D. C, and died
in 1832.
(II.) Samuel Witherall, of Maryland, who died in 1853.
(II.) Mary Witherall, who married Mr. Glover and died in 1860, and
who was the mother of Mrs. Elizabeth Hartley Marcellus.
(II.) Ann Witherall, who married John Conley, and who resided in
Illinois.
(II.) Elizabeth Witherall, of Washington, D. C, who died at the
age ot eighteen years.
The following records are to be found at Washington, D. C, Book
P., No. 15, page 381: Know all men by these presents that I, John With-
erall, of Georgetown, Washington County, for $600.00 paid me by David
Ferguson, of Ontario County, N. Y., but now in the District of Colum-
bia, sell all my household stuff and implements. Dated July 3rd, 1806.
Washington, D. C, Deeds Book O., No. 16, page 252. Indenture
made July 23rd, 1806, between John Witherall, of Prince George county,
Maryland, of the one part, and David Ferguson, of Ontario county,
N. Y., of the other part, but now in the said District of Columbia, wit-
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101
nesses that John Witherall, for $600.00 paid by David Ferguson, sells
lots Nos. 3 and 4, in Holmead's addition to Georgetown, fronting south
of Dunbarton Street, 60 feet, with a depth of 120 feet.
Signed: JOHN WITHERALL.
Witnesses:
RICARD PARROTT,
THOMAS CORCORAN.
CHAPTER X.
BALTIMORE BRANCH- 1.
Ann Ferguson and Her Descendants — The Peerce Families.
(I.) Ann Ferguson, the second daughter of William and Elizabeth
Ferguson, was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, about the year 1773. She
was educated in Maryland and became the second wife of Edward
Peerce, a southern planter. Mr. Peerce was a native of Bristol, Eng-
land. On his voyage to America he was shipwrecked on the Island of
St. Kitts, of the West Indies.
Mr. and Mrs. Peerce settled on the land supposed to have been the
homestead of Robert Ferguson, "The Pioneer," where the city of
Washington is now located, on land opposite to where the White House
stands and in the rear of Jackson's monument. Mr. Peerce sold this
property to the United States Government and moved to Baltimore. His
deed is the oldest on record for this property, but the officials in the land
office state that he was not the first settler on this land.
After he went to Baltimore, he purchased of Daniel Dullaney a fine
farm at the head of a beautiful valley in Baltimore county, Maryland,
called Dullaney's Valley, from its former owner.
Mr. and Mrs. Peerce were blessed with two sons, William and James.
Mr. Peerce had one daughter, Lizzie, by his first wife. Mr. Peerce was
noted for his generosity He furnished the land and built the Trinity
102
church, where his descendants worship to this day. Mr. and Mrs. Peerce
are buried near Trinity church on land taken from the farm.
(II.) Lizzie Peerce, the daughter of Edward Peerce, by his first wife,
married Oswald Gerkins and settled in Dullaney's Valley, where she died
without descendants.
(II.) James Peerce, the youngest son of Edward and Ann Ferguson
Peerce, died early in life.
(II.) William, the oldest son of Edward and Ann Ferguson Peerce,
inherited his father's estate, including some five hundred acres of land.
He married a widow, Louisa Smith, of Dullaney's Valley. He prospered
and accumulated a large property, mainly through cattle grazing. He
was a very liberal man and a true friend. He had four sons, Edward,
George, Henry and Thomas, and one daughter, Rebecca. William
Peerce died in 1878, his wife in 1865.
(III.) George and Henry Peerce died early in life.
(III.) Rebecca Peerce married John Lipincott, of Pittsburg, Pa.
They lived in Goverston, Maryland. Mr. Lipincott recently died. They
had six children: Laura, Katie, Rebecca, Edward, John, and Maude.
(III.) Edward Peerce married Laura Stumps. They have two
children, Mary and William.
(III.) Thomas Peerce married Emma Childs. They have four chil
dren living: Margaret, Robert, Mary, and Thomas.
ALBION BRANCH.
Sixth Generation in America.
MRS. ELLA WIRT APPLETUN.
Mrs. Ella Wirt Appleton, the Wife of Rev. F. G. Appleton,
Longmont, Col.
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103
CHAPTER XL
ALBION "BRANCH.
Jane Ferguson and her Descendants.
(I.) Jane Fers^uson was the third daughter of William and Elizabeth
Ferg-uson. She was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, about 1775. She
was given a good education and is said to have been received in the best
society of her day, in which she was a general favorite. There is a tradi-
tion in the family that she received an offer of marriage from a young
military officer, but as he was stationed at a post on the frontier, her
parents refused to give their consent to their daughter's going among the
Indians.
This young military officer became the Hon. William Henry Harri-
son, the ninth President of the United States. The portrait of himself,
which he gave to Jane Ferguson at the time of his proposal, was greatly
cherished by her, and was preserved for many years.
There is a record in St. John's Parish, Prince George county, Mary-
land, where Robert Ferguson, the son of ''The Pioneer," Robert Fergu-
son, dwelt, of the marriage of Henry Wirt and Jannette Ferguson, April
30th, 1795. Mr. Wirt was in the mercantile business. They lived in
Maryland for several yesLVS, where three of their children were born,
William Harrison, James, and Elizabeth.
About the year 1803, Mr. Wirt moved to New York state with his
family, following his father-in-law, William Ferguson, into the Genesee
country. He settled in the town of Phelps, east of Clifton Springs, near
what is now known as "Tillot's Corners." Mr. Wirt brought with him
from Maryland several slaves that were soon after liberated by the laws
of the State. Three children were born to Mr and Mrs. Wirt in New
York State, John, Delilah, and Henry Jewell. Henry Wirt was a devot-
ed Christian gentleman. Is is said that his home was the home of the
itinerant ministers of the Methodist church.
Jane Ferguson Wirt died about 1815, and Mr. Wirt then married
a Mrs. Adams, who was an estimable woman. She cared for Mr. Wirt's
children as though they were her own; and these children cherished the
memory of their stepmother throughout their lives.
About 1826, Mr. Wirt's second wife died, and after several years he
married a Mrs. Rouse. This proved to have been an unfortunate mar-
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103
CHAPTER XI.
ALBION '^BRANCH.
Jane Ferguson and her Descendants.
(I.) Jane Fersjuson was the third daughter of William and Elizabeth
Ferguson. She was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, about 1775. She
was given a good education and is said to have been received in the best
society of her day, in which she was a general favorite. There is a tradi-
tion in the family that she received an offer of marriage from a young
military officer, but as he was stationed at a post on the frontier, her
parents refused to give their consent to their daughter's going among the
Indians.
This young military officer became the Hon. William Henry Harri-
son, the ninth President of the United States. The portrait of himself,
which he gave to Jane Ferguson at the time of his proposal, was greatly
cherished by her, and was preserved for many years.
There is a record in St. John's Parish, Prince George county, Mary-
land, where Robert Ferguson, the son of ''The Pioneer," Robert Fergu-
son, dwelt, of the marriage of Henry Wirt and Jannette Ferguson, April
30th, 1795. Mr. Wirt was in the mercantile business. They lived in
Maryland for several years, where three of their children were born,
William Harrison, James, and Elizabeth.
About the year 1803, Mr. Wirt moved to New York state with his
family, following his father-in-law, William Ferguson, into the Genesee
country. He settled in the town of Phelps, east of Clifton Springs, near
what is now known as "Tillot's Corners" Mr. Wirt brought with him
from Maryland several slaves that were soon after liberated by the laws
of the State. Three children were born to Mr and Mrs. Wirt in New
York State, John, Delilah, and Henry Jewell. Henry Wirt was a devot-
ed Christian gentleman. Is is said that his home was the home of the
itinerant ministers of the Methodist church.
Jane Ferguson Wirt died about 1815, and Mr. Wirt then married
a Mrs. Adams, who was an estimable woman. She cared for Mr. Wirt's
children as though they were her own; and these children cherished the
memory of their stepmother throughout their lives.
About 1826, Mr. Wirt's second wife died, and after several years he
married a Mrs. Rouse. This proved to have been an unfortunate mar-
riaye and a separation soon followed. Mr Wirt soon after sold his farm
in the town of Phelps and went to Orleans county, where he purchased a
farm and lived the remainder of his days with his youngest son, Henry
Jewell Wirt.
THE CHILDREN OF JANE FERGUSON WIRT AND THEIR DESCENDANTS; ELIZABETH
WIRT AND HER DESCENDANTS; THE LEONARD AND WHITE FAMILIES.
(II.) Elizabeth, the oldest child of Henry and Jane Ferguson Wirt,
was born in Maryland, and was brought to New York State by her par-
ents in early childhood. She married William Leonard, a farmer by
occupation, who settled in Orleans county, New York. They had one
daughter, Mary Leonard. Mrs. Leonard's husband died and she mar-
ried Mr. Elisha White. There was one daughter by this marriage, Delia
Ann White. Mr. and Mrs. White were buried in Orleans county, New
York.
(III.) Mary Leonard, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Wirt
Leonard, was born near Albion, New York. She married Olander Bond.
They reside at Eagle Harbor, and have three children, Amanda, Anna,
and Earl.
(IV.) Amanda, the first child of Olander and Mary Leonard Bond,
married Eber Wells. They have four children, William, Loren, Cora,
and Josie.
(III.) Delia Ann White, the only daughter of Elizabeth Wirt by her
second marriage, married Reuben Thompson.
(IV.) William Wells has been twice married: his first wife left
three children, Minnie, Myrtle, and Jerome. Mr. Wells then married
Little Howard. Loren Wells married Sarah Edgar and resides in Albion,
New York. Cora Wells married Celestia Hudson and resides in Albion,
New York Josie Wells married Clarence Howard. Amanda, the wife
of Eber Wells, married for her second husband, Jerome Warner, and
they reside in Albion, New York.
(IV.) Anna, the second daughter of Olander and Mary Leonard
Bond, was born near Albion, New York. Shemarried Clinton Smith, of
Albion, New York, who was a farmer by occupation. They have eight
children, Jessie, Minnie, Nellie, Obed, Ida May, Clara, and Lorenzo.
Jessie Smith marrieu ''Alfred Bull and resides in Niagara Falls, New
York. Minnie Smith married Clarence Sangland and resides in Albion,
New York. Earl Wells is married and lives in Rochester.
JAMES WIRT AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
(II.) James Wirt, the second son of Henry and Jane Ferguson Wirt,
was born in 1799, and was brought to New York State by his parents in
105
early childhood. He married Rachael Rathburn, and settled in Catta-
raugus county, New York. They had five children, William, Henry
Jewell, Jane, Permelia, and Delilah. The girls died early in life. Mr.
Wirt moved with his family to Michigan and settled in what was then the
wilderness, enduring the privations and hardships of pioneers. Mr. Wirt,
died August 20th, 1854, in his fifty-fifth year. Mrs. Wirt married again
and after the death of her second husband, made her home with her
youngest son, Henry Jewell Wirt. She died December 28th, 1885, at the
age of seventy-five.
(III.) William Wirt, the oldest son of James and Rachel Wirt,
was born in Cattaraugus county. New York, August 15th: 1827. At the
age of eleven years he went to Orleans, Ontario count}", New York, and
made his home with diflferent farmers in that region until he was twenty-
one years of age. In 1850 he went to Medina town.ship, Michigan, and
purchased two hundred acres of land. He married Amanda Salisbury
in 185n, who died July 5th, 1861, leaving one daughter, Clara.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Wirt married Eveline Curtiss, of
Hudson, Michigan, November 4th, 1861. By this marriage he had seven
children. Mr. Wirt united with the Methodist Episcopal church at the
age of ten years, and later in life became a member of the Congrega-
tional church at Canandaigua, Michigan. Towards the latter part of his
life through an attack of la grippe, Mr. Wirt unfortunately became insane.
He was placed in an asylum at Hillsdale and later at Kalamazoo, Michi-
gan, where he died April 18th, 1892, and was buried at Medina.
Three of Mr. Wirt's children by his second marriage are living,
Edwin, Grant, and Julia.
