Ferguson Family History & Genealogy

Can anyone tell me if Franklin Alexander Ferguson of Pope County Ark. had any siblings?
Also is Marion Ferguson related in any way? Nanci Ferguson Baloga

Nannie lost 2 children when they were very young. It is known that Henrietta and Sylvia (if that was her name)Tolliver died in a fire. They were supposedly left in the care of a relative or close friend along with Little Frankie while Nannie went to work as a maid/cook. She apparently took Susie with her as she was still nursing. Some family legends say she left Frankie and Susie with her new husband, Walker Ferguson as they lived less than a mile from where she worked, and that the older 2 girls were about 5 miles away. At any rate a fire broke out and 2 children died along with 2 adults that tried to rescue them.

Hi my name is Nicola Ferguson i am the daughter of Denis Ferguson and the granddaughter of penny Ferguson I would like to know the first name of My Grandad he is dead and my dad was in a car accident and cant remember some thing so i would really like to know if you know . If you could tell me i would be very grateful.

I am seeking information on Thomas Ferguson of Madison County, Alabama, who married Jane T. Inman, also of Madison County, Alabama in October of 1834. If anyone can help with information on the story below, please contact Sharon Priester at [contact link].

In October of 1834, Jane T. Inman first married Thomas Ferguson in Madison County, Alabama, and there bore him four children, three who lived to adulthood, married and had children. After the death of Thomas Ferguson, while her four Ferguson children were still very young, Jane married second, George B. Woodruff, a man 30 years her senior, who was also her neighbor, a family friend, and the father-in-law of two of Jane's sisters (Elizabeth and Caroline Matilda Inman Woodruff). The wedding ceremony took place in Madison County, Alabama, in June of 1843. Sometime within the coming year, they removed by wagon train, along with related families, to Argo, Franklin County, Missouri. Jane there bore six children to George B. Woodruff, three who lived to adulthood, married and had children. The four Ferguson children of Thomas Ferguson and Jane Inman Ferguson Woodruff took the Woodruff name without legal adoption, passing it on to their descendants who, to this day, are born and live out their lives under the Woodruff name.

In late 2007 and mid-2008, two direct male Woodruff descendants of Thomas Ferguson, were yDNA tested, proving their biological Ferguson lineage. They are listed under the Woodruff name as being descended from the Northwest Irish Fergusons in the Ferguson DNA Project.

In addition to Jane's Ferguson children and her Woodruff children, Jane's sisters, Caroline Matilda Inman and Elizabeth Inman, married the two oldest sons of Jane's second husband, George B. Woodruff. These sons, Benjamin and Joseph, were born to him by his first wife, Sally Manning Woodruff. George B. Woodruff and Sally Manning Woodruff were originally from Virginia, and relocated to Madison County, Alabama sometime in the very early 1800s.

My search for Sarah Ferguson began when I was researching my Great Grandfather, George Ferguson, born at St Mungo, Dumfriesshire. He and his sister, Sarah, were orphaned after their parents died. Their father, James, died in 1849 aged 28 years and their mother, Mary, (nee Pulson) died in 1854 aged 34 years. George was taken in by the Bell-Irving family who lived at Whitehill, Dumfriesshire and was employed as a groom until he left for Australia in 1862 aged 16 years. Sarah remained with her maternal grandmother, Margaret Pulson, of Burnfoot until her grandmother died. This occurred between 1861 and 1871. After that, I cannot trace Sarah.

If anyone has any information that could assist me, I would be most grateful.

On Feb. 14, 1929, at the home of Worth Ferguson, there was a double wedding: daughter and granddaughter were marred by Rev. McNeal; Della Ferguson & Harry Alexander, Hester Hylton & James Alfred Green.

Per cousin Elmer Alexander, Worth was a little man (about 5' 7" or so..) who was also a carpenter, and did work on Lula Mae Houck's house in Webville, KY. He had blue eyes and "sandy-colored reddish" hair. Said he was proud 'to be Irish", though he was of Scots/Irish descent.

Died at age 89, Lawrence Co., KY Vol.20, 1942, cert. # 01153 (or, 09587)

Lawrence Co. 1880 US census shows Worth and Catherine as household # 249, Voting Precinct #11; living at that time with Sarah Jane, age 8; George W., age 7; Margaret age 4; and Neveda age 1. Living next door to John and Frances J. Cooper, and family.

Listed in the 1900 Lawrence Co., KY census (dated 6/21/1900) as household #221, Cherokee Precinct, page 13B. Living in the household are: Worth age 47, Catharine, age 46, and daughters Della age 9, Lucy, age 3. Living next door in household # 222 is John Cooper, wife Frances, and children. John Cooper is the great-grandfather of Opal Wells Alexander, wife of Elmer Alexander, who is Worth's grandson.

Listed in the 1910 Lawrence Co. census as William W. Ferguson, enumeration district 0100, visit #56, age 57 and living with wife Catherine, age 55, and daughter Lucy, age 13.

