William Ferguson, Sr.
Sunday. Wm. Ferguson, Sr., residing at the corner of Orange and Wayne Streets, yesterday resigned his position of blacksmith in the A.-T. shops and will retire from active labor. Mr. Ferguson has quite a history. He was born in Ohio County, Virginia, in 1821. When 12 years of age his father died. In 1845 Mr. Ferguson came to this county. He was in the Mexican War and went to California in 1849, engaging in mining on the American river. He returned here the following year and worked 14 years for Hall, Simmons & Allen, a pioneer blacksmithing firm. He then worked at Ft. Wayne, Galion, at Schreidt & Miller works two years and for the A.-T. company six years. His services at the business covers 58 years and he deserves the title, which he bears, that of the oldest blacksmith in the county.
From Richland Shield & Banner: July 16, 1892