Sacramento County
Biographies
WILLIAM GEORGE FERGUSON
WILLIAM GEORGE FERGUSON--A prosperous rancher and dairyman who has large holdings in the Galt district is William George Ferguson, who was born on the old Ferguson ranch four miles northwest of Galt, January 20, 1879, the son of William Henry and Eliza Jane (Uren) Ferguson. The father, who was of Scotch descent, came to California from Pennsylvania in the very early days, and for years drove a ten-mule wagon from Sacramento and Stockton to Carson City and Virginia City, Nev. When the wagonmaker who built his wagon had finished it he suggested putting a name on it to identify it. It being left to him, he painted "Harry of the West" on it, and by this name Mr. Ferguson became known far and wide. After teaming for a number of years, Mr. Ferguson settled northwest of Galt and acquired 700 acres of land, which he farmed until his death, at the age of sixty-eight, Mrs. Ferguson continuing the management of the ranch up to the time of her death on February 8, 1913, at the age of fifty-five.
There were two children in the Ferguson family, Anna, Mrs. Louis Christensen, who passed away in 1912, and William George. The latter spent his boyhood attending the Grant district school and assisting on the home place. On the death of his mother, he took charge of it and through his capable management he has brought it to a high state of development. He owns 560 acres here with the old home buildings his father had erected many years ago, and these are now used to house his employees. Mr. Ferguson also purchased 225 acres adjoining on the east, and here in 1914 he built a fine modern home, where he has since resided.
Mr. Ferguson's marriage at Sacramento, September 17, 1913, united him with Miss Angie M. Stroman, born at York City, Pa., the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Sultana J. (Martin) Stroman; the father was at one time county recorder of York County, Pa., and well known throughout that country. Both parents are still living and to them were born four children: Alpheus; George W.; Angie M., Mrs. Ferguson; and Chauncey. Mrs. Ferguson came to Sacramento, Cal., in 1912, and it was here that she met Mr. Ferguson. They have one daughter, Mary Jane. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Ferguson is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Galt.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County, California
With Biographical Sketches, Page 685. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA.
1923.
© 2007 Jeanne Taylor.