Listed in the 1920 US Census in Cherokee Precinct, household #72...daughter Lucy living 5 doors away from her parents, while Della lives next door. William is listed as 67 years old, Catherine as 65. States Catherine, Worth and parents all born in KY, which isn't true. All were born in Wayne Co., West Virginia.

Recv'd obit from Lawrence Co. Library:
"Worth Ferguson, aged about 90, died last Friday at his home on Cherokee. Funeral was conducted Sunday. He had been a lifelong member of the Baptist church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. George Bishop and Mrs. Harry Alexander of Cherokee, and Mrs. John H. Houck of Houckville. His wife died several years ago."

Copy of death cert for Kate Smith Ferguson: file no. 25451; County of Lawrence, Voting prct. of Cherokee, KY. Kate and Worth were still married at the time Kate died at the age of 75 years, 9 months and 7 days. Kate's occupation was listed as a 'housewife'. Cert states that Kate was born in Wayne Co. West VA to a Washington Smith and 'Virginia' (mothers actual name was Jane). The person providing info was Harry Montgomery of Houckville, KY. Kate was buried in the Ferguson Cem. on 2/9/1930.

John and Sarah lived near East Lynn, Wayne Co., and had 6 girls and 7 boys.

Listed in the Wayne County, District 66, 8/9/1850 census as living in dwelling # 404, a farmer age 21, along with wife Sarah, age 27, and children William, age 2, and Joseph, age 1. Living 2 doors away from Grandparents John Ferguson and Peggy Mckinney Ferguson.

Listed in the 1860 Wayne Co., WVA census as living in the Wayne Court House Township; page 859 of the Federal Population Schedule for 1860. In household:
John E. 31
Sarah 37
James 10 (this must be son Joseph)
Jameson 9
William Worth 8
Elizabeth 7
Ruben B. 6
Lucinda 4
Thurzy 3
Alice 1
George ‘Washington’ 6 months

Located in 7/21/1870 US Census in Cassville Post office, Butler Township, Wayne Co., WVA under the name "FURGURSON". John is listed as farming 400 acres. In household at the time:

John E. age 41
Sarah 48
Joseph 21
Jameson 20
William W. 18
Elizabeth 17
Rueben 16
Washington 10
America 8

History of the Town of Cassville- Wayne Co. WV
Source: West Virginia Heritage

The town of Cassville is situated at the forks of the Big Sandy river,
thirty miles from its mouth. A destructive
conflagration visited it in May, 1883, and laid almost the entire
business portion of the town in ashes. It is now
fast improving, and at the present time has one post office, one saw
mill, one blacksmith shop, one graded school
building, one brick church ( Baptist ), three hotels, one Masonic hall
and six general merchantile stores. Work on
the lock and dam now being built just below the town, adds much to its
business at this time.
It was incorporated on the 13th day of November, 1875; 32 1/2 acres are
included within the corporate limits. The
first election held was on the 10th day of December, 1875, at which time
the following officers were elected;
Mayor, James H. Marcum; recorder, John C. Romans; councilmen, William H.
Frasher, Samuel Short, Callahan
Beaire, Stephen M. Marcum, and Wayne Ferguson. The present officers are;
Mayor, John Brownley; recorder, L.M.
Marcum; councilmen, Samuel Damron, Callahan Beaire, N.R. Kirkpatrick and
James L. Fuller.

Located in 1880 US Census in Flat Gap, Johnson Co., KY. John was married to Jane R. Garrett by this time, and his profession is listed as a physician. Listed under the name "FERGERSON", and in household are:

John E. age 51 Physician
Jane R. 57
Washington 20
America 18
also:
Fergeson, Joseph 31 farmer
Margaret 29 wife

Final will of John Everald obtained and posted on AncientFaces

Per Oscar Green, Ashland, KY, the John E. Ferguson family bible is in the possession of Elmer Alexander, Cherokee, KY. Family birth and death dates per Oscar L. Green's info from the family bible.

Per "Hardesty's West Virgina Counties, Vol. 7", pages 162-

William Ferguson was listed among the first settlers of Trouts Hill (County seat of Wayne) in 1842. Others included Samuel Wellman, Jesse Adkins, Burwell Ferguson, Milton Ferguson, Jacob Adkins and Hugh Bowen. William erected the first hotel there in 1842.

Wayne County News
Wayne, West Virginia
November 27, 1919
Stoneway district, which lies in the eastern portion of this
county, was named in the memory of Stonewall Jackson. It is
believed that John Bias was the first settler within the limits
of Stonewall. He built his cabin at the mouth of Lick Creek in
1802. His first neighbor was David Bartram who came a year
later. And by the year 1807 several pioneer cabins were built.
Among the earliest comers were Berry Adkins, Thomas Napier,
William Lambert, Jesse Adkins, John Ferguson, Thomas Moore,
Eldridge Smith, Wm. Thompson, Wm. Ferguson, Absalom Queen,
Walter Queen, John Withrow, John Osburn, Sr.,
Ambrose and Wm. Watts. Many of the descendants of these
pioneers still live in Stonewall district.

