James Ferguson

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• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-95780
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian

Notes:

In Dumfries, on Monday evening last, very suddenly, by the bursting of a blood-vessel, James, son of Duncan Fergusson, Esq., aged 20 years.

Galt Reporter May 26 1865 pg 2

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17049520
• Interesting: life story, politics
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-101631
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Elected Office: 1853, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve - North Dumfries
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1876, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer

Notes:

One of the first settlers who came from Livingston County, N.Y. and took up land in an unbroken forest in Mill Creek section was Duncan Ferguson, who labored in cutting down trees and made way for the building of a cabin, and then returned home to his native state, New York, to his partner and their baby, and arranged to return to their new home in Canada. They traveled with an ox cart by way of Queenston, crossing the Niagara River by boat, and wound their way through the wilderness, as it were, to their new home on Mill Creek, and to the log cabin where all their children were born, except the eldest. Mrs. Ferguson died in the year 1839 and left an infant, who was taken care of by a loving neighbor, a friend of the mother. The child, Christie Ann, lived and grew up to womanhood, and in the year 1866 she became the partner of my life for well nigh half a century, until she received the call, Jan. 19, 1914, "Come Home." Having finished her labors she entered upon her reward. "Gone but not forgotten."

"Historical Reminiscences of Galt and Other Writings", by Hugh Cant Jr, pg. 4, 1915.

________________________________

The Late Duncan Ferguson

Died in Galt on Saturday, Oct. 4, 1884, Duncan Ferguson, aged 80 years and 10 months.

Few indeed of the early settlers of these parts were more widely known or more highly respected than the aged pioneer who has just passed away. Mr. Ferguson was a native of the State of New York. He was of Highland Scotch extraction, and we believe was a land surveyor by profession. As early as 1817 a number of highlanders had emigrated from New York State and taken up their abode in the neighborhood of Galt and Branchton. And in the year 1831, just 53 years ago, Mr. Ferguson decided to try his fortunes in the Canadian forests, and accordingly emigrated thither with his family. He settled upon the farm near Galt, at present occupied by his youngest son Mr. Alex Ferguson, upon which he resided upon until five or six years ago when he removed to Galt.

The deceased was a man of far more than average intelligence, and was an extensive reader. In the early days of the township he took a very active part in public affairs. We learn from Hon. Mr. Young's history of the early settlement of Galt and Dumfries, that in 1882, when the famous Territorial Bill of the Hincks-Morin government, dividing Dumfries into 2 townships, came into effect. Mr. Ferguson was Reeve of the first municipal council for North Dumfries, elected after the division. The council was composed as follows: Reeve, Dr. Charles McGeorge & Deputy Reeve, Mr. Duncan Ferguson: councilors Messrs Alex Buchanan, Robert Cranston and David Shantz. Mr. Buchanan is the only survivor of the council of 32 years ago. In 1853 Mr. Buchanan was Reeve and Mr. Robert Cranston Deputy Reeve. In 1854 and 1856 Mr. Ferguson occupied the reeves chair with Mr. T. Chisholm as Deputy. Privileged with more than average education and intelligence Mr. Ferguson proved himself a very useful municipal officer.

The deceased was a man of sterling principals and deep piety. He took an active interest in the establishment of the U.P. Church, of which he was for many years was Ruling Elder, a position he held at the time of his death.

Possessed with a remarkably strong constitution he enjoyed the best of health until two or three years ago, when the infirmities incident to old age began to manifest themselves. Since that time he had given away gradually, both physically and mentally and passed away rather suddenly as above mentioned.

The deceased was married three times, his third partner surviving him. The surviving members of the family are; Archibald and Alexander, North Dunfries; Peter; Minnesota; Angus, Denver, Col. & Mrs. Macfarlane, Denver; and Mrs. Hugh Cant, Galt.

The funeral on Monday afternoon was very largely attended, testifying to the esteem in which the deceased was held.

