Washington Co., AR - Biographies - T. R. Ferguson *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: The Goodspeed Publishing Co Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenwebarchives.org *********************************************** T. R. Ferguson, whose post-office is Spring Valley, is a native of Indiana, born in 1820, and the son of William and Nancy (Ross) Ferguson. The father was a farmer, was a soldier in the War of 1812 under Gen. Jackson, and was at the battle of New Orleans. He moved from Virginia to Indiana in his early youth, and there died. His son, T. R. Ferguson, was educated in the State University at Bloomfield, and studied medicine at Springfield, Ill., under Dr. Darlin, graduating from McDowell College a year or so later. He then began to practice his profession, and has continued at this ever since. In 1840 he espoused religion, joined the Christian Church, and soon after was ordained. He follows his ministerial duties as a local preacher when possible to do so. He entered the Southern army in 1861, under Gen. Price, and served with him until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner several times, but was exchanged. Previous to this, in 1841, he married Miss Liza J. May, of Macon County, Ill., and they are now the parents of six children: Mrs. Nancy Purdy, Mrs. Catherine Muse, Mrs. Annie Denningbery; Walter, who married Miss Alice Sanders; George, and James, who married Miss Ellen Hice. The same year of his marriage Mr. Ferguson left Indiana and moved to Springfield, Ill., but soon left there and moved to Buchanan County, where he remained until the close of the war. After that eventful period Mr. Ferguson moved to Washington County, Ark., where he has remained ever since, practicing his profession and engaged in his ministerial duties. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, an Odd Fellow, is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and his family are all members of the Christian Church. In 1883 Mr. Ferguson was the candidate of the Union Labor party for State senator.