Ferguson, Orrin 1819-1906

FERGUSON, MORSE, STEVENS, LEFFLER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/18/2012 at 09:47:27

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; April 24, 1906

ORRIN FERGUSON

Orrin Ferguson was born in Lyman, N.H. in 1819, and passed from this life at the home of his son F.M. Ferguson, April 19, 1906, being almost 89 years of age.

He was married to Miss Susan Morse Stevens in Lyman, N.H., April 6th, 1848. His home was in Monroe, N.H. until 1863 when he came as far west as Illinois where he remained until 1880, at which time with his family he came to Iowa, settling near Grinnell. Their home until a few years ago was on the farm in Chester. When advancing years made it unwise to remain longer on the farm he and his companion came to Grinnell and made their home with their daughter Mrs. P.F. Leffler and for the past three years and a half with their son, F.M. Ferguson of this city.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were born eight children. Two are deceased. Four sons and two daughters survive. Rev. Ferguson's death was very sudden. Apparently he was in his usual health, having risen early Thursday morning, and worked during the forenoon in the garden as was his custom. He came in to dinner but found he could not eat and was shown to his room. To the anxious inquiry as to how he felt he responded in his usual cheerful way that he was all right, and would not consent to have a physician called. In a few minutes afterwards his spirit took its flight, and he was no more of earth.

On the 19th of last March, the same day of the month on which he died, his companion of over 58 years and a few days was called from his side to her reward. Though he maintained a cheerful spirit none knew how he longed for his almost life long companion, not that she might be restored to him but that he should depart and be forever with her. United in life and for life, in death they were scarcely divided.

As a husband, Bro. Ferguson was most devoted. His affection for his wife increased with passing years. Companions in youth, they were such to the end. Had you inquired of his health, he would have made answer and in the same breath spoken of his wife. She was uppermost in his thoughts. A kind and devoted father he manifested always a parent's attachment for and interest in his children. He spoke often of how grateful he was that God had spared him to see his children settled in life, and to have around him his children's children. He was a true friend, a genial neighbor and an ardent Christian man. Converted many years ago he became an active christian, uniting with the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been a prominent and most loyal member. Not a bigot in any sense of the term, he loved his church with an intensity amounting to a passon, and was glad to exalt every other church which exalted his Christ. His love for the bible was marked. Glowing with the messages of Divine love and mercy it became more and more his constant delight. With pronounced emotion he said to me only recently "I want no preaching from a man who doesn't believe heartily the Old Book." He loved Christ with a pure heart, fervently, rejoicing most in the grace of God that brought salvation and sustained him in strong temptation and fiery trial.

He leaves a good record and a sweet memory to children and grandchildren, and to all who knew him. We feel that it was best that he should be called so soon to join the immortal company of the redeemed. The Father alone knew the sense of loneliness during these thirty days that he felt, and mercifullly promoted him to an eternal companionship. "He doeth all things well." J.M.M.