William was on a 'tithable' in Tazewell County from 1800 through 1804. William was noted to be a person of fiery spirit. In May, 1803, he was fined 83 cents for swearing (Tazewell County Order Book #1, page 98). In the same book, page 106, he was presented, along with Edward McDonald, for fighting on May 12th. In the same book, page 158, he is noted as being fined 10 cents by a jury in October 1804.

Upon leaving Tazewell in 1804, he is next recorded in 1809 for purchasing 265 acres from Edmund McGinnis in Kanawha County. William was the administrator of his father, Samuel Ferguson's, estate (Cabell County Deed Book 2, page 314). On 12/22/1828, the court ordered that William be allowed 10% on all money arising on the hiring of the Negroes from his father's estate (Order book 3, page 148). In March, 1828, William was appointed commissioner of the special election at Frederick Moore's house, located at the Forks of Sandy (Cabell County Order Book 3, page 94). William was elected constable of the County and took an oath 9/23/1833 (Cabell County Book 3, page 411). He was also election officer at the voting place located at Kelly Ferguson's in 1834 (Book 3, pg.434). (Extracts of the Records of the County Court of Cabell County transcribed by Rudenz Douthat)

William and Sarah were members of the first church formed in the Union District of Wayne County, located at the Forks of Twelve Pole. Known as the Primitive Baptist Church, it had been formed in 1818 and the Pastor was Goodwin Lycans. In the Cabell County Grantor and Grantee Books you can find the following:

DATE FROM LAND AMOUNT

1824 James Watson Twelve Pole 145 acres
1827 James Watson Twelve Pole 550 acres


Gave To:

John Osborne 17 acres 1827
Milton Ferguson 265 acres 1833
Joseph Dean 100 acres 1835
Jameson Ferguson 150 acres 1835
Hiram Pauley 100 acres 1834
Lewis Ferguson 100 acres 1839
Milton Ferguson 25 acres 1841
Edmund Osborne 100 acres 1841
Lewis Ferguson 100 acres 1841

William lived to the age of 70 but suffered the loss of 3 children before he died. His widow lived to see the fourth one die. His Will was written 6 days before he died, and was proven September of that year (recorded in Will Book 1, page 58). He included, in his will, the payment of $6 to J. Blankenship to cover the cost of his coffin.

William's Family Bible was passed down to his daughter, Betsy Ferguson Dean, at the time of his death. The late Herman P. Dean had possession of the old Bible until his death. Herman's cousin, Hester Osborne Crabtree is now in possession of the pages with the family records.

* Per family stories and Bible, Samuel's father was named "Adam". Ferguson family stories also state that Samuel was a cousin to Patrick Ferguson, head of the British Army at the Battle of Kings Mountain (Rev. War) and the inventor of the repeating rifle. There is no proof or documentation for this claim. However, there is a book called "Memoir of Colonel Ferguson" (Patrick) in which Patrick makes note of his kin, Dr. Adam Ferguson.

* Also noted in Ferguson family Bible that Samuel's grandfather was a John Henry Ferguson....In the book "Records of Augusta County" by Chalkey, Vol. I, dated 11/22/1762, "Henry Ferguson to view the nearest and best way from the stone house to Bedford line...." Also noted in Augusta County, Feb. 1763: Thorp and Stamps VS Henry Ferguson: debt due plaintiff, on their books at the store formally kept at the Peaks of Otter, 1767". Needs further research.

Per written request to DAR Patriot Lookup, Samuel was the rank of "ENS PS"... Per "Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War" by JT McAllister, page 217, section 271 Montgomery County, Va: Fergusson, Samuel, Ens. 4/5/1781- under J. Moore.

Archives of the Pioneers of Tazewell Co, Virginia Yantis 975.5763Y
Ferguson, Samuel 162 …DAR application papers were checked for descendants of SAMUEL FERGUSON. A number of members have joined on the service of this man. From "Grandfather’s Papers," Series 2, Vol 25 (John Henry Ferguson was the grandfather) -- additional information is gleaned: Jane Ferguson m. Wm. Clark on 30 Jan 1788; Samuel Jr. M. Mary E. Stokes on 30 April 1792/3; Thomas Ferguson was b. 2 Sept 1784 and m. Mary Jones on 28 June 1802. Elizabeth Ferguson was b. 1785. References made to a Bible owned by Virgil Ferguson , Tulsa, Okla. DAR application #348067 supplies information that John Ferguson was b. 30 Nov. 1774 and Thomas was b. 22 Sept. 1784. Chalkey, Chronicles of Scotch-Irish, Vol. 1, p. 141 "In the year 1767 Henry Cartmill’s 120 acres and SAMUEL FERGUSON, John Peary, and Hugh Allen are added to tithables." (Note that Henry Cartmill and John Peary moved to Tazewell County, also.) vol. 3, p. 430, "On 21 Aug. 1765, Robert McClenahan and Andrew Lewis to SAMUEL FERGUSON for L 2.10, ¼ acres in Staunton, part of County lot 15, of which James Shaw is now possessed. Delivered: SAMUEL FERGUSON, 17 Aug. 1772", p. 493, "On 6 Nov. 1769, William & Margaret Jameson to John Jameson for L 55, on Christians Creek, whereon William now lives…Delivered: SAMUEL FERGUSON, 17 Aug. 1772"; p. 523, "On 18 Aug. 1772, SAMUEL FORGASON & MARY to John Readpath, part of lot 15 in Staunton, the other part belonging to James Shaw.".

