FERGUSON, WILLIAM KIRBY

FERGUSON, KIRBY, CALL, SMITH

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 4/20/2004 at 12:09:57

Biography reproduced from page 134 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

William Kirby Ferguson is president of the First National Bank of Algona and as such occupies a prominent position in the financial circles of the city. He has been connected with this institution since 1886 and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible, bringing him from the position of bookkeeper through various intermediate positions to that of the presidency. He has been the chief executive officer since October, 1908, and his policy has greatly promoted the success and welfare of the bank and has thereby contributed to the business stability of the community.

Mr. Ferguson was born at Malone, Franklin county, New York, in 1861, his parents being Silas A. and Caroline (Kirby) Ferguson. The father was a very prominent farmer and representative citizen of Malone, his business activities extending into many fields. In addition to general agricultural pursuits he engaged extensively in hop growing and was also interested in banks and in the foundry business at Malone. He built and owned the Ferguson House, which in its day was the finest and most prominent hotel of northern New York. His business interests were ever of a character that contributed to public prosperity as well as to individual success and at his death in 1907 his county lost one of its most valued, honored and representative citizens.

William K. Ferguson was a pupil in the Franklin Academy at Malone before entering Dartmouth College at Hanover, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1886, while later the Master of Arts degree was conferred upon him. Twelve days after his graduation he arrived in Algona and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank. He acted in that capacity until 1889, when he was appointed assistant cashier, and three years later, or in 1892, he was made manager. Sixteen years’ service in that capacity brought him to election to the presidency and he has since bent his energies to administrative direction and executive control. He carefully safeguards the interests of depositors, conducts the bank along conservative lines and at the same time follows progressive methods that make the institution one of the foremost banking houses in this part of the state. Mr. Ferguson was always been active in promoting the welfare and growth of the city since his arrival in Algona and has been identified with many of its industries. He is now president of the Algona Brick & Tile Works and was one of the organizers of the Spurbeck Lambert Company of Algona. His cooperation is considered a valuable asset in any business enterprise and his sound judgment has enabled him to so direct business affairs as to win substantial success.

Mr. Ferguson has been married twice. In 1888 he wedded Miss Etta C. Call, a daughter of Ambrose A. Call, the first president of the First National Bank. Mrs. Ferguson was very influential in Kossuth county and was one of the organizers of the Carnegie Library of Algona. She took an active interest in all that pertained to literary, intellectual, social and moral progress and her influence was ever an element for good. She died December 26, 1907, leaving a son, Arthur C. Ferguson, who was born in 1890 and was graduated from Dartmouth College with the class of 1912. He now serves as assistant cashier in the First National Bank. On the 2d of February, 1910, Mr. Ferguson was again married, his second union being with Miss Hortense M. Smith, a daughter of Lewis H. Smith, cashier of the Kossuth County State Bank. To them was born a son, Louis Kirby, November 20, 1911.

Mr. Ferguson is prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership in Prudence Lodge No. 205, A. F & A. M., of Algona; Prudence Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M.; Estherville Commandery, K. T.; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Des Moines. He is also a member and was one of the organizers of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Algona. He served for two terms as member of the city council and filled the chair of chief executive of the city, being mayor of Algona for four years. There is no vacillating quality in his nature. When his plans are formulated they are carefully executed and when he is determined that a certain course is right nothing can swerve him therefrom. He is not hasty in his judgments, however, it being always found that his opinions have their root in careful consideration. Energy and enterprise have carried him steadily forward until among the leading and representative citizens of Algona he is now prominent.

(Photo of William K. Ferguson is included in the book alongside his biography.)

Kossuth Biographies maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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