(IV.) Clara Wirt, the daughter of William Wirt by his first mar-
riage, married a Mr. Persons. Julia Wirt, a daughter of William Wirt
by his second marriage, married a Mr. Sainor.
(III.) Henry Jewell Wirt, the youngest son of James and Rachel
Wirt, was born in Cattaraugus county. New York. He went with his
parents when they moved to Michigan. He married Mary Salisbury and
settled over fifty years ago in Medina township in the midst of the
wilderness. He is still living on the land that he cleared. The first wife
died, leaving three children, Minnie Ella, Nettie Amelia, and Hattie
Amelia. Three years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Wirt married
Carrie Amelia Fox, of Hudson township. He has one daughter by this
marriage, Mary Elizabeth Wirt.
(IV.) Minnie Ella Wirt, the oldest daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt
by his first marriage, was born in Medina township, Michigan, and mar-
ried Gerrey L. Acker. They reside in Fayette, Ohio. Mr. Acker is a
106
dealer in farming irapleraents and also has farming interests. They have
three children, Henry Wirt, Harold, and Marie.
(IV.) Nettie Amelia Wirt, the second daughter of Henry Jewell
Wirt by his first marriage, was born in Medina township, Michigan. She
married Henry Middleton, of Dover township, Michigan. Mr. Middleton
is a farmer by occupation. They have one daughter, Reho Middleton.
(IV.) Hattie Amelia, the third daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt by
his first marriage, was born in Medina township, Michigan. She mar-
ried Camp Saw3'er, a farmer by occupation. They reside in Hudson
township, Michigan, and have two children, Fern and J. C. Sawyer.
(IV. ) Mary Elizabeth Wirt, the only child of Henry Jewell Wirt by
his second marriage, was born in Medina township, Michigan. She is
unmarried and makes her home with her father.
(II.) William Harrison Wirt, the oldest son of Henry and Jane Fergu-
son Wirt, was born in Maryland, and was brought to New York state by
his parents in 1803. He is said to have been a promising young man,
but died when but eighteen years of age, and was buried at Phelps,
New York.
(II.) John, the third son of Henry and Jane Ferguson Wirt, was
born in the town of Phelps, New York, and died in early childhood.
DELILAH WIRT AND HER DESCENDANTS, THE SILL FAMILY.
(II.) Delilah Wirt, the second daughter of Henry and Jane Fergu-
son Wirt, was born in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., July
20th, 180S. When she was ten years of age, her mother died and her
father soon after married a Mrs. Adams. This woman had an excellent
influence over Delilah, who always cherished the memory of her step-
mother. In the year 1831 Delilah Wirt married Russell Sill, a farmer
of the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y. During her married life
Mrs. Sill resided in the town of Yates. She was a very religious woman
and took great interest in the affairs of her church. Her home, like her
father's, was a "Haven of Rest" to the weary pastors and their families
for days and weeks at a time; no needy person was ever turned away from
her door. She died in the year 1893, her husband in 1879. There were
five children in this family, William, John, Andrew, Mary and Ann.
(III.) William Sill, the oldest son of Russell and Delilah Wirt Sill,
was born in the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y. He died in the
year 1860.
(HI.) John Sill, the second son of Russell and Delilah Wirt Sill,
was born in the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y., November 24th,
1S34. He is a farmer by occupation, and resides at Lyndonville, N. Y.
107
He married Merneiva Dunham. They have two children, Clara and Irv-
ing. Clara Sill married Henry Potter, in 1889. They reside in Lyndon-
ville, N. Y., and have two children, Lucy and Lyell.
(HI.) Andrew Sill, the third son of Russell and Delilah Wirt Sill,
was born June 10th, 1837. He was a farmer by occupation, and resided
in the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y. Hemarried Emeline Royce,
in 1864. They resided at Eagle Harbor, N. Y., and have two daughters,
Nellie and Hattie.
Hattie Sill married a Mr. Hathway and has one daughter, Frances,
living. A daughter, Ethel, died in 1902.
(III.) Mary Sill, the oldest daughter of Russell and Delilah Wirt Sill,
was born in Orleans county, N. Y. She married William Grimes and
resides in Lyndonville. There are three children in this family, Gertrude,
Russell, and Delia.
(HI.) Anna Sill, the youngest daughter of Russell and Delilah Wirt
Sill, was born in Orleans county, N. Y. Married Wilbur Foster and
resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
HENRY JEWELL WIRT AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Henry Jewell Wirt, the youngest son of Henry and Jane Fer-
guson Wirt, was born in the town of Phelps, N. Y. He married Per-
melia Pratt and settled in Orleans county, N. Y., where Mrs. Wirt died,
leaving two children, William and Caroline. After the death of his wife
Mr. Wirt married Mrs. Elizabeth J. Southerland, a very capable and
intelligent woman and a great worker for her church. There were four
children by this marriage, Frances, Ella Louise, Maude and Annie Grace.
After the death of his second wife, Mr. Wirt married Mrs. Sophia
Phipps, a woman greatly respected for her many admirable traits of char-
acter. She is still living at Albion, N. Y.
After the death of his father, Henry Wirt, who had made his home
with his son during his later years, Henry Jewell Wirt sold his farm and
moved to Albion, N. Y. Mr. Wirt was a man of strong religious prin-
ciples. He was a member of the Methodist church, in which he was a
great worker. During the days of slavery, he was an Abolitionist of the
radical kind. He died May 27th, 1885.
(III.) William Wirt, the oldest son of Henry Jewell Wirt by his
first marriage, was born in Orleans county, N. Y. He was a farmer
by occupation. Hemarried Elizabeth Ferris, and settled near Albion,
N. Y. He had two children by this marriage, Maude and Earnest.
108
The latter died in early life. After the death of his wife, Mr. Wirt mar
ried Ann Adams. They have one son, Henry Jewell Wirt. They reside
at Oak Orchard, N. Y.
(III.) Caroline Wirt, the only daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt by
his first marriage, was born near Albion, N. Y. She married Calvin
Ferris and had two children, Albertis and Permelia Ann. Albertis
Ferris died in childhood. Permelia Ann Ferris married John
Harrington and resides in Denver, Colorado. There were two
children by this marriage, Edith and Louise. Edith died at the age of
18 years. Louise married Knight Brown and resides in Denver, Colo-
rado.
(HI.) The oldest child of Henry Jewell Wirt by his second marriage,
Frances Wirt, married Charles Elliott, of Albion, N. Y. She died June
21st, 1874.
(III.) Ella Louise, the second daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt by his
second marriage, was born near Albion, N. Y. She was a very talented
singer. Her voice was carefully trained in her youth. She was for some
time the soprano in the choir of St. Peter's Church, Rochester, N. Y.,
and afterwards held the same position in the Episcopal Cathedral, Buf-
falo, N. Y. She married the Rev. F. G. Appleton, September 24th, 1885.
They have two children, Francis and Harold. The family reside in Long-
mont, Colorado.
(III. J Maude, the third daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt by his second
marriage, was born near Albion, N. Y. She spent two years studying
art in Berlin and Paris, and one year in New York. She married J. B.
Thompson , who was at that time a banker and hardware merchant. They
reside in Longmont, Colorado.
(III.) Annie Grace, the youngest daughter of Henry Jewell Wirt by
his second marriage, was born near Albion, N. Y. She was graduated
from Syracuse University in 1884, and during the three years following
was the preceptress of the State Normal School at Mansfield , Pa. She then
went abroad and studied German and French in Berlin and Paris, and on
her return to America was appointed preceptress of the Genesee Wesleyan
Seminary at Lima, N. Y., where she remained three years. The follow-
ing year was spent in traveling abroad and in the study of German and
French in the best institutions in Europe. On her return she accepted
the position of Instructor in German at the Free Academy at Norwich,
Connecticut. The following year she was recalled to Lima Seminary,
where she taught German and French during the next two years. The
trustees of Denver University, Denver, Colorado, recognizing Miss Wirt's
ability, offered her the position as Professor of German in Denver Univer-
ALBION BRANCH.
Sixth Generation in America.
ANNA c;RACE WIRT.
Anna Grace Wirt, Teacher m Denver College.
109
sity. This position she accepted and holds at the present time. In 1896
Miss Wirt received a leave of absence from Denver University and studied
for two years in the University of Berlin and Geneva, Switzerland. In
1902 she received a second leave of absence and studied for one year at
the University of Berlin.
110
CHAPTER XII.
RO'BE'RT BELL FERGUSON AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Ontario County Branch. New York State.
(1.) Robert Bell Ferguson, the second son and fifth child of William
and Elizabeth Ferguson, was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, January
5th, 1777. He received as good an education as could be obtained in the
public schools of the time in which he lived.
He began his business life hauling stones, which were to be used in
building the first National Capitol, at Washington, D. C.
At the age of twenty-six he went to New York State with the family,
when they moved to the Genesee country.
The next year after the untimely death of his father, he married Mary,
daughter of Henry Baggerly, who also came from Maryland. She was
twelve years younger than Mr. Ferguson, having been born August 10th,
1789. This marriage took place December 2Sth, 1808.' Mr. and Mrs. Fer-
guson located one and one-half miles from Clifton Springs, on a farm now
known as the "Fox Hill" farm.
Here were born to them twelve children, five of whom died at this
place, three of them in infancy. Mr. Ferguson provided for seven of the
colored people who came with the family from Maryland, who were freed
by the laws of New York State, and who were too old to work. Some
amusing stories are told of these former slaves. One of them, Sarah
Boone by name, lived to a great age. She lived in a house a short dis-
tance from the Ferguson home. When she had passed her 80th year, a
colored man by the name of Jacobs came to see her. They had formerly
been acquainted in Maryland. In the course of their conversation he
made a proposal of marriage. He said to the old woman, "I have come
to hear your word." "What 'er word?" was the reply. "Whether you
will marry me or not." "Oh! no, I promised the good Lord, when my
husband died, I never would be troubled with another nigger."
This colored woman was very useful in helping to care for the chil-
dren during their infancy, some of whom became greatl}' attached to her.
It is said that she lived fio be nearly one hundred years of age.
Mr. Ferguson volunteered with others to go to Buffalo to defend that
city against the attacks of the British Red Coats in the War of 1812.
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CHAPTER XII.
RO'BE'JiT BELL FERGUSON AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Ontario County Branch. New York State.
(1.) Robert Bell Ferguson, the second son and fifth child of William
and Elizabeth Ferguson, was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, January
5th, 1777. He received as good an education as could be obtained in the
public schools of the time in which he lived.
He began his business life hauling stones, which were to be used in
building the first National Capitol, at Washington, D. C.
At the age of twenty-six he went to New York State with the family,
when they moved to the Genesee country.
The next year after the untimely death of his father, he married Mary,
daughter of Henry Baggerly, who also came from Maryland. She was
twelve 3'ears younger than Mr. Ferguson, having been born August 10th,
1789. This marriage took place December 25th, 1808.' Mr. and Mrs. Fer-
guson located one and one-half miles from Clifton Springs, on a farm now
known as the "Fox Hill" farm.
Here were born to them twelve children, five of whom died at this
place, three of them in infancy. Mr. Ferguson provided for seven of the
colored people who came with the family from Maryland, who were freed
by the laws of New York State, and who were too old to work. Some
amusing stories are told of these former slaves. One of them, Sarah
Boone by name, lived to a great age. She lived in a house a short dis-
tance from the Ferguson home. When she had passed her 80th year, a
colored man by the name of Jacobs came to see her. They had formerly
been acquainted in Maryland. In the course of their conversation he
made a proposal of marriage. He said to the old woman, "I have come
to hear your word." "What 'er word?" was the reply. "Whether you
will marry me or not." "Oh! no, I promised the good Lord, when my
husband died, I never would be troubled with another nigger."
This colored woman was very useful in helping to care for the chil-
dren during their infancy, some of whom became greatly attached to her.
It is said that she lived bo be nearly one hundred years of age.
Mr. Ferguson volunteered with others to go to Buffalo to defend that
city against the attacks of the British Red Coats in the War of 1812.
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ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Fourth Generation in America.
'-> W%
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ROr.KRT P.HLL AXD .MARY ]5A(iGERLV FERGUSON.
