Report on Ferguson line findings from Salt Lake City Family History Library last December.

This time I turn to review the items gleaned from my research trip on the Ferguson Line. My grandfather J.E. Dougherty’s mother was Margaret Helen Ferguson. Her grandfather was reported to be David Ferguson “a noted physician in that country,” (Ireland).¹

Persistence

it really does takes persistence in this business/hobby to be able to trace those elusive ancestors. Very early on I had seen the reference in Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Family History of New York. Vol. I-IV. for David Ferguson and when we went to Ireland in 2005 during our stay in Dublin I tried searching the National Archives for David Ferguson MD. I Just did not know enough to make any connections. I have continued to periodically search all the data bases for a David Ferguson in Dublin where his son was born 12 April 1827.

This past December while in Salt Lake City I did new searches in the Irish records for David Ferguson b. About 1800 living in Ireland in 1827.

Findings

Looking at Irish records on the the Irishgenealogy.ie site I was able to access the church records.

Looking for a David Ferguson who was a Physician.

Sorry this is pretty much unreadable. What it is a marriage record for Dublin (county)

Marriage solemnized at St Mar’s church in the Parish of St. Mary in the City of Dublin

David Ferguson MD    full   Bachelor    MD    Enfield Co. Meth     John Ferguson    Esqr

Maria Potterton           full   Spinster     —     97 Up. Dorset St      John Potterton   Esqr

Married in the parish church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the United Church of England and Ireland, by License  by me: Alexander Leeper

This marriage was solemnized between us: David Ferguson MD Marie Potterton  In the Presence of: Thos Potterson and Hamilton Ferguson

Since my 2x great grandfather was born in 1827 if this is his father this would be a second marriage. He should be listed as a widow not a bachelor.

If this is my 3x great grandfather it now shows who his father was.

Who was the Hamilton Ferguson shown as one of the witness’ at this marriage?

The next document I found on the Familysearch.org website was a index of Wills and Administrations²

David Ferguson,  12 March.   The Will

(79)   Effects under £2,000    of David Ferguson late of Enfield County Meath Medical Doctor deceased  who died 5 December 1872 at George’s -place Dublin was proved at the Principal Registry by the oath of Maria Ferguson of George’s-place aforesaid the Widow and one of the Executors

Unfortunately in reviewing the website for the National Archives of Ireland this Index may be the only surviving record of this will. I would truly love to see the Will to see if there is any genealogical information that shows if this is my David Ferguson.

 

 

 

¹ Pelletreau, William S. Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Family History of New York. Vol. I-IV. New York, USA: Lewis Publishing, 1907.

²Ireland Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ5W-795 : 13 March 2018), David Ferguson, 05 Dec 1873; citing 00112, 005014891, Principal Probate Registry, Dublin; 100,977.