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In the early 1770's, a young man named William Ferguson born 11 Aug 1754 in Belfast, Down,Ireland came to the New Colonies. Along with him came some family members, a brother Thorton returned to Ireland, shortly after - he arrived in the New Colonies- he was apparently unhappy with the New Colonies. William decided to stay and make it his home. At this time, it's not clear which port, he arrived, althrough it's thought Phila, Penna.
It is thought that he is the son of a Josiah/ James of Belfast, Ireland.

William joined the Continental Army in Aug of 1776 and was in the 8th Penna regiment, serving 3 years in the Revolutionary War.He was honorably discharged from the service at Pittsburg, Pa in Sept 1779. He fought under Geo Washington, and was at Valley Forge. The Cumulative Roster, Patriots of Valley Forge, has him documented for service 1777 - 1778 at Camp Valley Forge. He fought in the battles of Germantown, the battle of Brandywine under Command of the Artillery and the battle of Bondsbrook, commanded by General Lincoln.
Our William, received a pension (S35927 PA) for service to our country. The Pension was approved on the 18th day of March 1818.

William married Catherine (Catheryne) Lemaster,born 20 Nov 1754 in Prince George Co., Maryland, daughter of Issac Lemaster and Nancy Ann Scott. He was there with her bro.Benjamin Lemaster, who was also at Valley Forge 1777- 1778. It is believed that this marriage took place in 1783 in Va. ( we have not found positive proof of this ) They migrated to Floyd County, Kentucky On the 1793 tax list, William had no slaves, but had several horses and four children. They had four boy's Richard, John Benjamin (this is our line) James, William Jr. (which was crippled from a horse accident) they also had daughter's Jeneth "Jane", Phoebe, Alsie "Elsie", and some think Mary "Polly" ( which could have been a grandchild)

William and Catherine Lemaster Ferguson lived at the mouth of Grape Creek, in what was then Morgan Co. Ky, It is present day Magoffin Co., Ky.
William and Catherine (Catheryne) Lemaster Ferguson are buried under a favorite Tree on their farm overlooking the mouth of Grape Creek. Catherine died on 27 Aug 1842 and William died 10 Aug 1839. It has been handed down through the family that our Grandpa William had red hair and blue eyes and that Granny Kate (has she was called) had dark hair, with only a little gray, even in her upper years. Our granny Kate, was of French parentage. It has been a delight researching these great, great, great grand parents!!

Shirley Luning

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