Per genealogy notes by Sybil A.L. Viehweg (www.viehweg.org) 11/5/2001, LDS information files show that Samuel was born in Scotland (?). Per grgrgrgrgrandson, Elmer Alexander, Samuels' grgrgrgrandson, Worth Ferguson, always said he was "proud to be Irish". I believe Samuel's family was one of the Scots families that were sent to live/own land in Ireland during the Jacobite uprising, which would make Samuel one of the "Scotch-Irish" that immigrated to the States during the 1700's.

Charles M. Thompson, now dec’d. formerly of Detroit, Mich., conducted considerable research on this family. A copy of his "tentative" record of the family of Samuel Ferguson, Sr. was sent to Mrs. F. L Farnsworth of 1120 Allison Street, Newton, Kansas 67114 (whose own ancestor was a Joel Ferguson, dob 1797 in Lee Co, Va. & m. 1st Elizabeth ___, 2nd Betty Polly Bowen Ferguson on 15 Oct 1856 in Wayne Co., Va. – son of Obediah Ferguson who is not yet proved to be of the Samuel Ferguson line). Mr. Thompson’s record: "Samuel Ferguson, son of ADAM FERGUSON, born in North Ireland in 1744. Said to have come to America with four brothers and some cousins, the rest of their families remaining in Ireland.

In 1772, Samuel left the Virginia Valley and settled in the Bluestone Country, which lay successively in Fincastle, Montgomery, Wythe and Tazewell Counties. Samuel was a witness to the follwing transactions (per The Scotch Irish in VA, Vol. 3; Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County 1745-1800, Deed Book #16): November 1769, William Jameson and Margaret, to John Jameson, 55 pounds, on Christian's Creek, whereon William now lives, conveyed to William by William Martin, March 19th, 1765, 310 acres; Delivered: Samuel Ferguson, 8/17/1772. On 8/18/1772, Samuel and Mary Ferguson sold their land in Staunton to John Readpath, per Deed Book #18, page 433.

Tazewell Co, Va John Newton Harmon Sr. 975.573 H
Page 286 Deed Bk 1 1800-1809
Deed dated June 4th 1800 & recorded in DBN1p4 from SAMUEL FERGUSON & MARY his wife & Wm. Peery & Sally his wife to David Ward, George Peery, Robert Wallace, Wm. Neel, Henry Bowen, David Hanson & Samuel Walker, composing the worshipful court of Tazewell Co & their successors in office for the use of said Co. "For & in consideration of the public buildings for & said Co have granted bargained & sold…unto the said Court of Tasewell & their successors forever, a certain parcel of land lying & being in the co of Tazewell on the waters of Clinch River, containing twenty three acres & twenty eight square poles," etc. This is the land on which the public buildings still stand & on which the main business part of the town of Tazewell (formerly Jeffersonville) now stands. From this deed we also secure the names of the magistrates composing the 1st court held for the county.

Page 168-9 June 1800-May 1810 Order Book 1 June 1800 term
"Hezekiah Harman being appointed yesterday to lay off the land offered by Wm. Peery & SAM’L FERGUSON for the use of the county made report that he had laid off 23 acres & 28 sq poles 10 acres & 28 sq poles of FERGUSONS land…for the purpose of building the public buildings for this co & the balance of the land remain for (the) benefit of the county…and reserving to the said FERGUSON 2 quarter acre lots where out of the land he this day conveyed to the (Co).
Page 170 August Term
On the motion of Hezekiah Harmon, Surveyor of the Co of Tazewell he is permitted to lay off & circumscribe the town lots out of the lands offered by Wm. Peery & SAMUEL FERGUSON for the use of the county to be sold for the benefit of the county.
Page 173 At a Quarter Session held March 3, 1801
Grand Jury …SAMUEL FERGUSON…
Page 290 Mathias Harmon & Lydia to Wm. George
Lands on Clinch river joining lands of …SAMUEL FERGUSON…1802 DB1p99.
Page 291 SAMUEL FERGUSON & MARY his wife to Hezekiah Harmon 1802 p115.
Page 292 Hezekiah Harmon & Polly his wife to SAMUEL FERGUSON 1802 p 139.
Page 294 SAMUEL FERGUSON & MARY his wife to Thomas Harrison 1804 p179.
Page 344 1772 Discovery & Settlement
The following persons moved out this year & settled at the several places named:
…SAM FERGUSON on Bluestone Creek…