Robert Bell Ferijuson, Deceased, Formerly Farmer in the Town of Phelps,
Ontario County, N. Y., and His Wife, Mary Baggerly Ferguson.
Ill
After the danger was over he returned to his home.
In the fall of 1841, Mr. Ferguson sold his farm to William Fox, of
Seneca Falls, N. Y., and moved with his family to Clifton Springs, N. Y.
He contemplated settling m the West and sent his son, John, prospecting
through the State of Michigan, for a farm.
A location was determined on near Medina, on land that is now the
center of that city. But on John Ferguson's return, it was learned that
the old homestead of Henry Baggerly, with some three hundred acres of
land, was for sale, it then being the property of David Skates, of Water-
loo, N. Y. To please his wife, the daughter of Henry Baggerly, Mr.
Ferguson purchased this property, and in the spring of 1842 took posses-
sion of the south farm with two hundred acres of land, his son, John,
occupying the north farm containing about one hundred acres. About
the same time, Mr. Ferguson loaned $3000.00 to a man who was supposed
to possess considerable property; but he having died, his estate was
found to be bankrupt and Mr. Ferguson never realized one dollar of
this amount. This financially crippled the family; but the two younger
sons gave their services to their father for twelve years, and thus enabled
him to pay for the farm. On June 3rd, 1844, the family met with
another severe affliction in the death of the oldest daughter, Paulina.
In 1856 one of the younger sons married. Mr. Ferguson, having
passed his days of labor, moved for a time to Orleans, N. Y. His son,
John, had entered the mercantile business in that place. The two younger
brothers purchased the farm of their brother, and Mr. Ferguson soon
after returned to the north farm. The family then consisted of Mr.
Ferguson, his wife, their son, Edwin, and daughter, Ann.
On February 25th, 1858, Robert Bell Ferguson died in his 81st year,
and was buried in the family cemetery on the farm where he had so long
lived.
Mr. Ferguson was not a successful business man. Among the
descendants of William Ferguson, two prominent characteristics stood
forth, one a business apitude, the other a religious zeal. Mr. Ferguson
possessed the latter gift. It was said of him that he was too honest and
unsuspecting to succeed in the atTairs of this world. He was a shining
mark for dishonest and designing men; but in religious affairs he had few
equals among the laymen of the church. He could talk with ability upon
religious themes, his favorite subject being that of the Atonement. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In 1807 the Episcopalians began to build a church just east of Clifton
Springs, N. Y., but not being able to finish the work, they offered in
809 to deed this property to the Methodist Episcopal Society, provid-
112
ing they completed the structure, reserving the privilege of using the
church for worship when not occupied by the Methodists. The offer
was accepted; the building was completed, and the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of the town of Phelps, was organized. The Fergu-
sons and Baggerlys were important factors in founding this society. The
following were the members of the first board of trustees: Hezekiah
Baggerly, Peter Baggerly, Robert Bell Ferguson, William Ferguson,
Jr., and Jarrad Knapp. Peter Baggerly and Levi Ferguson were exhor-
ters.
In 1840 this church was burned and was rebuilt where the present
church now stands, on land joining the Foster Sanitarium property.
When the Ferguson family moved to the Henry Baggerly farm,
they transferred their membership to the church in Orleans, N. Y.
Mr. Ferguson's wife was graduated from a select school in Mary-
land. She possessed a strong mind, with industrious habits and remark-
able powers of indurance. She was a very capable woman and was a
great help to her husband in his struggle to maintain and educate a
large family of children. Her Christian fortitude sustained her through
the declining years of her life. She made the remark at her husband's
death, that she had lived with him for fifty years and that he had never
spoken an unkind word to her. Before she died she requested that her
husband's remains be moved to the Clifton Springs cemetery. She
passed away October 18th, 1866, in her 78th year. The following are the
children of Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson: William Lacy, Paulina,
John Henry, Amerisa Tyson, Ann Eliza, Mary Elizabeth, Robert Bell,
Edwin Peter, Julina Jane, Kiziah, Permelia, and David. The three latter
died in infancy.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ROBERT BELL FERGUSON, OF PHELPS,
ONTARIO COUNTS, N. Y.
I, Robert B. Ferguson, considering the uncertainty of this mortal
life and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for
the same, do make this and publish this my last will and testament in
manner and form following:
First I give and bequeath unto my wife, Mary Ferguson, for and
during her natural life, twenty-five acres of land lying on the north of the
farm deeded to my two sons, Robert Bell Ferguson and Edwin Fer-
guson, and being a part of said farm bounded on the north by lands
owned by John H. Ferguson, on the east by the same, on the south by
lands deeded by me to Robert B. and Edwin Ferguson, on the west by
Flint Creek, to contain twenty-five acres of land, be there more or less;
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Fifth Generation in America.
JOHN HENRY FERCUSON. I.OIUSA WHEAT FERCUTSON.
Resided in Canandaigua, N. V.
JAMES CUER. MARY E. FERGUSON CUER.
Resided in Shortsville, N. V.
also all the household goods subject to her disposal. I will to my daugh-
ter, Ann, four hundred dollars, to be paid out of my property.
1 will to my daughter, Mary Cuer, two hundred and fifty dollars, to
be paid within three years after my death.
I will to my daughter, Julina Runyon, eighty acres of land lying in
the State of Indiana and in the county of Steuben, and fifty dollars in
money, to be paid out of my property.
I will to my grandson, Robert L. Ferguson, fifteen dollars, to be
paid out of my property.
1 will to my son, John H. Ferguson, five dollars to be paid out of my
property.
I will to my two sons, Robert B. Ferguson, Jr., and Edwin Fer-
guson, all rav personal property, except the household goods willed to my
wife, and all the real estate belonging to me at my death, except the eighty
acres of land willed to my daughter, Julina Runyon, lying in the State of
Indiana, and the twenty-five acres willed to my wife for her use during
her natural life and at her death to come into possession of said land.
I hereby appoint Robert B. Ferguson, Jr. , and John H. Ferguson,
the sole executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all
former wills by me made.
Witness whereof I hereto set my hand and seal, the twenty-third day
of February, in the year of the Lord one thousand and eight hundred
and fifty-eight. ROBERT B. FERGUSON. [Seal.]
The above instrument, consisting of one sheet, was subscribed by
Robert B. Ferguson, the testator, in the presence of each of us, and was
at the same time declared to be his last will and testament, and we, at
his request, signed our names herewith as attesting witnesses.
HIRAM WARNER,. Phelps, Ontario county. New York.
W. W. WILLIAMS, Phelps, Ontario county. New York.
I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the last will and testa-
ment of Robert B. Ferguson, deceased, proved before me, recorded and
compared, this the fourth day of March, 1867.
E. M. MORSE, Surrogate.
THE DESCENDANTS OF ROBERT BELL AND MARY BAGGERLY FERGUSON.
WILLIAM LACY FERGUSON AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
(II.) William Lacy Ferguson, the oldest child of Robert Bell and
Mary Ferguson, was born September 21st, 1809, on what is now known as
the Fox Hill farm, near Clifton Springs, N. Y.
114
He was a farmer b^^ occupation. He married in the year 1832
Eveline Griffith, a daughter of John Griffith, of Phelps, N. Y. She
was a woman greatly respected for her friendly traits of character. They
lived with their parents the greater part of their married life. One child,
Robert Lester, was born to them in the year 1833. Lacy, as Mr. Fergu-
son was familiarly called, was known as Captain William L. Ferguson
from the fact that he was in command of a company at the general
trainings which were held in those days. He is said to have made a fine
appearance when on military duty. Mr. Ferguson never possessed a
strong constitution. At thirty years of age his health began to fail, and
he died June 29th, 1839, and was buried at Clifton Springs cemetery.
After Mr. Ferguson's death his widow married Caleb Wirts, a farmer,
and moved to the state of Michigan. After a few years, Mr. Wirts died
and Mrs. Wirts made her home with her son, Robert Lester Ferguson.
She died February 17th, 1904, at the great age of ninety years, the last
member of the family of her generation.
(in.) Robert Lester Ferguson, the only child of William Lacy and
Eveline Griffith Ferguson, was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y., in
the year 1833. He was married and had five children, all boys, William,
Howard, Orvilla, John Lacy, and George. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion. Mr. Ferguson's wife died in the year 1892. Her maiden name
was Esther Deline. Mr. Ferguson died October 8th, 1901, in his sixty-
eighth year. Howard and John Lacy Ferguson died on the same day in
the year 1877.
(IV.1 William Ferguson is a farmer and resides near Alma, Michi-
gan. He married Ella Hass and has two children, Howard and Ethel.
(IV.) Orvilla B. Ferguson married Margaret Gleason. He is a rail-
road man and resides at Port Huron, Michigan. He has two children,
Millard and John.
(IV.) George Ferguson is a barber and resides at Detroit, Michigan.
He married Lillian Rhonemus, of Detroit, Michigan.
PAULINA FERGUSON.
(II.) Paulina Ferguson, the second child and oldest daughter of
Robert Bell and Mary Ferguson, was born July lltli, 1811. She had a
frail constitution, but was one of the most industrious and useful members
of the family. She was a seamstress and was never idle when there was
work for her to do. She was a Christian woman and possessed a cheer-
ful nature. She gradually failed in health and when no longer able to
niove about, she continued to work for the family as long as her strength
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Fifth Generation In America.
ROBERT BELL FERGUSON. MARIAH WARNER FERGUSON.
Resided in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y.
ISAAC RUN YON. JULINA I. FERGUSON RUN YON
Resided in Sliortsville, N. Y.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Fifth Generation in America.
L.L1ZA ANN FERGUSON
Resided in Plielps, Ontario Ccninty, N. Y
Sixth Generation in America.
ROBERT LESTER FERGUSON. ESTHER DELINE FERGUSON.
Resided near Alma, Mich.
115
lasted. When she had completed her last work on earth, she handed it to
a friend saying, "That is the last I can do for you." She sank into a
peaceful rest, June the 3rd, 1844, in the thirty-third year of her age.
The minister officiating at her mother's funeral made the following
remark: "The last time Paulina Ferguson ever attended divine worship,
her parents brought her to church in a chair which was placed near the
altar; her complexion was as white as marble, and in the midst of the dis-
course her countenance was lighted with a radiance which revealed her
heavenly frame of mind. In all my experience I have never seen before
a human being with such an angelic appearance."
JOHN HENRY FERGUSON AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
(II.) John Henry Ferguson, the second son and third child of Rob-
ert Bell and Mary Ferguson, was born August 5th, 1813, one and one-
half miles southeast of Clifton Springs.
He received his early education at Clifton Springs and completed his
studies at Lima Seminary. At the age of twenty-seven he married
Louisa, daughter of Benjamin and Louany Wheat, August 30th, 1837.
He located on his father's farm in the house in which he was born,
his father having built a larger residence to accommodate his large and
growing family.
Mr. Ferguson commenced his business life burning lime with Joel
Tillot, who lived one mile east of Clifton Springs. He also assisted his
father on the farm. When the farm was sold in 1841, both families
moved to Clifton Springs, occupying the same house. The family decided
to move west and John Ferguson was sent to the state of Michigan, pros-
pecting for a farm. He obtained the refusal of land near Medina, but
on his return home he found that his father had decided to purchase the
farm once owned by Henry Baggerly, the father of his wife. So John
Ferguson gave up the idea of going west and settled on the north farm
of this property, where he prospered and accumulated wealth. Had the
farm near Medina been purchased, it would have brought a fortune to the
family for now it is the center of a thriving city. In the winter of 1835,
through the influence of Rev. "Billy" Jones, Mr. Ferguson joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church and became a prominent and liberal mem-
ber. About the year 1842 his health began to fail him and he went to
Michigan for a change of climate and entered the store of George Ashley,
a brother-in-law, as a clerk. Here he remained at least one winter.
