D. S. FERGUSON. Nowhere within the limits of Howell County, Missouri, can there be found a man who takes greater interest in its agricultural affairs than does D. S. Ferguson, who is also a prominent fruit-grower of this section. Every life has a history of its own, and although in appearance it may possess little to distinguish it from others, yet the connection of Mr. Ferguson with the agricultural and fruit interests of this region has contributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly every citizen of the county, if not personally, then by name.
His farm, one of the best in the county, consists of 220 acres, and is situated two and one-half miles west of Willow Springs. Mr. Ferguson is a native of Tennessee, his birth occurring in Greene County, May 13, 1853, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Hogan) Ferguson, who came to Howell County in 1871, and here passed the remainder of their days. (See sketch of E. C. Ferguson.) Although the late war interfered to some extent with our subject’s schooling he managed to secure a fair education, which he has since improved by observation and study. He was nineteen years of age when the family came to this county and settled on land now occupied by the city of Willow Springs.
In 1876 young Ferguson started out to make his own way in life, and his first venture was to marry Miss Martha I. Young, a most estimable young lady, and the daughter of William Young, of Willow Springs. After this union they settled on the farm where they now live, and of the large tract of land now owned by them 130 acres is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Ferguson is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, also raises considerable fruit, and is one of the leading farmers of his section. He is a Republican in politics, and a Methodist in his religious views. Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the Christian Church. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of three interesting children: Tennessee, Charles and Orval. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are well respected by all, and are leading people in their section. Mrs. Ferguson was born in Illinois, and came with her parents to Willow Springs in 1874. There the father resides at the present time. He is justice of the peace of the city.