Lucas County >> 1881 index

History of Lucas County, Iowa
Des Moines, State Historical Company, 1881.

F

Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

FERGUSON , C. P., postmaster, farmer and merchant, section thirteen, post-office, Norwood . Born December 11, 1818 , in Monmouth (now Ocean) county, New Jersey . When eight years old he moved with his mother to Wayne county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. In 1842 he went to Marshall county, Indiana, and in 1865, came to Lucas county, and located on the farm where he now lives. When a young man he learned the trade of wheelwright, and was engaged in that business several years. In 1876 he engaged in the mercantile business at Norwood , and was appointed postmaster, which position he still occupies. He now owns a fine store building, a well selected stock of goods, and a well improved farm of eighty acres. He was married December 12, 1840 , to Miss Ellen R. Spencer, of Connecticut . They have four children living: Spencer H., Mary E., Chas. S., and Hepsie A. His son George was a member of company K, Ninth Indiana volunteers. He was wounded at Stone River , and died at Nashville , Tennessee , in January, 1863. Mr. F.'s father was a native of New Jersey , and a sailor. He had charge of a small schooner plying between Toms' river and New York . December 24, 1816 , he and his brother were alone on board the schooner, lying in Egg Harbor , when a violent storm arose. They drifted eastward before a strong gale fifteen days, and after drifting forty-eight days, were picked up midway between the United States and England, by a government vessel, and reached home July 5, 1817.

FERGUSON , J. B., music teacher, post-office, Russell. Is a native of Pennsylvania , born in 1836. He was raised and educated in the land of his nativity. Has been a successful teacher of music for twenty-five years. In 1845 he married Miss Carrie Woods, of Pennsylvania , by whom he has had ten children. J. W. is a practicing physician. Mr. F. enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania , at Pittsburg , in 1862; was promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant. Took part in the battles of White Plains , Hay Market, and Gettysburg . Was discharged in 1863, on account of disabilities. He then remained at home till 1864, when he re-enlisted, in the 206th Pennsylvania , getting the appointment of major. Was ordered to Bermuda Hundred, September 28, 1864 , on provost duty, remaining till December 28th, then joining his regiment. His was the first white regiment in Richmond after its fall. In 1870 he came to Illinois , and in 1873 came to Lucas county, Iowa . He owns 170 acres of good land, well improved, and a fine home in Russell. He is the author of two music books, Song Garner and Normal Gems, both popular with musicians.

FOSTER, EPHRAIM, farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office, Belinda. The oldest settler in this township. Is a native of Pennsylvania, Bedford county, born July 2, 1826, where he remained twenty-three years. In 1848, he went to Fulton county, Illinois, remained there three years, and in the fall of 1852, came to this county, where he has since resided. Married in March, 1852, to Isabel Harding, of Illinois. They have seven children: George W., John Y., Cornelia Isabel, Sara A., Andrew A., Mary S., and Ezra E., living, and one, Henry L., deceased. Mr. Foster has a good farm of 438 acres, good house, barn, and orchard, and combines farming with stock- raising. He is a kind neighbor, and firmly identified with the prosperity of the county.

FUNK, D. M., farmer, section fourteen, post-office, Chariton . The subject of this sketch was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania , October 28, 1821. In 1844, he came to Wayne county, Ohio , remaining there till 1857. Was married in 1844, to Miss Agnes Sholtz, a native of Pennsylvania . They have nine children living: Rebecca, John B., Maria, David, Mary E., Belle, Francis, Jacob, and Isaac. Mr. Funk came to Marion county, Iowa , and in 1856 to this county. He has a farm of 108 acres, and good, comfortable buildings.

FUNK, JNO. B., section twenty-four, post-office, Chariton . Was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania . Moved, with his parents, when fourteen, to Warren county, Ohio . In 1856 he moved to Indiana , remaining two years. From Indiana he came to Marion county, Iowa , in 1858. In 1866 he came to this county, locating at his present residence. Mr. Funk was married in 1849, to Miss Jane Riddle, a native of Ohio . They have three children living: I. N., H. E., and L. M. Mrs. Funk died in 1869. Mr. Funk was married again, to Sabina Karr, in 1871. His home is a model of comfort and ease. He has 133 acres of good land, which bear the marks of his skill and energy.