Beckham County, OK - Obits: O. A. Ferguson, 1928 27 Jan 2008 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************ FERGUSON, O. A. (13 Dec 1928, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): PIONEER AND INVENTOR FOUND DEAD THURSDAY. O. A. Ferguson, commonly known as "Red-O-Colo Ferg," because of a cold drink whose mixture he originated, was found dead in his home on North Adams street, Thursday morning at 8:30 o'clock. Physicians who were called announced heart trouble as the cause of his death which occurred, it is believed, early Wednesday morning. Fergusen (sic) is one of the early landmarks of Beckham county and lived in the community before Elk City was proclaimed a town. In 1907 he set up a cold drink stand at the present site of the Diamond C store adjoining the Robinson furniture store. Since that time he has been a well known figure in the growth of the town and interested people with his strange and ingenious inventions and patents. A shoe shiner which was run by electricity, a weight run by motor, and an unique toyland run by electricity, are left as evidence of the inventive mind of "Ferg." Mr. Robinson, who knew the old settler more intimately than probably any one in Elk City, tells of interesting character incidents. He was a great Bible student and could quote from memory whole passages from the Scriptures as well as give his individual interpretations of Biblical works. He wrote a book entitled "The Book of Adam" which was published a few years ago. At county fairs, "Fergie" made a quaint picture with his patented drink known as Red-O-Cola, and his electrical doll land which he held for exhibition in a booth near the stands. At the time of his death, "Fergie" was employed in a restaurant. When he did not appear at work Thursday morning friends sent to his home on North Adams street to see if he was ill. The front door was locked and the back door was propped with a kitchen chair. He was found fully dressed lying across the floor before the burning gas stove, apparently having fallen while sitting on the edge of the bed. The lights were on. Mrs. Hartline, a neighbor woman, was called who telephoned Mr. Robinson. Doctors who were summoned, said that heart trouble caused his death. Mr. Robinson who was the last person who talked with him Wednesday night, declared that he was not feeling ill when he left him early in the evening, although he had not been in the best of health for the last several weeks. Mr. Fergusen (sic) was baptised a few years ago in Elk City, and although he did not adhere to the doctrine of any particular creed, he was a sincere believer in the Bible. Several years ago he told friends that it was his desire to be buried in Elk City. Funeral services were held at the First Christian church Monday afternoon with Rev. Carl V. Covey officiating. Interment was made at Fairlawn cemetery. His daughter, Mary Hoyt, was present at the funeral. He was 70 years old at the time of his death. Gentry-Killough, funeral directors, were in charge of arrangements. Obituary. O. A. Ferguson was born February 2, 1859, and died at his home in Elk City, December 5, 1928, at the age of 69 years, 10 months and 3 days. Funeral services were held at the Christian church Monday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Carl V. Covey officiated. Interment was made at Fairlawn cemetery. Gentry-Killough, funeral directors, were in charge of arrangements. --------------------------------------------------------- Return to Beckham County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/beckham/beckham.htm