Soon after his return his father-in-law, Benjamin Wheat, died, leaving
his youngest son, Corydon Wheat, a farm at the foot of what is called
"Wheat Hill." Corydon being yet under age, Mr. Ferguson was appoint-
116
edhis i^iiardian. He moved on this farm, where he remained until about
18S1, when he built a new house on his own farm and lived there for
several years. He then sold his farm to his brothers, Robert and
Edwin P'erguson and entered the mercantile business at Orleans with a
life long- friend, John VV. Sheriff, as partner. In this venture he at once
built up a large business for so small a place, selling on an average over
$^30,000 worth of goods a year. But soon one trouble after another
followed. His partner lost his wife and soon went into a decline and
also died. About this time Mr. Ferguson lost his youngest and favorite
child, a very promising boy of six years, which loss nearly crushed Mr.
Ferguson with grief. Serious church troubles came and he dropped
out'of the society. He continued the mercantile business after the
death of his partner, doing a credit business, and appeared to prosper
until the financial stringency of 1857. He was unable to make his col-
lections and in October, 1859, he made a general assignment for the
benefit of his creditors, appointing Richard Sheckel and William H.
Wayne assignees. The business was continued under the firm name of
R. B. & E. Ferguson until 1864, when Mr. Ferguson closed up the
business and moved with his family to Canandaigua, N. Y., March
loth, 1865, and entered the emplo}^ of John Raines, now State Senator,
as a fire insurance agent among the farmers. About the year 1868,
while driving with a son of Mr. Raines, the horse took fright and Mr.
Ferguson was thrown from the wagon, striking with great force on his
head. He was carried to his home in an unconscious condition and
remained in a critical state for several days. From this shock he never
fully recovered. His mind became affected; he continued to grow
worse, and it became a trying task to watch and care for him. Upon
the advice of friends and physicians, Mr. Ferguson was, in the year
1889, committed to the State hospital at Willard, N. V., where
he died, December 13th, 1891, in his seventy-ninth year. The funeral
services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S. M.Newland,
Clifton Springs, N. Y., and he was buried in Woodlawn cemetery
Canandaigua, N. Y.
Mr. Ferguson was possessed of a rich social nature and most gener-
ous impulses, and he won for himself in the days before his mind became
clouded and impaired a host of friends. It can be truthfully said of him
that he died without an enemy. He was a man of ability, and was in
his younger days a strong debater and lecturer.
Mrs. Louisa Wheat Ferguson, wife of John Henry Ferguson, was a
devoted Christian woman possessed of remarkable faith. The following
article written by her pastor and published at the time of her death sets
forth her life in an admirable manner :
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth Generation in America.
MARTIN L. FERGUSON.
Life Insurance Agent in Seneca Falls, N. Y,
117
Mrs. Louisa Ferguson died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
S. M. Newland, in Seneca Falls, N. Y., May 24th, 1894. Mrs. Ferguson
was born in the town of Phelps, N. Y., near the village of Orleans
December 18th, 1814. The home of her childhood is still standing. In
1837 she was married and settled within a mile of her father's home,
where many years of her life were spent. She was converted early in
life and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Being a
woman of more than ordinary intellectual strength, and having a relig-
ious experience of unusual depth and fervor, she became prominent in
her community and in church work. Soon after she united with the
Methodist Church at Canandaigua, N. Y., Rev. F. G. Hibbard, D. D.
her pastor, organized a class of young people for the study of Palestine.
Mrs. Ferguson, being then over fifty years of age, entered upon this study,
receiving a diploma at her examination. Her teacher made the remark
"that in all his experience as a minister of the Gospel he had never before
met with a woman with family cares who was so faithful in the pursuit
of this line of study. It proved to be a preparation for her in after years ,
for she in a quiet way became a teacher of the deep things of experimen-
tal religion." If any apology were needed for the publication of so
extended a notice as this of this woman, it would be found in the remark-
able character of her life in the camp meetings at Oaks Corners, N. Y.,
into which work she entered with that air of Christlikeness, patience, and
tenderness that abode with her to the end of her journey.
"She was steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord." Her favorite song was "For the Lion of Judah will break
every chain, and give us the victory again and again."
Mrs. Ferguson lived in Canandaigua until 1889, when age and infirm-
ity compelled her to give up her home and share the kind ministrations
of her daughter, Mrs. S. M. Newland, who then resided in Clifton
Springs, N. Y., and later on in Seneca Falls, N. Y. Both in Clifton
Springs and Seneca Falls, friends old and young, regardless of denomi-
national ties, gathered about her, and she was known as "Mother Fergu-
son." No discerning spirit could come into her presenee for a moment
without feeling the influence of the atmosphere of love in which she
seemed constantly to live. When it was remarked in her presence when
near the end "that it was strange that God should allow a Christian to
pass through such great pam," she replied "God ivill have a tried
people. "
MARTIN LUTHER FERGUSON.
(III.) Martin Luther Ferguson, the oldest child of John Henry and
118
Louisa Ferjjuson, was born at the old homestead of his grandfather, near
Clifton vSprings N. Y. He was of delicate health in his youth and early
manhood. At the age of sixteen he entered the store of his father as a
clerk, which occupation he followed in Orleans and Canandaigua for
many years, occasionally acting as a book agent.
In April, 1890, he went to Washington, D. C, for his health, where he
remained for over two years. Having recovered his strength, he returned
to Seneca Falls, N. Y., in the autumn of 1893.
On the 15th of January, 1894, he entered the employ of the Prudential
Life Insurance Co., of America, as an agent.
On the 5th of February, 1895, he received the appointment as an
assistant superintendent and was stationed at Canandaigua, N. Y.
In the fall of 1896 he resigned this position, and, October 18th, 1897,
returned to Seneca Falls, N. Y., but continued in the employ of the
Prudential Insurance Co.
On the 15th of January, 1904, he completed his tenth year in a con-
tinuous service for this company. Mr. Ferguson has always been a
prominent member of the Methodist Church. He is unmarried and
makes his home with his brother-in-law. Rev. S. M. Newland, pastor of
the First Baptist Church, of Seneca Falls, N. Y.
HARRISON BAGGERLY FERGUSON.
(III.) Harrison Baggerly Ferguson, the second child of John Henry
and Louisa Ferguson, was born April 22nd, 1842.
He was educated at the Lima Seminary. After leaving school he
entered the store of O. H. AUerton, at Newark, N. Y., as a clerk.
He served in the Civil war in Company F., 126th Regiment of N. Y.
Infantry, and received a commission as Second Lieutenant. He was
wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and until the end of the war,
held a position as clerk in the War Department at Washington, D. C.
At the end of the war he married Ellen Clara Wader, the daughter of
Jacob A. Wader, a Baptist minister, and settled in Canandaigua, N. Y.,
engaging in the insurance business, and later on in the book business.
He was connected for several years with the First National Bank at Can-
andaigua, N. Y., was one of its directors, and acted as cashier for a
number of years and assisted in closing up its affairs. For many years
he was .secretary and treasurer of the Canandaigua Gas Light and the On-
tario Light and Traction companies, and was at onetime general manager
of these companies. He has served seventeen years as treasurer of the
Canandaigua Union Free School. In the year 1884 Mr. Ferguson, with
several others, founded Woodlawn cemetery in Canandaigua, N. Y., and
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth and Eighth Generation in America
HARRISON BAGGERLY FERGUSON.
Real Estate Agent, Canandaigua, N. Y.
riioAiAS in<:R(;uS()N iienson.
Son of Robert and Clara Ferguson Henson,
Geneva, N. Y.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Seventh Generation in America.
PROF. JOHN AKDEN FERGUSON,
Of Rutgers College Preparatory School,
New Brunswick, N. J.
DR. HARRISON WADER FERGUSON.
Dentist at Mahatfey, Pa.
119
the wonderful success of the venture was broupjht about hirgely through
Mr. Ferguson's skill in selling the burial plots and careful financial man-
agement. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canan-
daigua, N. Y., and assisted in founding that institution. In politics Mr.
Ferguson is a Republican and has been honored by his party in being
elected Clerk of the Town of Canandaigua, N. Y., and Treasurer of
the County of Ontario, N. Y., for two terms. His activity has contributed
in many ways to the growth of Canandaigua and its important institu-
tions. There are four children in this family, Clara Louise, Julia May,
JohnArden, and Harrison Wader.
{IV. ) Clara Louise Ferguson, the oldest daughter of Harrison B.
and Ellen C. Ferguson, was born in Canandaigua, N. Y. She was
graduated from Granger Place School in Canandaigua, N. Y., and from
the Albany Normal College in the class of 1891. She taught school at
North Tonawanda, N. Y., for one year. She married Robert W. Henson,
a contractor and coal merchant, of Geneva, N. Y.
They have had three children, Clara Louise, Robert, and Thomas
Ferguson. Robert Henson died in the year 1900.
(IV.) Julia May Ferguson, the second child of Harrison B. and
Ellen C. Ferguson, was born in Canandaigua, N. Y. She is an accom-
plished musician and social favorite, has traveled abroad extensively, is
unmarried, and resides with her parents in Canandaigua.
(IV.) John Arden Ferguson, the third child of Harrison Baggerly
and Ellen C. Ferguson, was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., December
23, 1873. He was graduated from Canandaigua Academy and Hamilton
College in the class of 1896, receiving the degree of A.B. He is a member
of the Chi Psi fraternity. He received the degree of A. M. from the
same college in 1902. He is at present an instructor in Rutgers College
Preparatory School, New Brunswick, N. J.
(IV.) Harrison Wader Ferguson, the youngest child of Harrison
Baggerly and Ellen C. Ferguson, was born at Canandaigua, N. Y. He
was graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in the class of 1903.
He is now located at MahafFey, Pa.
JULIA A. FERGUSON,
(HI.) Julia Ann Ferguson, the third child of John Henry and
Louisa Ferguson, was born at the old homestead of her great-grand-
father Baggerly. She was educated at Lima Seminary, and on leaving
school married Oscar Moore, the only son of William and Sarah Moore,
February 28th, 1865. Mr. Moore died October 12th, 1872. and Mrs.
Moore remained with his parents after his death. On June 12th, 1878,
120
she married Rev. S. M. Newland, a Baptist minister, who organized the
First Baptist Society of Clifton Springs, N. Y., in the year 1887, with
fourteen members. He built a substantial church, served the society
four years, and left the church with eighty members.
Mr. Newland then went to Seneca Falls, N. Y., on the first of April,
1892, to serve the First Baptist church of that place. This church had
less than one hundred members when he first went there and at the pres-
ent time, 1904, the membership has increased to 238.
Their home is at No. 32 Miller street. They have one son, William
Everett Newland and one adopted daughter, Carol Elizabeth Newland.
(IV.) William Everett Newland was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y.
He was educated at Mynderse Academy, Seneca Falls, N. Y. He con-
templated the study of a profession, but being afflicted for several years
with poor health he was obliged to change his plans. He entered the
employ of the Gould Manufacturing Co., at Seneca Falls, in a clerical
position, and is at present connected with this firm. He married June
26th, 1901, Mae Lockwood, of Savannah, N. Y., a school teacher. They
have two children, Marjorie Louise, born April 16th, 1902, and Robert
Samuel Newland, born July 2nd, 1904.
(IV.) Carol Newland was legally adopted by Rev. S. M. and Julia
Newland, in March, 1894, at the age of three years. She has made
rapid progress in her studies and is a promising young lady.
EDWIN CORYDON FERGUSON.
(III.) Edwin Corydon Ferguson, the youngest child of John Henry
and Louisa Ferguson, was born at the home of his uncle, Corydon Wheat,
at the foot of what is known as the "Wheat Hill." He was an unusu-
ally bright boy. He died October 8th, 1854, in his sixth year. He was
buried at Woodlawn cemetery, Canandaigua, N. Y.
AMERISA TYSON FERGUSON.
(II.) Amerisa Tyson Ferguson, the fourth child of Robert and Mary
Ferguson, was born on what is now known as the "Fox Hill" farm, in
the year 1815. He was a blacksmith by trade and was located at Orleans,
N. Y. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clifton
Springs, N. Y. He was always spoken of as an upright, conscientious
young man. He is said to have been engaged to marry Lewezer War-
field, of Manchester, N. Y., but he died February 3rd, 1841, as the result
of a cold which he contracted at his place of business. He was buried
at the Clifton Springs cemetery.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth Generation in America.