Samuel swore allegiance to the United States on September 30, 1777 while in (then) Montgomery County. The Revolutionary War Book at Christiansburg, Montgomery County Court House, VA, has the original list. It is also recorded in Volumne 1, page 149, of Mary B. Kegley's "Early Adventures on the Western Waters". Samuel was also involved in the Battle of King's Mountain, South Carolina, on October 7, 1780 (per the book, " History of the Middle New River Settlements", page 145, by David E. Johnston). Samuel was appointed Ensign in Capt. James Moore's Company of Montgomery County, VA Militia on April 3, 1781, per the "Annals of Southwest Virginia", page 751, by Summers.

In 1782 Samuel appears on the Montgomery County, VA tax list with on tithe over 21, 11 horses, 15 cattle and is recorded as having land. He received this land by right of settlement on the head of Bluestone, entered in Survey Book D, page 706.

On 7/16/1788, Samuel is listed as Grantee in Montgomery County, VA for 80 acres on the waters of Clinch adjoining Christian Hensley, Garwood, etc.

He is listed on the tax list in 1789 with 2 white males 16-21, per Yantis in "Montgomery County, VA circa 1790", pages 19 & 71.

In 1793 his name appears on the tax list of Wythe County, which was carved from Montgomery County in 1789.

On March 5, 1799, Samuel Ferguson purchased from John and Rachel Turman 100 acres on Little River, Montgomery Co., per Deed Book C, page 85.

Archives of the Pioneers of Tazewell Co, Virginia Yantis 975.5763Y
Page 268 Annotated Enumeration of All Taxpayers – 1801 to 1820
Ferguson, Samuel 162 1801 2 , 1802 2 , 1803 2 , 1804 1 none after that

Samuel Ferguson and William Peery deeded the land for the present site of the Court House and Jail in Tazewell County (Order Book 1, page 5). An indenture was made on June 4, 1800 by Samuel Ferguson and Mary, his wife, and William Peery, and Sally his wife, for the 23 acres plus, and was recorded in deed Book 1, page 4, of Tazewell County. In August of 1800, Samuel made his choice of 2 lots in the county town, Order Book 1, page 10. A monument has been erected in honor of Samuel Ferguson and William Peery for their gift of land.

In November 1802, Samuel was patented 15 acres-surveyed January 1801- located on the waters of Clinch River, adjacent to his won land. He was a member of the Grand Jury in 1801, 1802, and 1803. In 1802 he was listed in the Personal Property Tax List of Tazewell County with 2 white males over 16, 8 horses. He was also listed on the Land Tax Records for 1802 with 3 tracts recorded of 80, 40 and 62 acres.
Samuel lived near the Bailey family in Tazewell Co., VA at the time Isabell and Richard Baily were married. However, no marriage bond or license have been found. Samuel's Will does refer to a daughter, Isabel.

Page 27 Tazewell County Order Book No. 1 January 27, 1803
Whereupon personally appeared SAMUEL FERGUSON, SR., and Samuel Ferguson, Jr., …They acknowledged themselves to be indebted to John Page, Esqr. Governor of Virginia in the sum of $100 each – on condition that they all appeared at the Washington Court House on 2nd May next to give testimony between the Commonwealth, Plft, and Hercules Ogle, deft.
SAMUEL FERGUSON, SR., and Samuel Ferguson, Jr. Each proved one days attendance.

Sometime around 1804 SAMUEL FERGUSON, his four sons, and one of his four daughters, came to Kanawha County which lay successively with Cabell and Wayne Counties. The love for new adventure must have played a part in bringing the FERGUSONS from the Bluestone area of Virginia to explore the hilly and broken surfaces of the frontier land of Twelve Pole Valley. Their settlement, in the western section of the present Wayne County, was about eighteen miles from the Ohio River. Stories were told among the early pioneers of their long and wearisome journey across the mountainous region. Traveling most my boot, they led their pack horses laden with their necessary belongings. Some say they came through the Breaks of Sandy.

Dec. 25, 1919
PIONEER DISTRICT HISTORY
Union district, while not possessing the coal wealth nor the farming opportunities of some of the other districts of the county, has always been a section of central interest due to the fact that the court house has always been here.
The surface of this district is generally best suited to grazing lands rather than cultivation, notwithstanding several fine all-around farms are found here in the valley of Twelve Pole. In the early years ot the county's development, Union marketed great
quantities of the best of timber but this industry passed away with the olden days.