_____________________________

Death of Mr. Duncan Ferguson

This well known old resident of Dumfries and Galt passed away on Saturday last, at the ripe age of 81 years and 10 months. For several years past, Mr. Ferguson has been an invalid, an affection of the eyes having rendered him nearly blind; and of late he has been confined to his house entirely. He was a native of New York State, and came to Dumfries n the year 1831, when he took up the homestead at present occupied by his son, Mr. Alex Ferguson. In the old days, the decreased took a prominent part in public affairs, and was Deputy Reeve of the first municipal Council of North Dumfries. He was a man of integrity and ability, and carried with him to the grave the esteem of many friends and acquaintances. Mr. Ferguson was thrice married his third partner surviving him. The surviving members of his family are - Archibald and Alexander, Dumfries; Peter, residing in Minnesota; Angus, residing in Denver; Daniel, residing in Galt; Mrs. McFarlane, Denver; and Mr. Hugh Cant, Galt.

Galt Reporter Oct 10 1884 pg 1

Duncan married Margaret Hastie CA 1842. Margaret (daughter of James Hastie and Jane Aitchison) was born 1804, , Scotland; died 29 May 1873, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43981778
• Name: Margaret Ferguson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-47375
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Pressbyterian
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian

Notes:

Obituary. At the residence of her son-in-law, Hugh Cant, Galt, Ontario, on the 29th of May, 1873, Margaret, Wife of Duncan Ferguson, Ruling Elder of the U.P. Congregation, Galt. In the 69th Year of her Age. She left home in her usual health to visit some of her friends at a distance of two or three miles. Having concluded her visit, on her way home, she was thrown from her carriage, and sustained a compound fracture of the left wrist, and, at the same time, such a severe shock to her nervous system, generally, that her injuries ended fatally eight days afterwards. She was the daughter of eminently pious parents, and during her early training under them, the seeds of an earnest and consistent piety were implanted which ripened with the growth of years. Her life was one exemplary of the growth of the most beautiful Christian graces. A true friend, an affectionate wife, a tender and loving mother, her influence was strongly felt for good by all who came in contact with her. With the humility that distinguishes those who have learned the lesson of submissiveness to the will of God, she could not help being a blessing to all about her. Her children all from their early years bore the impress of her character. Three of them preceded her in their departure to the better land; two are left to "call her blessed." Her husband's loss is great, but he knows that her gain is greater. The writer was long an inmate of her house, and gladly bears witness to her Christian worth. Her loss is mourned, while her memory is held dear, by many a one beyond the circle of her household. During the entire period of her illness, her suffering was so acute as to prevent much religious conversation beyond a few words. The lesson of her death-bed is that the time of "health" is the time for the consideration of those questions that concern eternity and the soul. When she was spoken to, all she could say was: "I am unable to speak much now: all I can do is to resign myself to the will of my Lord." Hers was a resignation which a life of devotedness to her Saviour had enabled her to make. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." W.H.R.


Funeral Cards Volume 1

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• Eby ID Number: dnf-91042

Notes:

Archibald Ferguson was a Scottish born farmer who raised five children with his wife Christie Anna McVean. Two of their sons, Peter and Archibald Jr., died as young adults. Their three surviving children lived normal lives.

Archie's first son Duncan Ferguson, settled in North Dumfries, now Cambridge, Ontario about 1825. His younger surviving siblings, sister Jane and brother Alexander, remained in Caledonia until Jane's death in 1878. Alexander retired and moved with his grown family to Thayer, KS in 1880. Both Duncan and Alexander have living Ferguson descendants.

Archibald Ferguson was baptized and probably born in 1770 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland and emigrated to New York during the 1790s. He was the younger brother of Daniel Ferguson of York, Livingston County.

Archibald Ferguson served as an Ensign during the War of 1812 in the 77th Regiment New York Militia McKay's Company.

(2018). Findagrave.com. Retrieved 9 December 2018, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22099081/archibald-ferguson

Archibald — Christian McVean. Christian was born 1777, , Perthshire, Scotland; died 19 Jan 1846, , New York State, USA; was buried , Mumford Rural Cemetery, Mumford, Monroe Co., New York. [Group Sheet]

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• Name: Christian Ferguson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-95149

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75187059
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-140333

James — Jane Aitchison. Jane was born 1782, , Dumfrieshire, Scotland; died Oct 1858, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Cedar Creek Cemetery, North Dumfries Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82592156
• Name: Jane Hastie
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-147321