REV. SAMUEL MILTON NEWLAND.
Settled Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Seneca Falls, N. Y.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth Generation in America.
MRS. JULIA A. FERCU'SON N?:\VLAND.
The Wife of Rev. Samuel M. Newlaud.
121
ELIZA ANN FERGUSON.
(II.) Eliza Ann Ferguson, the second daughter and fifth child of
Robert Bell and Mary Ferguson, was born at the old homestead at Clif-
ton Springs, N. Y., March 22nd, 1818. She is said to have been a very
handsome woman in her youth. She occupied her time as a seamstress
for the family. She was unmarried.
Her parents are said to have objected to an engagement made early
in life, and being a woman of a strong will she declared that if she could
not have her choice she would remain single to the end of her days.
This she did, refusing many offers of marriage.
After the death of her mother in 1866, she became the housekeeper for
her brother, Edwin, who was also unmarried. They adopted a niece,
Ophelia Cuer, and a nephew, John Runyon, and made them their heirs.
Eliza Ann was the strangest character in the family. She was intelligent,
industrious, economical, and was noted for her neatness. She was gen-
erous and friendly with her neighbors, but she ruled her household with
a firm and unyielding hand.
She was a great lover of children, and no mother was prouder to
dress up and appear in public with children than this woman; but the
children were made to know that bounds were set and over them they
must not pass. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Orleans, N. Y. Her physical sufferings were great during her life, yet
she endured them with remarkable fortitude. She was always dying; her
friends were called together many times expecting that she was near her
end, yet she lived to be 72 years of age, dying March 24th, 1890. She
was buried with the family at Clifton Springs, N. Y.
MARY ELIZABETH FERGUSON AND HER DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Mary Elizabeth Ferguson, the sixth child of Robert Bell and
Mary Ferguson, was born March 25th, 1820, at the old homestead near
Clifton Springs, N. Y. She was educated at the public schools. She
pursued a course preparatory to teaching at a select school at Newark,
N. Y. She became a successful school teacher, excelling as a governess.
She was a member of the Methodist Church, at Orleans, N. Y., and
afterwards at Clifton S^prings, N._ Y., and South Sodus, N. Y., and
became one of the charter members of the church at Shortsville, N. Y.
She married James Cuer, a shoe dealer, a man of more than ordinary intel-
ligence, well posted on the general topics of his day. He was a member of
the Methodist Church, and was a charter member of the little church at
Shortsville, N. Y., being almost indispensable to its organization. He
122
was very decided in his views. He followed the shoe business in Clifton
Springs; became for a time a farmer near Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y.,
and afterwards a merchant at South Sodus, N. Y.
About 1871 he moved to Shortsville, N. Y., where he was a shoe
dealer. He died March 19th, 1888, in his 76th year, and was buried in
Shortsville. His wife, Mary Elizabeth Ferguson Cuer, was greatly re-
spected for her Christian character and her gentle and amiable dispo-
sition. She died March 1st, 1895, in her 75th year. She was buried at
Shortsville. They had five children, Robert F'erguson, Ann Ophelia,
Samuel Edward, Mary Ella, and Antoinette Elizabeth.
ROBERT FERGUSON CUER.
(HI.) Robert Ferguson Cuer, the oldest son of James and Mary
Ferguson Cuer, was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y. He received his edu-
cation at South Sodus and entered a drug store at Lyons. He then went
to Detroit, Michigan, where he was in the clothing business. His health
failing him there, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and from there to Indi-
anapolis, Indiana, where he is now located.
On September 24th, 1873, he married Mary L. Reed, of Kingsley,
Ohio. They have two children, Fannie Rhen Cuer, born in Detroit,
Michigan, and James Edward Cuer, also born in Detroit, Michigan,
and now located at Chicago, Illinois.
ANN OPHELIA CUER.
(III.) Ann Ophelia Cuer was the oldest daughter of James and Mary
Ferguson Cuer. She was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y. She went with
her parents when they moved near Lyons, N. Y., and later to South
Sodus, N. Y. She was adopted early in life by her uncle, Edwin Fer-
guson, and her aunt, Eliza Ann Ferguson. After the death of her aunt she
became the housekeeper of Edwin Ferguson, and remained thereuntil the
marriage of her cousin, John Runyon, when she went to Shortsville,
N. Y. She lives at present with her sister at the old homestead.
EDWIN SAMUEL CUER.
(III.) Edwin Samuel Cuer, the second son of James and Mary
Cuer, was born near Lyons, N. Y. He was educated at South Sodus,
N. Y., and entered the employ of the New York Central and Hudson
River railroad company as baggage master at Shortsville, N. Y. Later
he became ticket agent in the employ of the same company at Middle-
port Station, N . Y.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Seventh Generation in America.
WILLIAM EVERETT XEWLAND AND WIFE,
MAE LOCKWOCJD XEWLAND.
Clerk in Office of Gould's Manufacturing Establishment of Pumps, in
Seneca Falls, N Y.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Eighth Generation in America.
MARJORIE LOUIvSE NEWLAND.
Child of William Everett and Mae Lockwood Newland.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Eighth Generation in America.
t
-r-
ROBERT SAMUEL NEWLAND.
Child of William Everett and Mae Lockwood Nevvland. As Far as Known
the Youngest Male Descendant of the Ferguson Family.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth and Seventh Generations in America.
ROBERT FERGUSON CUER.
Dealer in Gentlemen's Furnishing
Goods, Indianapolis, Ind.
JAMES ALONZO KIPP.
Shortsville, N. Y. Student at Cor-
nell University, Ithaca, N. Y.
123
He is now located at Geneva, N. Y., in the undertaking business.
He married September 29th, 1878, Anna CaroUne Van Buren. They had
six children, all born at Shortsville, N. Y., Willard James, Robert Bell,
Edna Luella, Marvin Sutherland, and Frank Durand, the last two being
twins. Frank Durand Cuer died in infancy.
(IV.) Willard James Cuer enlisted in the Spanish war, in the 3rd
New York Infantry, Company F., and was stationed at Washington, D. C.
He was honorably discharged after serving his term, and returned home.
He re-enlisted in the 6th New York Siege Artillery Battery, Company E.,
and was sent to the Philippines and stationed at Manila. This company
was engaged in China during the Boxer rebellion, and was later sta-
tioned at Guam island. Mr. Cuer is at present living at Geneva, N. Y. ,
with his parents.
(IV.) Robert Bell Cuer was a soldier during the Spanish War in the
3rd New York Infantry and was stationed at Porto Rico. He at present
lives at Hornellsville, N. Y. He is a tailor by trade.
(IV.) Edna Luella Cuer is married to Thomas Day, a pruner and
trimmer of grape vines. Located at Barker's, Niagara county, N. Y.
(IV.) Marvin Sutherland Cuer is living with his parenl.:; at Geneva,
N. Y. He is a tinsmith by trade.
MARY ELLA CUER.
(HI.) Mary Ella Cuer, the second daughter of James and Mary
Ferguson Cuer, was born near Lyons, N. Y. She went with her parents
to South Sodus, N. Y., where she completed her studies at the Sodus
Academy. She lived with her parents, and at the death of her mother
came into the possession of the homestead property at Shortsville, N. Y.,
where she is living with her sister, Ophelia.
ANTOINETTE ELIZABETH CUER.
(III.) Antoinette Elizabeth Cuer, the youngest child of James and
Mary Ferguson Cuer, was born in South Sodus, N. Y. She finished her
education at Shortsville. She married, September, 1875, Fletcher Kipp,
an iron moulder in the employ of the Empire Drill factory, at Shorts-
ville, N. Y., the proprietors of which were Mr. Kipp's uncles.
After one year they moved to Kansas, where Mr. Kipp became a far-
mer. He was appointed door keeper of the legislature of Kansas for two
terms. Mr. Kipp's dwelling was destroyed by a cyclone and his family
was blown a distance of two hundred yards and barely escaped with their
lives. The family returned to Shortsville and Mr. Kipp again entered the
124
employ of the Empire Drill Company, but on account of ill health he left
the ■concern and is now employed by the government in the Rural Free
Delivery service at Shortsville, N. Y. They have six children: James
Alonzo, born at Neosho Falls, Kansas; Mary Ella, born at Neosho Falls,
Kansas; Grace Aseneth, born at Arkansas City, Kansas; Roger Cuer, born
at Arkansas City, Kansas; Bernetta Bell, born at Sodan, Kansas; and
Lowana Julina, born at Shortsville, N. Y.
(IV.) James A. Cuer is attending a preparatory school at Ithaca,
N. Y. Mary Ella Kipp is engaged in a millinery establishment at Roch-
ester, N. Y. The younger members of the family are still living with
their parents at Shortsville, N. Y,
ROBERT BELL FERGUSON. JR., AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Robert Bell, the fourth son and seventh child of Robert and
Mary Ferguson, was born on what is now called the "Fox Hill" farm
near Clifton Springs, N. Y., August 25th, 1822. He finished his educa-
tion at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. When he was
eighteen years of age his father sold his farm and he went with the fam-
ily to Clifton Springs, N. Y. In the spring of 1842, he moved with the
family on the farm formerly the property of his grandfather, Henry Bag-
gerly, on which he worked during seed time and harvest, and taught
school and sold books during the winter months. On December 8th,
1855, Mr. Ferguson married Mariah Warner, daughter of Hiram and
Mary Warner. They located on the homestead farm, his father moving
with his family into Orleans, Ontario county, N. Y. About this date he
formed a co-partnership with his brother, Edwin, under the business
name of R. B. & E Ferguson, John Ferguson having gone into the
mercantile business, the two brothers purchased his farm. In the year
1858 Robert B. Ferguson, Sr., died, and the homestead farm came to
R. B. &' E. Ferguson by will. Robert Ferguson was never very strong,
so he became the business man and his brother, Edwin, attended to the
farm work . The family consisted of six children, Sumner Jay, Mary
Bell, Alice May, Margaret Clay, Clara Ann, and Everett Warner. The
two brothers purchased what was known as the "Hen Peck" farm for
the oldest son, Sumner Jay. This brought about a separation of the
two brothers, Robert retaining the homestead property and Edwin the
farm once the property of his brother, John. Everett, the youngest son,
when he became twenty-one years of age, worked the homestead farm,
and his father entered upon what might be called a "green old age."
The loss of his wife was a great trial to him and to the entire family.
Mrs. Ferguson was a home mother in the truest, noblest sense of the
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Fifth Generation in America.
RUHERT BELL FERGUSOX.
Robert Bell FeryusoD, Deceased, formerly Farmer in the Town of Phelps
Ontario County, N. Y.
125
term. It was said of her that she was a queen among women, and her
home was her throne. But when the time came to leave the home, it
found her ready and glad to accept the will of her Heavenly Father.
vShe was buried in the family lot at Clifton Springs, N. Y.
Mr, Ferguson, while throwing off many of the cares of life, still was
interested in what was going on about his home, indoors and out, visit-
ing among his relatives and friends, attending conventions and confer-
ences, both in Church and State, until too feeble to leave his home. He
took great interest in the politics of his day. He was first a Whig and
afterwards a Republican, and probably there was no man in his town
who attended more conventions and whose advice was more often
sought than tliat of Robert B. Ferguson. He was not an office seeker.
We do not remember of his ever accepting an office, except that of
Assessor, which office he held a few years. In the winter of 1858 he
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became at once a
prominent and influential member, and was on the official board to the
day of his death.
About the year 1880 the Orleans society broke up through the death
and removal of its members, and he went with his family to the Seneca
Castle Church, in whose fellowship he died, November 8th, 1901, having
more than completed his seventy-ninth year. He was buried at Clifton
Springs, N. Y.
SUMNER JAY FERGUSON.
(in.) Sumner Jay Ferguson, the eldest son of Robert and Mariah
Ferguson, was born in the town of Phelps, N. Y. Married Ida M.
Detrude and settled on the first farm south of the homestead property.
Mr. Ferguson has been a successful farmer. Like his father he takes
great interest in politics- He has held the office of Commissioner of
Highways in the town of Phelps, N. Y. Mr. Ferguson is considered a
man of good judgment and safe business qualifications. He is friendly
and generous by nature and a man highly respected in the community in
which he lives.