The names of the first settlers in this district include the following, who are direct ancestors of many of the present day citizens of this section: Jesse Spurlock and Samuel Ferguson, both of whom built homes in 1802 where the court house now
stands; in 1806 David France, who is credited with planting the first apple tree in Twelve Pole Valley, settled in Union; he was followed by Hezekiah Adkins, John Stephenson, Thos. Chandler, Asher Crockett, Reuben and Wm. Adkins; and about the time of the war of 1812 these men found homes within the present boundaries of Union district: Hugh Bowen, Asa Bowen, Daniel Davis,Reuben Booton, Jesse Blankenship, John Thompson, (who, by the way, is said to have made the first liquor in Wayne county), John Newman, Benjamin Drown, Wm. Morris, Chas Bother, Benjamine Garrett, Joshua Stephens, Jerry Lambert, Abraham Stephen, and
Burwell Spurlock.

WAYNE COUNTY:
Per "Hardesty's West Virginia Counties", Vol.7, Pgs. 157-161:
Samuel Ferguson is counted among the first settlers that settled within the newly formed counties' boundaries (also listed: Joel Ferguson, William Peery, Goodwin Lycans, Anthony Plymale, Thomas Vaughan). Volumne 7, page 185 states that Samuel Ferguson and Jesse Spurlock were the first settlers in what is now know as the Union district of Wayne County, both of whom built cabins near where the Court House stands today. Samuel is described as a distinguished Indian fighter and hunter, who took part in several Indian engagements (pages 187-188).

Jesse Spurlock and Samuel Ferguson were the first settlers in the area of Wayne County called "Union District #2". In 1802, both built cabins near to where the current Wayne County Courthouse stands today. Four years later, cabins were built nearby them by the following settlers: David Frace (planted the first apple tree), Hezekiah Adkins, Thomas Chandler, Reuben Adkins, William Adkins, Hugha Bowen, Asa Booten, Reuben Booten, John Thompson (built the 1st distillery in Wayne County), John Newman, Valentine Bloss (another grgrgrgrandfather of ours) Benjamin Garrett (another grgrgrgrgrandfather) Charles Boothe, Joseph Dean (another line) Jerry Lambert, and Abarham, Stephen and Burwell Spurlock.The first white children born in the county were Nancy Bowen, daughter of Hugh Bowen and Elizabeth Owen, and Mary Bloss, daughter of Valentine Bloss and Margaret Smith. The first marriage in the county was that of Jerry Lambert and Polly Ferguson.

Per the following books: Virginians in Revolution by John H. Gwathnay, page 269; History of Tazewell Co., VA, by Pentleton, pages 515-516; History of New River Settlements by Johnson, pages 141-145; Soldiers of Fincastle Co., VA 1774 by Mary B. Kegley; Early Adventures of the Western Waters by Kegley, Vol. I, page 149; and Annuals of Southwest Virginia by Summers, page 751......

Samuel Ferguson resided in Virginia and assisted in establishing independence in the capacity of Ensign, P.S. at the following battles: King's Mountain with Lieut. Reece Bowen in charge of Company in place of his brother, Capt. William Bowen who was ill; Battle of Alamance, NC (5/16/1771) listed under James Robertson's command in 1777 in Montgomery Co., VA; Dunmore's War: 1774 fight at Point Pleasant (Virginia State Library); served under Capt. James Moore in the Montgomery Co. VA Militia. Oath of Allegiance Montgomery Co., VA. Appointed Ensign on April 3, 1781.

The First Settlers - Wayne Co. WV
Source:W.Va. Heritage Encyclopedia, page 158.

Among those who first sought and found homes within the present limits
of Wayne county, were Samuel Hatton, William Adams, William Spurlock, Thomas Short, Samuel Short, Joseph Newman, John Grayston, Richard Grayston, John Wellman, Thomas Vaughn, Peter Loar, Joel Ferguson, Benjamin Sperry, Pleasants Workman, Robert Tabor, Peyton Newman, William Perry, Solomon Perry, Joseph
Fulkerson, William Astrip, Goodwin, Lycan, sr., James Wilson, John Princeton, Lazarus Damron, Job Spence, Daniel Cox, John Jarrel, Elias Watts, William Thompson, Henry Hampton, James Vinson, Thomas Copley, Jacob Marcum,
William Ratcliffe, James Friley, Samuel Ferguson, Daniel Frantz, Hezekiah Adams, Asa Booton, Asher Crockett, Henry Stewart, Stephen Kelley, John Bellamy, Benjamin Maxey, Levi Sotridge, Thomas Sotridge, Thomas Cartmill, John Keyser, Leonard Sharp, John Toney, Anthony Plymale, Robert Rutherford and Robert Wilson.

SAMUEL FERGUSON was named as a juror in early Cabell County in 1809, 1811, and 1813. (Some of these entries could be for Sam, Jr.)

John Peery… applied for Rev War pension….SAMUEL FERGUSON deposed that he was at Alamance with John Peery, given 30 Sept. 1812.


