My Genealogy Hound

William C. Ferguson, the son of Joseph L. and Bettie E. Ferguson, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1848, being denied in youth even such advantages for an education that were to be obtained at that period. When eighteen years of age he began life on his own responsibility, choosing for his vocation the most independent of all callings, farming. In 1874 he came to St. Francis County, Ark., locating on his present farm, which consists of 539 acres, with 340 cleared and carefully improved. He has also a gin (steam) with self-acting press, and a capacity of twenty bales per day, ginning on an average 700 bales each year. He is also extensively engaged in stock-raising, in which he has been quite successful. In 1887 Mr. Ferguson opened a store on his place, carrying a stock valued at $3,500, from which he is realizing very satisfactory returns. He was married in 1870 to Miss Bettie E. Ligon, a daughter of J. A. and Bettie A. Ligon, natives of Dixon County, Tenn. The result of this union is nine children: Emma D., William R., Annie V., Joe, Elton T., Cleveland, Blanche, Lulu M. and Cora E. (deceased). Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat in his political views, and in religious belief, a Presbyterian. Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In secret societies he is identified with the Knights of Honor. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. The paternal grandfather, a native of South Carolina, reached four-score years and six.