Ferguson Family History

Charles and Kezia

Children of Charles and Kezia
George
Jessie
Sophie
Edith
John Franklin

 

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George Ferguson, circa 1864Colonel George Ferguson, V.D., J.P. was born in Hobart in July 1846, and sailed with his parents Captain and Mrs. Ferguson on the Rajah for a few years until the family settled at Williamstown. In 1866, George was the proprietor of George Ferguson Co., shipping agents. George bought the building on the corner of Divett and Lipson Streets, Port Adelaide, and operated on the site Bond and Free Stores (now the South Australian Maritime Museum).

In 1875 George came to South Australia and opened up the Murray and Darling trade for William McCulloch & Co., and subsequently established the business of George Ferguson & Co, which he controlled until his death. George's military career began when he joined the Williamstown Volunteer Rifles at the age of 15 as George's father was the founder. George joined as a gunner and by merit he worked his way up through the ranks. In 1872, he received a commission as Lieutenant. Three years later he became a Brevet-Captain, and retired in 1882, from the Victorian Force to come to South Australia.

In 1882 George joined the South Australia Garrison Artillery and became a Captain in 1884, a Major in 1889, Lieutenant Colonel in 1895, and Colonel in 1901. In 1901 Colonel George Ferguson had command of 550 men in the South Australian Contingent which visited Melbourne and took part in the royal review at Flemington held in honour of the present King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, for the opening of Federal Parliament. It was during this visit of their Royal Highnesses to Adelaide, Colonel Ferguson received the Volunteer Decoration (V.D.) from the Duke.

George Ferguson, circa 1902In 1906 George reached the retiring age of 60 and was asked by the military authorities to extend his service for two years. On July 1908 he was transferred to the retired list. He had been closely associated with the shipping and customs trade of the port for nearly 30 years. He died in June 1914, and was buried at Cheltenham Cemetery.

He married Rosetta Young in 1872 in Geelong, Victoria. They had three sons and two daughters.

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