On 28 January 1822, SAMUEL FERGUSON, Stephen Spurlock, and Abraham Trout entered the court and presented the Will of SAMUEL’s son-in-law Charles Boothe. On 28 February 1825, Burwell Spurlock, Stephen Spurlock and Abraham Trout entered the court and presented the Will of SAMUEL FERGUSON. William was appointed as administrator of his father’s estate. This paragraph was written from Extracts of the County Court of Cabell County, transcribed by Rudenz S. Douthat.


Per the family Bible, belonging to Samuel's son William Leonard, "Samuel Ferguson departed this life February 12 between the hours of 7 and 8 o'clock in the afternoon in the year of our Lord 1825 age 80 years, 11 months and 9 days".

SAMUEL FERGUSON’s interesting Will gave his home farm (that is, after his wife’s death) to his son Sam, Jr. Also in his will, Samuel's "discharged Molly, my old black woman, from slavery at the death of my wife, Mary and at my death that is to say at our deaths the said Molly is to be free forever. And I do hereby bequeath to this said Molly her bed and its furniture and a cow to give her milk to live upon, in her old age...." There is also mention of "Seally", his "half-colored or mulatto girl" who is also to be freed....Samuel leaves to this Seally her bed, furniture and a 'little wheel for spinning..." Lastly, he liberates "thirteen years from this date" his half-colored or mulatto boy Sampson, and leaves him a "good ax so that he may be able to get his living by honest industry".

SAMUEL and MARY had eight known children, although only seven are named in his Will. One daughter, Jane who married William Clark, had preceded him in death. SAMUEL made no provision for his grandchildren, per the following declaration, "But and if any of my own children as mentioned in this Will should be dead before the execution of this Will or division of my estate among them, then and in that case I wish to be fully understood that it is my will that my estate be equally divided among the remaining pert of my own children that may survive and not among my grandchildren or among my sons’ wives that may survive their deceased husbands."

Samuel's Will is recorded in Cabell County, Will Book I, page 52, and reads:

I, Samuel Ferguson,Sr., of the County of Cabell, State of Virginia possessing soundness of mind and being of disposing memory, do hereby in the fear of God make, ordain and seal this my last Will and Testament in the following words and figures on this day, 8th of November, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four:

In the first place it is my will that all my just and lawful debts be paid. Secondly I do hereby will and bequeath to my son Samuel my plantation that I do now live upon with all its improvements thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining. Thirdly it is my will & I do thereby liberate manumit and forever discharge Molly my old black woman from slavery at the death of my wife MARY and at my death that is t say at our deaths the said Molly is t be free from slavery from me, my heirs, executors, administrators & assigns forever. And I do hereby will and bequeath unto the said Molly her bed and its furniture and a Cow to give her milk to live upon in her old age. Forthly it is my will & I do hereby liberate manumit and forever discharge Seally my half coloured or mulatto Girl servant from slavery at our deaths that is to say at the death of my wife MARY and at my death the said Seally my yellow Girl is to be free from me my heirs executors administrators and Assigns forever – And I do hereby will and bequeath unto the said Seally her bed and its furniture and a little wheel for spinning on.

Fifthly it is my will & I do hereby liberate manumit and forever discharge Sampson, my half coloured or mulatto boy from slavery in thirteen years from the date of this will, and at the expiration of thirteen years from the date of this will is free from me my heirs executors, administrators, and assigns forever. And I do hereby will land bequeath unto the said Sampson a good ax at the time of his freedom that he may be able to get his living by honest industry.

It is my will and I do hereby bequeath unto my son William all my wheelright tools. Seventhly, it is my will that all the remainder or residue of my personal Estate be equally divided among the children as is hereafter named in this Will (to wit) John Ferguson, William Ferguson, Thomas Ferguson, Isabel Bailey, Sally Bailey, and Elizabeth Booth. But & if any of my own children as mentioned in this will should be dead before the execution of this will or division of my Estate among them, then and in that case I wish to be fully understood that it is my will, that my Estate be equally divided among the remaining part of my own children that may survive & not among my grand children or among my son’s wives that may survive their deceased husbands. And be it understood that it is not my will that my son Samuel should possess and enjoy my plantation until my death & the death of my wife MARY only as we permit him to the privilege of living on the plantation – and it is further my will that Sampson my yellow boy after the death of me & my wife may be hired out to some good man that will use him well until the said Samson is free as stated in this Will and the price of said hire equally divided among all my own children which may be living at that time. Signed sealed & delivered from under my hand this eighth day of November 1824.

SAMUEL FERGUSON (Seal)
Burwell Spurlock
Stephen Spurlock
Abraham Trout
Cablell County Court February 1825.

The last will and testament of SAMUEL FERGUSON decd. Was presented in Court & proved by Burwell Spurlock, Stephen Spurlock & Abraham Trout three of the witnesses thereto which is ordered to be recorded.
Teste John Samuel Ck. C. C.

Sale Bill, Book 1, page 57 Cabell County

A sale Bill of all the personal property of SAMUEL FERGUSON SENR. Deceased, sold by William Ferguson executor on the first day of April 1825.

