BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.

Pages 738-739.
 
MALCOLM FERGUSON is one of the oldest citizens of Wheeling township, Belmont Co., Ohio.
His mother, Mary (Miller) Ferguson, died when he was but four years old. Samuel Ferguson,
his father, broke up the home after the death of his wife, and Malcom went to live with
William McFarland, remaining with him until he was twenty-two years of age. He never
enjoyed the advantages of school life after he was twelve, but induced by his desire
for an education, he studied at night, and by dint of hard work and much study he has
succeeded in gaining a very desirable knowledge of men and things, having a systematic,
well equipped mind. When he was twenty-eight years old he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Patton, two children were the issue of this marriage: James P., who lives on section
14 of Wheeling township, a much respected member of the community in which he lives, and
a member of the board of education; and Mary M., deceased. After but four years of wedded
life, Mrs. Ferguson was called away from this world. In time Mr. Ferguson married a second
wife, this time Miss Julia A. Miller, daughter of David and Jane Miller, who were both
natives of Cumberland county, Penn., became his bride. This second marriage has been
blessed by the birth of two children: one son, William H., who is a minister of the United
Presbyterian church, being at present located at Piper City, Ill., where he is much beloved
for the efficient work he is doing, and Nancy J., who died at the age of eight years. Mr.
and Mrs. Ferguson are members of the United Presbyterian church, of Unity, having been
connected with the church for almost fifty years. Mr. Ferguson has been an elder in his
church since 1852, has served as trustee of his township for four years, and has made a
success of his business, having 200 acres of highly cultivated farming land, which is
finely stocked and wisely tended. Mr. Ferguson is now retired from active life at the age
of seventy-seven years, although he is still hale and hearty.