Duncan Ferguson 1837-1905

FERGUSON, RICHMOND

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 8/14/2017 at 08:16:54

2 March 1905 - The Clarence Sun

Duncan Ferguson was born in Andes, Delaware county, New York, July 4, 1837. He was brought up on a farm and received his education in the public school and academy of his birth place. An apprenticeship of ten years in the mercantile business prepared him for his life's work. In 1886 he married Miss Margaret Agnes Richmond. With his wife he came to Iowa and located in Clarence, Cedar county, where for six years he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1875 he removed to Oxford Junction where he continued in the same business for seventeen years until in 1892, when he came to Rolfe where, with his son Ward, he conducted one of the leading general stores until the time of his departure. Mr. Ferguson was a successful business man whose integrity was recognized by the trading public. He took an active interest in the general life of the community. In politics he was a staunch republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. When 34 years of age he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he labored actively for the promotion of righteousness and the lifting up of a moral standard in the community where he lived. Mr. Ferguson was largely instrumental in the erection of several church buildings, especially in that at Oxford Junction, which stands as a monument of his zeal in the cause of Christianity. Until within a few years he was prominently identified with Sunday school work and was president of the church board of trustees at the time of his death. His faith in God was his comfort during the days of his disease and his Christian testimony is the consolation of those who are left to mourn his departure. After a sickness of seven weeks the end came quietly and peacefully late Sunday night, February 19, 1905. He leaves the wife; his son Ward, and daughter Agnes; three brothers, James in Nebraska, Alexander and William in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and one sister also of Mt. Vernon; besides other more distant relatives. The funeral took place at the home on Wednesday, February 22. It was conducted by the pastor of the family, Rev. C. F. Johnson, who preached the sermon from the text, "In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them." Isa. 63:9. Rev. Dr. W. S. Lewis of Morningside college, Sioux City, paid a beautiful tribute to Mr. Ferguson as a lover of home. The music was furnished by the members of the M. E. church choir, and a solo was sung by Mrs. J. F. Pollock of Pocahontas, Iowa. The capacity of the house was taxed to its utmost by friends and relatives, besides members of the Modern Woodman of America which attended in a body, Mr. Ferguson having been a member of that order. Interment was made in the Rolfe cemetery. -- Rolfe Revellie.