Stephen Spurlock 1 Bib & Collar $1.06 ¼
Thos Ferguson 1 Matax .81 ¼
Joseph Dean 1 sang hoe .31 ¼
Thos Napier 1 ax 1.75
Abraham Trout 1 ditto ". 43 ¾
Phillip Lambert 1 shovel plough 3.00
Burwell Spurlock 1 horse collar .56 ¼
John Witherow 1 horse collar & chains 2.12 ¼
Jeremiah Lambert chains & hames 2.87 ½
Burwell Spurlock 2 blind bridles ".56 ¼
Thos. Napier 1 log chain 2.00
Joseph Dean 1 pot trammel 1.62 ½
John Ferguson Jr. 1 shovel ".68 ¾
Samuel F Clarke one sythe ".62 ½
Vollentene Bloss one kettle & bale 2.31 ¼
Benjamin Garrett 1 gun & shot pouch 6.75
Adam Ferguson Clevis & double tree 1.56 ¼
Thos Ferguson 1 barshear plough 2.12 ½
Kelley Ferguson 1 cutting knife & box 1.31 ¼
James McGinnis Esq. 1 mare 41.00
Abraham Ferguson 1 table 2.81 ¼
Pleasant Workman 1 horse 27.50
Stephen Spurlock 1 cow hide 2.37 ½
Jacob Workman 1 side ditto 1.50
Jacob Workman 1 calf skin ".37 ½
Ferguson Booth 1 calf skin ".37 ½
Ferguson Booth 1 mare 20.56 ¼
Philip Lambert 1 hoe ".31 ¼
MARY FERGUSON 1 title wheel ".25
William Ferguson part in whipsaw 2.75
MARY FERGUSON 1 cow 1.00
Samuel F Clark one cow 8.12 ½
Samuel Ferguson Jr. one cow 8.00
Joseph Garrett 1 cow 6.37 ½
Hugh Bowen 1 cow & calf 9.62 ½
Bird Smith 1 cow & calf 9.00
James P. Bartrum paid ".75
Reuben Booten 1 heifer 4.00
Jesse Blankenship 1 bull l& steer 4.00
Jacob Workman 1 yearling calf 1.75
Abraham Trout 1 yearling ditto 2.18 ¾
Zelick Clark two calves 1.63 ¾
Asa Booten 1 heifer 5.31 ¼
Abraham Trout 2 hogs 2.12 ½
Reuben Booten eight head of hogs 7.00
Abraham Ferguson six pigs 1.50
Abraham Ferguson one Beestand 1.93 ¾
Abraham Ferguson ? head Geese 1.37 ½
Joseph Barrett five head sheep 6.50
James McGinnis Esq. 1 bridle ".12 ½
Isaac Bloss 1 sycle ".25
Thos. Ferguson 1 bridle ".31 ¼
Abraham Trout one powder keg ".12 ½
William Ferguson Smith tools 2.25
Thos. Ferguson one half bushel ".12 ½
MARY FERGUSON all her dresser ware 1.00
Zelick Clark one bottle ".56 ¼
Stephen Spurlock one candlestick ".56 ¼
Elizabeth Booth one canoe 2.56 ¼
Jesse Blankenship 1 tub & pale 1.18 ¾
MARY FERGUSON 1 reel ".12 ½
Reuben Booten One brush ".12 ½
Abraham Trout One tea canaster ".13.1/2
Elizabeth Booth 1 pewter dish & plate 1.75
Elizabeth Booth one bason 1.50
Elizabeth Booth one pair of stilyards 2.00
Thos. Ferguson 1 looking glass 2.06 ¼
Elizabeth Booth one Beauraugh 9.12.1/2
MARY FERGUSON one bed & stead & furniture 1.00
Ferguson Booth one bed & furniture 10.75
MARY FERGUSON 1 Bible & hynm Book ".50
*Samuel T. Clark one snuff bottle ".25
Thos. Ferguson one book ".25
Samuel Ferguson Jr. one book ".25
Burwell Spurlock one book ".25
Abraham Ferguson Book & sun dial ".25
Elizabeth Booth 1 pair saddle bags 3.50
Jeremiah Lambert eight chairs 3.00
MARY FERGUSON one pot ".25
Abraham Ferguson one oven & lid & hooks 1.50
Thomas Ferguson one pot 1.37 ½
MARY FERGUSON one big wheel 1.18 ¾
MARY FERGUSON one trunk ". 6 ¼
Jesse Blankenship Money weights .63 ½
The above Bill is correct to the best of my knowledge. Wm. Ferguson executor. Cabell County Court May 1825.

The Bill of Sales to the Estate of SAMUEL FERGUSON SNR. Deceased was presented in Court & ordered to be recorded.
Teste. John Samuels Ck. C. C.
*Also included on the above Bill of Sales:
Samuel T. Clark one book ".25
Abraham Trout one book ".37 ½
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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