BELL MARIAH FERGUSON.
(HI.) Bell Mariah Ferguson, the eldest daughter of Robert and
Mariah Ferguson, was born in the town of Phelps, N. Y. She finished
her education at Clifton Springs, N. Y. She married Clarence Ottley, a
farmer and general dealer in farm produce.
Mr. Ottley is an influential public man and is at present Supervisor of
the town of Seneca. He resides at Seneca Castle. They have one
126
daughter, Alice Ottley. She attended school at Canandaigua three or
four years, was then at Cornell University, and is now an assistant to
Professor Margaret C. Ferguson in Wellesley College.
ALICE MAY FERGUSON.
(III.) Alice May Ferguson was the second daughter of Robert and
Mariah Ferguson. She was born in the town of Phelps, and finished her
education at Clifton Springs, N. Y. When about twenty-two years of
age she was taken with a sickness and was an invalid for several years.
She died at the home of her parents September 5th, 1891, having com-
pleted her 29th year, and was buried in the family lot at Clifton Springs,
N. Y.
MARGARET CLAY FERGUSON.
(III.) Margaret Clay Ferguson, the third daughter of Robert and
Mariah Ferguson, was born at the homestead. She was a bright, inter-
esting child, and readily took to her studies. While attending school at
Orleans, N. Y., she was placed over the primary department to take the
place of a teacher who proved to be a failure. Margaret was at that time
only fourteen years of age. She received a salary of $2.00 per week.
At the age of sixteen she was employed to teach the school at the
old brick school house in the home district in the Town of Phelps, N. Y.
Afterwards she went to the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at lAma, N. Y.,
from which institution she was graduated after four years, in the year
1885. During this time she taught one year in a small District school,
keeping up her studies in the Lima Seminary at the same time and
attending the examinations at the end of the year. She boarded herself
during the four years except one term, feeling that she must economize
on account of the large family to which she belonged. She was valedic-
torian of her class. After graduating, she received a position in the
High School at Solomon City, Kansas, where she remained one year.
She would have remained there longer, but her mother desired that she
live nearer home. On her return she became Assistant Principal of the
Public School at Shortsville, N. Y. At the close of the year she was
invited by the Board of Trustees to become the Principal of this school,
but the opportunity for greater influence and larger salary had come all
unsought. It appeared to her that it was an open door and she dare not
refuse to enter. She entered Wellesley College that she might be
better equipped as a teacher. She remained at Wellesley as a student
from the fall of 1888 to the spring of 1891 . During this time her beloved
mother was called to her heavenly home. She remarked that it was her
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH,
Sixth and Seventh Generations in America.
UR. .MARGARET CLAY FERGUSON
A Teacher of Botany in Wellesley Col
lege, Mass.
ALICE :\L\RL\H OTTLEV.
Assistant Teacher in Wellesley Col-
lege, Mass.
127
blessed privilege to care for her during her illness; and she often says
that her noble mother's character has been through life her constant
inspiration. Whatever she has been able to do in this world she believes
was through the power of the life which her mother lived, a power best
known and appreciated by her children. For two years after leaving
Wellesley College, from 1891 to 1893, she had charge of the Science
department of Harcourt Place Seminary, Gambier, Ohio.
In the fall of 1893 she left Harcourt Place and returned to Wellesley
College as an Instructor in Botany. In the spring of 1896 she went to
Europe for travel and to become better acquainted with the German and
French languages. In the fall of 1897 she entered Cornell University for
study. She received the B. S. degree from that university in 1899.
During the years 1899 and 1900, she was Fellow in Botany at Cornell
University.
In June, 1901, she took the Ph.D. degree at Cornell. The following
summer, and each summer since, she has returned to the University as
Instructor in Botany during the summer season. In the fall of 1901 she
went to Wellesley as Instructor in Botany. In February, 1904, she was
appointed as Associate Professor in Botany at Wellesley College. Scien-
tific societies have elected her to membership, and she has been frequently
called upon to present papers on scientific subjects. In 1899 she was
made a member of the Alpha Chapter of the Sigma Xi society.
She is a member of the Society of Plant Morphology and Physiology,
and of the Boston Society of Natural History. In August, 1898, she read a
paper before the Botanical Society of America at its Boston meeting, also
before this society in 1899 at New York, and in the same year and place
another paper before Section G. of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. She read a paper in 1901 before the Society of
Plant Morphology and Physiology at its winter meeting in New York.
In 1902 she read a paper before Section G. of the A. A. A. S. in
Washington, and during the past winter one before the Boston Society of
Natural History. She has published two papers based upon an original
investigation of pines, in the Annals of Botany, published at Oxford,
England, one in June, 1901, and the second in September. A Physiologi-
cal paper based on a study of the germination of Mushroom spores
was published as a Government bulletin at Washington in the spring of
1902.
Several shorter papers have been published in Science. On Decem-
ber 30th, 1903, she submitted a paper to the Association for Maintaining
the American Woman's Table at the Zoological Station at Naples and
for Promoting Scientific Research by Women.
12S
This paper received special honorable mention, and the cornmitteein
charge procured the means for its publication by the American Academy
of Science, Washington, D. C, at a cost of not less than $1200.00. The
subject of this paper is "Contributions to the Life History of Pines, with
special reference to Microsporogenesis." Miss Ferguson is not only
intellectual, but also has a spiritual power in moulding the character
and fitting her students for future usefulness.
CLARA ANN FERGUSON.
(III.) Clara Ann Ferguson, the fourth daughter of Robert and
Mariah Ferguson, was born in the town of Phelps, N. Y. She finished
her education at Clifton Springs, N. Y. After her mother's death in 1890,
she became the housekeeper for her father, until her marriage to Mar-
shall King. They settled two and one-half miles southwest of the vil-
lage of Phelps. They sold this farm and located near Geneva, N. Y. At
present Mr. King is in business at Phelps, N. Y., where the family now
reside, They have two children, Margaret Ferguson King and Marion
Bell King.
EVERETT WARNER FERGUSON.
(III.) Everett Warner Ferguson, the youngest child of Robert and
Mariah Ferguson, was born in Phelps, N. Y. He finished his education
at Lima Seminary. He married Ina Beal, a school teacher, and settled on
the homestead farm. He has a second farm near Seneca Castle. He is
a successful business man, generous in manj' ways. They have one son,
adopted, Earl Ferguson and one child of their own, George Everett Fer-
guson. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are both active members of the Metho
dist Church at Seneca Castle.
EDWIN PETER FERGUSON.
(II.) Edwin Peter, the fifth son and eighth child of Robert and Mary
Ferguson, was born on the Fox Hill farm, near Clifton Springs, N. Y.,
December 23rd, 1824. He was cared for during his infancy by Sarah
Boone, the colored woman heretofore mentioned. He was a great reader
in his younger days, history being his favorite study. He was a farmer
by occupation, and his chief pleasure was in work; and it is very prob-
able that he did more hard work during his life time than any other per-
son in the community where he lived. He took no responsibility upon
himself in business life, but left the management to his brother, Robert,
and in his latter years to his nephew, John Runyon.
At his father's death he received a half interest in the homestead
farm. After the purchase of their brother John's farm, Robert and
129
Edwin Ferguson worked under the firm name of R. B. & E. Ferguson.
Edwin Ferguson was never married. His sister, Eliza Ann, also single,
acted as his housekeeper after the death of his mother in 1866, until her
death in 1890, when Ophelia Cuer, his niece, became his house-
keeper, until his nephew was married. He united with the M E. Church
in 1858. When that society became extinct, he united with the Presby-
terian Church and was made one of its Deacons. This Church also broke
up. He then united with the M. E. Church at Seneca Castle, where he
remained to the end of his days. He was honest, sincere, and truthful,
and had the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Socially he
was pleasant and entertaining. If he thought a man was not worthy of
his respect, he would have nothing to do with him. The farm at his death
became the propert}^ of his nephew, John Runyon, Ophelia Cuer, his
niece, having her portion in money. He died July 27th, 1899, having
more than completed his seventy-fourth year. He was buried in the fam-
ily lot at Clifton Springs, N. Y.
JULINA JANE FERGUSON.
(II.) Julina Jane Ferguson, the ninth child of Robert and Mary
Ferguson, was born on Fox Hill farm, near Clifton Springs, N. Y., June
13th, 1827. She received a common school education, was intelligent and
entertaining. When about twenty years of age she wentto Newark, N. Y.,
and learned the dressmaking trade
While there she became acquainted with Isaac Runyon, a cabinet
maker, whom she married March 12th, 1852. Shortly after her marriage
her husband went to California in search of gold. She remained with
her parents until his return, which was about 1857.
They first settled in Newark, N. Y., where they remained until 1864,
when they sold their property and went to Shortsville, N. Y., and pur-
chased another home, where they lived, with the exception of two years
in Orleans, N. Y., until the end of their days. Mr. Runyon worked for
Brown & Co., in the drill factory. He was noted for his sprightliness,
industry, and economy. He possessed a remarkable constitution down to
old age. He was a great help to the "Little Church" in Shortsville,
looking after the finances of the society.
They had seven children, Edwin, George, John, Minnie, Frank, Fred,
and Julia. Fred died in infancy. Edwin died in childhood. Julia died
October 29th, 1889, having completed her 20th year. Mrs. Runyon was a
member of the Methodist Church in Orleans. She transferred her
membership to Newark, N. Y.
130
Upon her removal to Shortsville she united with the Presbyterian
Society, where she remained until the organization of the M. E. Church,
when she became one of its charter members. She continued a worthy
member until death.
Mrs. Ruuyon mingled but little in society on account of her great
infirmities. She was a sincere, devoted Christian, and l.ad the respect
and confidence of the church and community. She was devoted to her
family, and they returned her love with a tender regard for her welfare.
She died July 5th, 1901, having completed her seventy-fourth year, and
was buried in the family lot at Shortsville, N. V.
After Mrs. Runyon's death, her husband began to fail, and he died
August 28th, 1903, having just completed his eighty-second year. He
was buried in the family lot at Shortsville, N. Y.
GEORGE LEWIS RUNYON.
(III.) George Lewis Runyon, the second son of Isaac and Julina
Runyon, was born in Newark, N. Y. He went with his parents to
Shortsville, where he finished his education. Mr. Runyon has been
employed the most of his business life in the Empire Drill factory at
Shortsville, N. Y , as a painter. At the present time he Is employed in
the Anti-Rust Tin factory at Canandaigua, N. Y. He is unmarried and
is the owner of his parents' homestead property. Mr. Runyon is a prom-
inent member of the Methodist Church at Shortsville, N. Y.
JOHN HENRY RUNYON.
(III.) John Henry Runyon, the third son of Isaac and Julina
Runyon, was born in Newark, N. Y. He went to live with his uncle,
Edwin Ferguson, when a small child. Mr. Runyon received a common-
school education. He married Emma Brown, the daughter of H. N.
Brown, of Orleans, N. Y. He is a farmer and the owner of his uncle's
homestead property, at which place he resides. He has the reputation of
being an honorable man and a successful farmer.
MINNIE ANN RUNYON.
(III.) Minnie Ann Runyon, the oldest daughter of Isaac and Julina
Runyon, was born in Newark, N. Y- She went to Shortsville, N Y.,
with her parents, where she was educated. She married Zadoc Warfield,
a retired farmer. Mr. Warfield has also worked in the Empire Drill
factory in Shortsville, N. Y. The family now reside at the Runyon
homestead,
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Sixth Generation in America.
FRANK FERGUSON RUNVON.
Manager of Faxon, Williams & Faxon Store, in Buffalo, N Y
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH^
Sixth Generation in America.
■.^^
LULU RUNYON.
Wife of Frank Ferguson Runyon. Descendant of the Ferguson Family in
Maryland.
ONTARIO COUNTY BRANCH.
Sixth Generation in America.
GEORCiE LEWIS RUNYON.
Emploj'ed in Anti-Rust Tin Factory in Canandaigua, N. Y.
Residence in Shortsville, N. Y.
