Biography of William Ferguson, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 22 Jan 2009
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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William C. Ferguson, the son of Joseph L. and Bettie E. Ferguson, was born in
Shelby County, Tenn., in 1848, being denied in youth even such advantages for an
education that were to be obtained at that period. When eighteen years of age he
began life on his own responsibility, choosing for his vocation the most
independent of all callings, farming. In 1874 he came to St. Francis County,
Ark., locating on his present farm, which consists of 539 acres, with 340
cleared and carefully improved. He has also a gin (steam) with self-acting
press, and a capacity of twenty bales per day, ginning on an average 700 bales
each year. He is also extensively engaged in stock raising, in which he has been
quite successful. In 1887 Mr. Ferguson opened a store on his place, carrying a
stock valued at $3, 500, from which he is realizing very satisfactory returns.
He was married in 1870 to Miss Bettie E. Ligon, a daughter of J. A. and Bettie
A. Ligon, natives of Dixon County, Tenn. The result of this union is nine
children: Emma D., William R., Annie V., Joe, Elton T., Cleveland, Blanche, Lulu
M. and Cora E. (deceased). Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat in his political views,
and in religious belief, a Presbyterian. Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church. In secret societies he is identified with the Knights
of Honor. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at
the advanced age of eighty-six years. The paternal grandfather, a native of
South Carolina, reached four-score years and six. 

Goodspeed Memoirs and Biograhies-1890