JACKSON FERGUSON

From pioneer days the life record of Jackson Ferguson has been interwoven with the history of Cedar county, and in its development and improvement he has been an active force, having been identified with its agricultural and business interests during a long and honorable career. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred in Westmoreland county on the 5th of December, 1844, a son of Hans and Margaret (Shields) Ferguson, also natives of the Keystone state. The father followed the occupation of farming in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, for a number of years and there spent his last days, his death there occurring about the year 1852. He was long survived by his wife, who reared their family of five sons and five daughters. In 1856 the mother, thinking that the west offered better opportunities for advancement for her sons, removed with her family to Iowa, the family home being established in Cedar county within about a mile of Mechanicsville. Mrs. Ferguson passed away in Mechanicsville about 1892, being survived by three sons and three daughters.

It was to that home that Jackson Ferguson was brought when a lad of twelve years, and there he was reared to manhood. He acquired a common-school education and amid the busy activities of rural life early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted in the work of the fields. He remained with his mother upon the farm until attaining man’s estate, when he laid the foundation for a happy home of his own by his marriage in Red Oak township on the 7th of March, 1872, to Miss Anna Goodrich, who was born and reared in Cedar county. She was a daughter of John Goodrich, of English lineage, who was numbered among the early settlers of this section of Iowa.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Ferguson took charge of the old homestead, which then consisted of eighty acres, and directed his entire attention to its further development and improvement. That he was successful in his undertaking is indicated by the fact that from time to time he was able to buy more land, and eventually he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres in Fremont township. As the years passed he erected a good residence, added two large barns and substantial outbuildings, and the place became one of the valuable and attractive properties of the township. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits with increasing prosperity until 1887, when, renting his farm, he removed to Mechanicsville, where he has since made his home. After his arrival in this city he purchased a livery barn on Main street, which he personally conducted for about six years, but he is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He still owns the livery business, however, and this, with the rental of his farm, returns to him a compentency which makes it possible for him now in the evening of life to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Shortly after arriving in Mechanicsville he erected a neat and attractive residence which he still owns, and here he is living in honorable retirement, respected and esteemed by all who know him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were born four children, but the eldest, John G., is the only one now living. He is engaged in farming in Red Oak township. Those who have passed away are: Kittie, who died at the age of six years; Grace, whose death occurred when she was seven years of age; and Bertie, who died when four years old. On the 30th of March, 1909, Mr. Ferguson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, whose remains were interred in the beautiful Red Oak cemetery by the side of her children, where a neat monument marks their last resting place.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson attended the Presbyterian church, the teachings thereof being the guiding spirit in their lives. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Mechanicsville, and in his political views has supported the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as district supervisor for several years. Coming to Cedar county when but a lad, he has therefore been identified with the growth of this section of the country, and he has watched its development, has seen the building of the railroads and the introduction of the telegraph and telephone, and the adoption of all of those evidences of modern civilization which have transformed this district from wild prairie land until it has become today an integral part of one of the greatest commonwealths of the Union. The part he has taken in its development has ever been a helpful one, and with the passing years he has gained a high place among the business men of his community, the honesty of his dealings, the high standard of citizenship to which he has ever adhered and the sterling worth of his character all combining to win for him the confidence, regard and good-will of his fellowmen.