131
FRANK FERGUSON RUNYON.
(III.) Frank Ferguson Runyon was born and educated at Shorts-
ville, N. Y. He entered a store as a clerk in his early teens. In later
years he went into the employ of HoUister Grimes, at Canandaigua,
N. Y. After a few years he went to Buffalo and entered the employ of
Faxon & Co., fruit dealers. He married Lula Raubenstein, and they
settled in Buffalo, where they now reside.
HARRY FERGUSON RUNYON.
(IV.) Harry Ferguson Runyon was born in Shortsville, N. Y., in
November, 1888, where he is being educated. He resides with the family
at the Runyon homestead.
132
CHAPTER XIII.
WASHINGTON BRANCH- 11.
Rev. John Ferguson and His Descendants.
(I.) John Ferguson, the third son of William and Elizabeth Fergu-
son, was born in Bladensburg, Md., May 21st, 1779. He was educated in
Maryland and early in life entered the Christian ministry and became
one of the founders of the Protestant Methodist Church, his labors being
carried on mainly in the city of Washington, D. C.
Mr. Ferguson was a talented man and one of the most exemplary
men of his generation. He was appointed Chaplain of the Penitentiary
Alms House and occupied this position for several years, and he also served
for a time as Commissioner under the city government. The same year
that his father went to New York State, he married Elizabeth White,
October 8th, 1803. She died early in life, leaving two sons, Alfred Bell
and Thomas Bell, who were twins.
Mr. Ferguson married, the second time, Sarah Ferguson, a cousin,
February 4th, 1808. She died July 18th, 1840, leaving six children, Ann
Jane, Elizabeth Ruth, John Wesley, James Reed, William Pierce, and
Sarah. Rev. John Ferguson died in Washington in 1861, in his eighty-
third year.
THE CHILDREN OF REV. JOHN FERGUSON AND THEIR DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Thomas Bell Ferguson, the son of Rev. John Ferguson by his
first marriage, went to sea and was never heard from afterwards.
(II.) Alfred Bell Ferguson, the other so«i of Rev. John Ferguson by
his first marriage, married Catherine Fuggett, September, 1836. They
had two daughters, Emeline and Elizabeth Franc.
iIII.) Emeline Ferguson married a Mr. Anderson; she is living at
the present time, in 1904. Mr. Anderson is a lumber dealer in Philadel-
phia, Pa.
(III.; Elizabeth Franc Ferguson married a Mr. Millstead. She is
dead.
(II.) Ann Jane Ferguson, the eldest child of Rev. John Ferguson
by his second marriage, married John Price, November 10th, 1835. She
resided in Washington, D. C, and died in 1869, leaving no descendants.
a. .E
If
I J
I I
I
I
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I I I I I I
132
CHAPTER XIII.
WASHINGTON BRANCH- 11.
Rev. John Ferguson and His Descendants.
(I.) John P'erguson, the third son of William and Elizabeth Fergu-
son, was born in Bladensburg, Md., May 21st, 1779. He was educated in
Maryland and early in life entered the Christian ministry and became
one of the founders of the Protestant Methodist Church, his labors being
carried on mainly in the city of Washington, D. C.
Mr. Ferguson was a talented man and one of the most exemplary
men of his generation. He was appointed Chaplain of the Penitentiary
Alms House and occupied this position for several years, and he also served
for a time as Commissioner under the city government. The same year
that his father went to New York State, he married Elizabeth White,
October 8th, 1803. She died early in life, leaving two sons, Alfred Bell
and Thomas Bell, who were twins-
Mr. Ferguson married, the second time, Sarah Ferguson, a cousin,
February 4th, 1808. She died July 18th, 1840, leaving six children, Ann
Jane, Elizabeth Ruth, John Wesley, James Reed, William Pierce, and
Sarah. Rev. John Ferguson died in Washington in 1861, in his eighty-
third year.
THE CHILDREN OF REV. JOHN FERGUSON AND THEIR DESCENDANTS.
(II.) Thomas Bell Ferguson, the son of Rev. John Ferguson by his
first marriage, went to sea and was never heard from afterwards.
(II.) Alfred Bell Ferguson, the other so«i of Rev. John Ferguson by
his first marriage, married Catherine Fuggett, September, 1836. They
had two daughters, Emeline and Elizabeth Franc.
(III.) Emeline Ferguson married a Mr. Anderson; she is living at
the present time, in 1904. Mr. Anderson is a lumber dealer in Philadel-
phia, Pa.
(HI.) Elizabeth Franc Ferguson married a Mr. Millstead. She is
dead.
(II.) Ann Jane Ferguson, the eldest child of Rev. John Ferguson
by his second marriage, married John Price, November 10th, 1835. She
resided in Washington, D. C, and died in 1869, leaving no descendants.
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133
(II.) Elizabeth Ruth Ferguson, the second child of Rev. John Fer-
guson by his second marriage, married John A. Davis, January 15th,
1839. She died in 1843. Her descendants died in early life.
(II.) John Wesley Ferguson, the oldest son of Rev. John Ferguson
by his second marriage, was born in Washington, D. C, where he
received his education. He was a builder and contractor by occupation.
He married May 16th, 1843, Ellen Prather. They had one son, Robert
Benedict Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson died early in life. Mr. Ferguson
married a second time Minerva Prather, a sister of his former wife. She
also died in early life, leaving one son, Octavio, who died in childhood.
Mr. Ferguson married, the third time, Sarah Hurrey. By this union he
had one child, who died in infancy.
(III.) Robert Benedict Ferguson, the son of John Wesley and Ellen
Ferguson, was born in Washington, D. C, where he was educated. He
became a druggist on Capitol hill, Washington, D. C, near where the
Congressional Library now stands. He married Virginia Falkner, a dis-
tant relative on his mother's side. They had four children, Robert,
Elizabeth, and Virginia, and the youngest child, who died in infancy
Mrs. Ferguson died in early life, and Mr. Ferguson married, the second
time, Alice Lightner. They had four children, Bertie, Hattie, Warren,
and Love. The family reside in Washington, D. C.
(IV.) Robert Ferguson, the son of Robert Benedict Ferguson by his
first marriage, was born in Washington, D. C. He married Ida Keithley.
They have children. Mr. Ferguson is a lawyer by profession.
Elizabeth and Virginia Ferguson, daughters of Robert Benedict
Ferguson by his first marriage, were both born in Washington, D. C,
where they were educated. They are in the employ of the U. S. (rovern-
ment at Washington, D. C.
134
(II.) James Reed Ferguson, the second son of Rev. John Ferguson
by his second marriage, was born in Washington, D. C, and received his
education in that city. He was a builder and contractor and was at one
time in the employ of the U. S. Government. He married, April 30th,
1839, Elizabeth Dooley, a half sister of John Wesley Ferguson's first two
wives. They had six cliildren, Mary, Milton, Alvin, Laura, Elizabeth
and William.
(III.) Mary Ferguson married John Slater. They have one child,
James R. Slater, who is married and has children.
Milton Ferguson married and has one child, Libbie, who is married
and has children.
Alvin Ferguson died in his youth.
Laura and Elizabeth Ferguson are unmarried and are in the employ
of the U- S. Government, at Washington, D. C.
William Ferguson is married and lives in New York city.
Sarah Ferguson, the youngest child of Rev. John Ferguson by his
second marriage, was born in Washington, D. C. She died September,
29th, 1828, in her eighth year.
(II.) Captain William Pierce Ferguson, the youngest son of Rev.
John Ferguson, was born September 9th, 1817. He received his education
in Washington, D. C. He married Eliza Jane Ferguson, of St. Mary's
county, Maryland, February 26th, 1839. He was a man of brilliant
mind. He was in the employ of the U. S. Government for many years.
He was in the Civil war; was Captain of the Third Maryland regi-
ment, Company F., of the National Guards. He served two and one-
half years and then resigned on account of his health. He served several
terms in the city council, in 1856, in 1857, in 1864, and in 1867. He was
a very social and genial man, well posted on all subjects of interest to
the general public. He died, December, 1900. His children were: Samuel
Tucker, John Bell, Elizabeth Ann, William Edmund, James Rufus,
Virginia, David Alexander, Janette Bell, and Ruth Halsey.
(III.) Samuel Tucker Ferguson, the oldest child of William Pierce
and Eliza Ferguson, was a Protestant Methodist minister in Maryland.
He married Emma Reese Cromwell, of Baltimore, Md., granddaughter
of Dr. John S. Reese, a leading physician of Baltimore.
They had five children, Richard Cromwell, William Eddy, Catherine,
Elsie Jane, and John.
(IV. J Richard Cromwell Ferguson is the owner of a box and crate
factory at Poconoke City, Md.
WASHINGTON, D. C, BRANCH— IL
Fifth Generation in America,
CAPT. WILLIAM PEERCE FERGUSON.
Veteran of the Civil War. Was Captain of the Third Maryland Regiment,
Company P., of the National Guards.
WASHINGTON, D. C, BRANCH-IL
Sixth Generation in America.
REV. SAMUEL FERGUSON.
Protestant Methodist Minister, Now Deceased, Formerly of
Baltimore, Md.
WASHINGTON, D, C, BRANCH-IL
Sixth Generation in America.
MRS. EMMA REESE FERGUSON.
Wife of Rev. Samuel Ferguson. Now Resides in Baltimore, Md,
135
William Eddy Ferguson is in the real estate business in Baltimore.
He married Ina Kint^sbury, of Washington, D. C. They have one son,
an infant.
Catherine Reese and Elsie Jane are both graduated trained nurses
and reside in Baltimore.
John Ferguson, the youngest child, died in his youth.
(III.) John Bell Ferguson, the second son of William Pierce and
Eliza Ferguson, was a pattern maker in the Navy yard at Washington,
D. C. He married Nellie Scott. He has one sou, William Pierce
Ferguson.
(IV.) William Pierce Ferguson is a bookkeeper in the (jovernment
printing office. He married a Miss Mann They have two children,
John and Nettie.
(III.) Elizabeth Ann Ferguson, the eldest daughter of William
Pierce and Eliza Ferguson, was born in Washington, D. C. She married
William Penn Westwood, of Baltimore, Md., a contractor and builder.
He is Supreme Chancelor of the Knights of Phythias. They had nine
children, Henry Pierce, Elizabeth McComas, William Ferguson, Charles
Jerome, Nellie Coleman^ Emily Jane, Susan Eliza, William Penn, and
Baajamin Howard. All died in infancy except Emily Jane, who lived to
see her twenty-first yp .
(HI.) William Edmund, the third son of William Pierce and Eliza
Ferguson, was born in Washington, D. C. He married Miss Bailey.
Mr. Ferguson is dead. They had one son, who is a tailor by occu-
pation.
(III.) James Rufus Ferguson, the fourth son of William Pierce and
Eliza Ferguson, is in the gas and electric fixture business at Washington,
D. C. He married Matilda Middleton, the daughter of a prominent
business man of Washington, D. C. They had three children:
(IV.) Ann Bell Ferguson, who died in infancy; Florence May Fergu-
son, who is living with her parents in Washington, D. C; and Edmund
Ferguson, who died in infancy.
(III.) Virginia Ferguson, the sixth child of William Pierce and Eliza
Ferguson, died in childhood.
(III.) David Alexander Ferguson, the seventh child of William
Pierce and Eliza Ferguson, is a carpenter and resides in Washington,
D. C. He is unmarried.
(III.) Janette Bell Ferguson, the eighth child of William and Eliza
Ferguson, died in infancy.
(III.) Ruth Halsey Ferguson is unmarried and resides with her
brother David,
136
CHAPTER XIV.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH.
William Ferguson. Junior, and his Descendants.
(I.) William Fera;uson, Jr., the fourth son and seventh child of Wil-
liam and Elizabeth Ferguson, was born in Bladensburg, Maryland,
December, 1780. He received his education in Maryland and went to New
York State with his parents, when they moved to the Genesee country.
After the sudden death of his father, he purchased the homestead
property of his mother, who returned to Maryland. William became a
farmer. He married Sarah Benham, a Christian woman of sterling qual-
ities, who died early in life, leaving one son, Levi Benham Ferguson. Mr.
