Will County IL Archives Obituaries.....Ferguson, Daniel 1876
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com October 23, 2006, 2:43 am

Morris Herald, Grundy Co, IL, Sep 25, 1876
Our village was thrown into a state of mourning and sadness last Wednesday, by 
a telegraphic message announcing the death of Dan’l Ferguson, Esq., merchant 
and banker. He was brought to his old home on the following day, and the depot 
and platform were crowded by villagers of every class, and a large, solemn, 
and sympathizing crowd accompanied the corpse and family to his old 
residence. Numerous flags hoisted, half mast, added much to the deep 
expression of strong and ardent respect for poor Dan, as he was familiarly 
called. His residence and usual place of business were draped in mourning. The 
village seemed as if a thunderbolt had committed sad havoc and 
devastation. The general expression was that he died without an enemy. Dan was 
born in Scotland, but coming with his family, who are all highly respected, 
and who reside near Channahon, when he was a boy, he attracted the notice of 
J. Lewis, Esq., who did an extensive business at that place. His willingness 
and adaptability to his calling insured the respect and confidence of his 
employer, and tended much to his after success. He was, at the termination of 
his time, engaged by G. Smith, Esq., and with him he was equally successful in 
his business capabilities, and in securing public favor and confidence, and 
was faithful, industrious and honest. He afterwards bought out the business, 
which he successfully conducted for a long series of years. The last year or 
so he met with severe business reverses, which caused him much trouble of 
mind, affected his nervous system, and ultimately upset his physical 
system. Yet, notwithstanding these reverses, he had the confidence and respect 
of all his business friends, who well knew his uprightness honor, and 
integrity. We heard of one individual, who well knew his stiring worth, who 
wrote and offered him the use of $4,000. Dan was overpowered by such an act of 
generosity and confidence, and said that he would have the letter framed, and 
would preserve it as a precious relic; he, however, did not use the 
privilege. Such an act of generous, friendly confidence is rarely met with in 
a lifetime. Dan was a true patriot and consistent lover of his adopted 
country; and when the tocsin of the war of the rebellion sounded he promptly 
answered its call by enlisting in the 113th Ills., regiment, and was appointed 
lieutenant of his company. Some of his comrades who were with him in dread 
battles, speak glowingly of his bravery and heroism. He was in active 
engagements at Hains Bluff and Vicksburg, and had his leg shot off at Fort 
Hindman, Arkansas Post. He was for a long time in the hospital and attended by 
the Sisters of Charity, of whom he spoke in the highest terms, and mainly 
attributed his recovery to their constant and sisterly care. He was frequently 
visited by his old friend and employer, when in the most critical state of his 
existence. He was very grateful to the Sisters, and showed it by generous 
gifts to assist them to continue their mission of love and good works. After 
his release, and the amputation of his leg, he returned home and recommenced 
business, and was elected County Treasurer of Grundy, which office he filled 
with perfect satisfaction to all parties, and resigned it at the end of the 
term. While filling this position he ensured the respect, confidence, and 
friendship of all with whom he became connected. After this he resumed 
business at his old stand. He then wished to settle down to domestic life and 
enjoyment, and married one of the daughters of Mr. A.C. Worthing, an old 
respected well-to-do farmer in the town of Seward. He was a devoted and 
affectionate husband and enjoyed much happiness in their mutual love, and the 
widow, with his two little girls, have the deepest sympathy of the entire 
community. His religious views were liberal, his political ones, 
Republican. He was a candidate for nomination as State Treasurer, and if 
elected he would have well and faithfully discharged the duties of the 
office. His interment and the funeral services took place last Friday, and 
such a day of sorrow and mourning was never seen before in the village. Throng 
after throng kept coming in until every available place for hitching a team 
was taken up, and the streets were crowded with those on foot. The services 
were held at the M.E. church, but long before the mournful bell tolled, a 
large crowd had assembled, besides a similar one in front of the house. On 
opening the church doors, it was uncomfortably filled, and a vast number were 
unable to obtain a seat, among whom was the writer of this article. The 
services were very imposing; the choir chanted its solemn requiem, the Rev. 
A.W. Chapman, Congregational minister, read the scriptures and offered 
appropriate prayer, and the Rev. T.A. Reynolds delivered the funeral oration, 
which, we are told, was a very excellent one. When the services were over the 
procession formed for the place of sepulchre at the graveyard at 
Channahon. The streets through which it passed were literally packed; we 
counted upwards of 100 carriages accompanying it, besides many which stayed in 
the village. He was 3? Years of age; cut off in his prime and usefulness – the 
village and country round feel that we have lost one of our best men. He was a 
faithful and affectionate husband and father, a man of high moral integrity, a 
true patriot, and a constant and unfailing friend. His family were true 
patriots during the war-a beautiful marble shaft rises next to his resting 
place, to mark the burial spot of a devoted brother who lost his life in the 
war, and another brother still survives, who also was in the terrible 
conflict. There was quite a number of friends, from Morris, Joliet, Channahon, 
and other places who attended his funeral.



File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/obits/f/ferguson440nob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/

File size: 6.4 Kb