David Ferguson

FERGUSON, SHIELDS, WEEKS

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 3/27/2009 at 13:24:40

DAVID FERGUSON, deceased, was a citizen of Leroy Township, one of its early settlers, highly esteemed, and widely and favorably known, not only in Audubon County but in adjoining counties. Mr. Ferguson was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Indiana County, January 26, 1832. His parents were Hans and Margaret (Shields) Ferguson, both natives of Pennsylvania. Hans Ferguson, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation; he followed this pursuit until his death, which occurred in early life. His wife, Margaret Ferguson, who survives him still, resides in Cedar County, Iowa, to which place she moved with her family in 1857; she is the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are living; she is now in her eighty third year, and in reasonably good health. David Ferguson moved to Cedar County with his mother, and in 1876 came to Audubon County, and purchased the farm now occupied by his sister, Mrs. Charles H. Weeks. The farm at the time of purchase contained 120 acres without improvements. He broke the land, built a good residence, barn and other buildings necessary to carry on successful farming. The place is situated on the east bank of the Nishnabotna River. Mr. Ferguson planted numerous trees which serve not only as a windbreak, but add very much to the appearance of the place. After a successful career, David Ferguson died, August 7, 1885; and thus passed away one of Audubon's honored and beloved citizens. His funeral was the largest ever occurring in the county. He had never married and Mrs. Weeks had been his housekeeper for many years before his death; he had deeded his farm to her before his death. He had not only been an honored citizen, but he had assisted in the defense of his country, serving her faithfully for three years. He was a member of Company H, Thirty fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the western army. He took part in the Red River campaign under Banks's command; in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, under General Thomas; and was wounded in a battle in Mississippi; he also took part in the battle of Pleasant Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, and other important engagements. In July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Muscatine, Iowa. He was a member of Allison Post, No. 34, G. A. R.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 732-733