Ferguson then married Hester Price, a woman of refinement, who was
greatly respected for her Christian character and friendly disposition.
William Ferguson, Jr. , was a quiet, unassuming man, and a Christian
gentleman. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
Clifton Springs, N. Y., in which he held an official position nearly to the
end of his life. During his latter years he made his home in Clifton
Springs, where he died in 1862, at the age of 82 years, and was buried in
the family lot at Clifton Springs. After the death of her husband, Mrs.
Ferguson made her home with her eldest daughter, Sarah. She was
buried beside her husband in the family lot. Mr. Ferguson had six chil-
dren by his second marriage, Sarah, Almira, Hester Ann, Lucinda, Wil-
liam, and Delilah.
THE CHILDREN OF WILLIAM FERGUSON, JR., AND THEIR DESCENDANTS.
(H.) Levi Benham Ferguson, the only child of William Ferguson
by his first marriage, was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y., where he
received his education. He married, late in life, Catherine, the only
daughter of Allen Kendall, of Clifton Springs, N. Y.
Mr. Ferguson remained on his father's farm for some time after his
marriage and then moved to Clifton Springs, N. Y., where he resided
with his father-in-law and became a real estate and fire insurance agent.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson had no children of their own, but adopted a
daughter, Elizabeth, who married George R. Garrison and moved to
Colorado, where she died December 5th, 1903, leaving one child, John
Ferjfuson Garrison
D C
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f Id
o E
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH.
Fourth Generation in America.
WILLIAM FERGUSON.
Formerly a Farmer, East of Clifton Springs, Now Deceased.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH,
Fourth Generation in America.
HESTER PRICE FERGUSON.
Deceased. Wife of William Ferguson.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH.
Fifth Generation in America.
LEVI BENHAM FERGUSON.
Deceased.
Resided at Clifton Springs, N. Y
KATE KENDALL FERGb'.S(Ji\.
HAKKLSON liAGGERLV. ALMIRA FERGUSON I3AGGERLY
Deceased, Deceased.
Resided South of Clifton Springs, N. Y.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH.
Fifth Generation in America.
HESTER FERGUSON GARLOCK.
Deceased.
CHARLES LA DUE.
Deceased.
SARAH FERGUSON LA DUE.
Deceased.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH,
Sixth Generation in America.
FRANK FERGUSON BAGGERLY.
Frank Ferguson Baggerly, of Chicago, 111., is a Traveling Salesman,
Giving Art Exhibits in the Principal Cities.
CLIFTON SPRINGS BRANCH.
Seventh Generation in America
HARRISON COATS BACxGERLY.
Harrison Coats Baggerly, Chicago, 111., Traveling Salesman, givinj
Art Exhibits in the Principal Cities.
137
(II.) wSarah Ferguson, the oldest daughter of William Ferguson, Jr.,
by his second marriage, was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y., and
received her education in that place. She married Charles LaDue, a man
of intelligence and influence. He was a farmer by occupation and set-
tled on a farm across the road from the farm where William Ferguson,
his wife's father, lived. Here they remained till after William Ferguson
moved to Clifton Springs, when they sold their farm and moved to that
village. Mr. LaDue was a man who took great interest in politics and
the affairs of his town. He held the position of Postmaster for three
terms, and also held other posiiions of trust among the people. He was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is still living at the
age of 91. His wife was by nature a proud woman. She was gifted with
more than ordinary intelligence. She was a member of the Methodist
Church. She died at Clifton Springs, where she was buried. They had
one child, Florence.
(III.) Florence LaDue was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y. She
married a Mr. Pardee, a photographer, who at that time lived in Clifton
Springs. They later on moved south. Mrs. Pardee at present is caring
for her aged father at Clifton Springs, N. Y.
(II.) Almira Ferguson, the second daughter of William Ferguson,
Jr., by his second marriage, was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y., in
which town she was educated. She married Harrison Baggerly, a farmer
by occupation. They settled on the first farm south of Clifton Springs.
They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Baggerly
died early in life, leaving one son, Frank Ferguson Baggerly. Mrs. Bag-
gerly was a woman greatly respected for her kindly nature and Christian
character. After the death of his wife, Mr. Baggerly married Susa Doug-
lass, of Newark, N. Y. They have one son, Barlow Baggerly.
Harrison Baggerly was a very congenial man. He delighted to
mingle with his relatives and friends. He died, January, 1904, in his 86th
year. His widow is still living at the homestead with her son. Barlow.
(III.) Frank Ferguson Baggerly, the only child of Harrison Bag-
gerly by his first wife, was born near Clifton Springs, N. Y. He was
educated in the school of that village. He married Laura Coates, of
Manchester, N. Y. They reside in Chicago, 111. Mr. Baggerly is a travel-
ing salesman. They have one child, Carl Harrison Baggerly.
(III.) Barlow Baggerly, the only child of Harrison Baggerly by his
second marriage, was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y. He received his
early education in the school at Clifton Springs, N. Y., then went to the
Lima Seminary. He married Bertha Johnson. They have one child,
138
Douglas Baggerly, who is being educated at Cornell University, Ithaca,
N. Y.
(II J Hester Ann Ferguson, the third daughter of William Ferguson
by his second marriage, was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y., in which vil-
lage she received her education. She was a woman of great refinement
and of a tine appearance. She married Cyrus Garlock, a lumber dealer,
who aiade his home at Port Gibson. Mrs. Garlock died without descend-
ants.
Lucinda, William, and Delilah Ferguson died in childhood.
139
CHAPTER XV.
BALTIMORE BRANCH— 11.
David Bell Ferguson.
David Bell Ferguson, the fifth son of William ard Elizabeth Ferg-n-
son, was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, about the year 17S3. He was
educated in Maryland and was taken to New York State by his parents in
1803, when they went to the Genesee cou^tr3^
He was sent to Maryland as an attorney to transact business for his
parents, and remained in Washington, D. C, for a time, and afterwards
went to Baltimore, where he lived the remainder of his life. He married,
early in life, Mary Buchanan, a sister of James Buchanan, a noted lawyer
of Philadelphia.
An identification has been secured by the public records in Baltimore:
Baltimore Deeds, W. G., No. 159, page 130. Indenture made November,
1820, between Francis Buchanan, of Baltimore, of the one part, and
David B. Ferguson, of the same place, and Mary, his wife, of the other
part. Witnesses that David B. Ferguson and Mary, his wife, by indent-
ure made April 17th, 1818, and for the sum of $920 00, and confirmed
to the said Francis Buchanan, all that lot of land of Cole's Harbor, or
Todd's range, lot No. 26 on the west side of Calvert Street, 29 by 120.
Signed: DAVID B. FERGUSON,
MARY FERGUSON.
Mr. Ferguson was a soldier during the war of 1812, with England.
While walking in the streets in Baltimore he met General Stansbury. The
(leneral told Mr. Ferguson that he was looking for a paymaster, and
asked him if he would accept the position with the rank of a lieutenant.
Mr. Ferguson accepted the offer and retained the situation to the end of
the war.
Mr. Ferguson held the position of Justice of the Peace and Convey-
ancer in Baltimore for many years, the great number of public records
showing the extent of his business transactions. He was a public spirited
man, and received the distinguishing name of Mayor. He was a great
trafficker in anything he thought would bring him money. He accumu-
lated wealth and at one time was considered a wealthy man. He was the
proprietor of a dry goods establishment in Calvert street, Baltimore.
140
Mr. Ferguson's first wife died, and he married again Miss Mary Evans,
a lad}^ with property. They spent their winters in the Bermuda Islands,
for many years. In his latter years, Mr. Ferguson unfortunately became
a partner with Mr. Joseph Arrey in the dry goods business in Augusta,
Georgia, and lost nearly all of his money. He died at the age of seventy-
nine years, and was buried in DuUaney's Valley, on the William Peerce
farm, with other relatives.
He left no descendants. His property was divided among his heirs.
BALTIMORE BRANCH— III.
Fourth Generation in America.
ELIZA BARTON FERGUSON.
Deceased Wife of Levi Ferguson, Sr., Deceased.
I
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BALTIMORE BRANCH-in.
Sixth Generation in America.
HARRY W. PATTERSON.
BALTIMORE BRANCH-EL
Seventh Generation in America.
KATHERINE PATTERSON.
Daughter of Harry W. and
Mary E. Dance Patterson.
ELIZABETH FERGUSON PATTERSON.
Daughter of Harry \V. and Mary E. Dance Patterson.
3 E
W o 'C
141
CHAPTER XVI.
BALTIMORE BRANCH- III,
Levi Ferguson and hJs Descendants.
Levi Ferguson, the youngest son of William and Elizabeth Ferguson,
was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, in the year 1787. He received his
early education in Maryland, and at the age of sixteen he was taken to
New York State by his parents, when they moved to the Genesee coun-
try.
After his father's tragic death he returned to Maryland with his
mother, where he lived until his death. He became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, at Clifton Springs, N. Y. He took a great
interest in the affairs of the church, and was soon appointed a Methodist
exhorter. After his return to Maryland, he became a local preacher in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, but was never made a regularly ordained
minister. He is said to have been a very pleasing and forceful speaker,
his discourses abounding in witticisms. He married Eliza Barton, whose
family at one time owned the property where now stands the Navy yard
at Annapolis, Md.
Asa Barton, the grandfather of Eliza Barton, was a son of Captain
Barton, who took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and who made
a prisoner of war of General Prescott of the British army. The Barton
family trace their lineage through the General George Washington family.
Levi Ferguson and his wife made their home about fourteen m iles from the
city of Baltimore, on the road from Baltimore to Trinity Church, which
road passes through the manor. They died and were buried in Dullan-
ey's Valley on the William Peerce farm. They had three children, David,
Levi, and Elizabeth Ann.
THE CHILDREN OF LEVI AND ELIZA BARTON FERGUSON AND THEIR
DESCENDANTS.
David and Levi Ferguson, the sons of Levi and Eliza Barton
Ferguson, became farmers and settled on the heights above Chesapeake
Bay. They possessed valuable farms, and, in accordance with the good
Southern custom, everything about them was of the most durable and
substantial kind. Their homes were among the most beautiful in the
locality. David Ferguson is living in Baltimore, Maryland, a venerable
142
and much respected man of four score years and three. Ht never mar-
ried.
Levi Ferguson is living about ten miles from Baltimore, Maryland.
He has retired from active business life, in which he was considered most
capable. He married Keziah B. Jessop, the daughter of Charles Jessop.
She died in September, 1892, leaving no descendants. Mr. Ferguson has
always been a radical Democrat in politics. His life has ever been such
as to win the confidence and respect of the entire community where he
resided.
The following extract was taken from the history of Baltimore
county, Maryland:
"Levi Ferguson, a well known and successful farmer and fruit grower
of the Eleventh district, began his earthly career in 1824at Unionville, in the
same district, and is a son of Levi and Eliza Barton Ferguson. On both
sides he is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His parental
great-grandfather served in the Continental army under General Wayne
and General Smallwood, while the maternal Asa Barton was a son of
Captain Barton, who also took an active part in that struggle and cap-
tured General Prescott of the British army. The Ferguson family is one
of the oldest in Maryland."
Elizabeth Ann Ferguson, the only daughter of Levi and Eliza Barton
Ferguson, was born in Maryland and educated in the schools of that State.
In 1855 she married Milton Dance, of Dullaney's Valley. The wedding
took place at the Ferguson home, Donnell's Camp, near Chesapeake Bay.
Mr. and Mrs. Dance settled in Dullaney's Valley, where they have always
lived. Mrs. Dance died in March, 1893, in her 65th year, and was buried
in Hosford Baptist Church cemetery. There were three children in this
family, but one of whom lived.
Mary E. Dance, the daughter of Milton and Elizabeth Ann Ferguson
Dance, was born and educated in Maryland. She married Harry W.
Patterson, of Phoenix, Baltimore county, Maryland, November, 1883.
They have a beautiful home at the head of Dullaney's Valley,
commanding an extensive view of the country around. They have
three children, Catherine M., Elizabeth E., and William Patterson.
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