THOMAS FERGUS. The Fergus family are of Scotch descent, John Fergus, the grandfather of Thomas, having been born in Scotland, where he was married. He came with his family to America, and settled in Huntingdon county, Penn., where he died. John Fergus had three sons: Thomas, John and Samuel. Samuel Fergus was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools. In early manhood he was married to Miss Mary Paxton, and the following children were born to their union: Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Maxwell), John, Martha, Thomas, Sarah (Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. He was a member of the Seceder Church at Canonsburg, and was an elder for many years. In politics he was a Whig. He died April 14, 1853, at the age of ninety years, and was followed by his wife February 18, 1861, in her ninety-third year. Thomas Fergus was born November 2, 1802, on the home place in South Strabane township, and received his education at the subscription school, which was at first held in a log cabin on his father's farm. The floor was of ashes, and the seats were slabs of wood supported by wooden pegs. They had no backs for the weary urchins to rest upon, and the chimney consisted of a hole in the roof. The fireplace occupied one end of the building, and the windows were made by removing a portion of a log, and covering the space with greased paper. The only textbooks used were the Testament, the United States Speller and the Western Calculator. But even with these meager opportunities, Thomas acquired a fair education. On May 3, 1831, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John D. Roberts, and to their union have been born the following children: John D., Mary, Susan (deceased), Hannah J., Maria, Isabella, Samuel P., Addison R. and Sarah M. After his marriage Mr.Fergus settled on the farm in South Strabane township now owned by Mr. Roberts, and resided there seven years, when he removed to his present home. He was formerly a Whig, and since the formation of the party has been a Republican, being actively interested in the political issues of the day. In religion he is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, to which he gives liberal support.

Text taken from page 733 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Victoria Smith of San Jose, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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