Tartan Tales from Clan Ferguson

Peter got in touch to share his family connections to Clan Ferguson and the Ferguson gathering in Australia in 1990.

My Mother Gloria Tronc(Ferguson) is in the big picture along with other members of our family including her sister Ada

Christine was eager to share some information about Fergusons arriving in Canada

Here in Quebec Canada the first Ferguson’s arrived via the Gaspésie region to protect the peninsula from the enemy. Stationed for a very long time they married French Quebec ladies and started a new branch of the family tree. Another Ferguson I could find was John Ferguson buried in the Gaspésie cemetery.

Joseph shared his connections to Clan Ferguson!

My maternal grandmother was Mamie Louise Ferguson (b. 1892) who was the daughter of George Isaiah Walter Ferguson (b.1861) of Alberta, New Brunswick Canada. His wife was Delphine Steeves. Mamie wed Arthur Wilmot Roberts and they lived in Malden, Massachusetts. I am very proud of my Scottish heritage and would love to learn more from others in the Ferguson clan that may be related one way or another.

Andrew sent us some gorgeous photos from his Wedding, he opted for some Ferguson tartan trews for the reception and choose to get a Ferguson Kilt for the after party- we think he looked great and the kilt was a great choice for dancing in!

He also wore a tartan bowtie along with his groomsmen.

My sister made a tartan vest for my nephew to match our outfits.

Peter got in touch to share his Ferguson connections and a sneak peak into his colourful Ferguson features wardrobe.

I am so proud to belong to Clan Ferguson, arguably one of the oldest clans in of Scotland. There are Fergusons of Craigdarroch, Kilkerran and Balquhidder and we have three magnificent tartans, the Ancient, the Modern and the Balquhidder tartan. I have kilts and trews in all variations and this picture shows me at my niece's wedding wearing the Ancient Ferguson, alongside a Scots Guard piper wearing Royal Stewart.

Gordon was delighted to help us celebrate Clan Ferguson.

I purchased 2 Ferguson tartan kilts from you a year ago.

The attached photo is of myself and my two sons (Aaron and Ben) proudly wearing our Ancient Ferguson tartan kilts at Aaron’s wedding in Perth, Western Australia, in March this year.

Graeme looks fantastic in his Ferguson Modern Kilt for his PHD Graduations.

This photo was taken the day I graduated with my PhD. I was the first in my family to go to university and tremendously proud of my achievement. I’m also tremendously proud of my Scottish heritage so what better way to celebrate than by wearing my Ferguson modern kilt to my graduation!

My great-grandparents John and Jane Ferguson came to New Zealand in 1876 from the Glasgow area. They are buried together here in Christchurch and I visit their grave to acknowledge them and give thanks for the life they have enabled me to enjoy today.

Over the past month we have enjoyed learning about our customers connections to Clan Ferguson, we were delighted when Carol reached out to share her families connection to the Clan.

"As far as we know our Family originated in Scotland; but although we have submitted our DNA to the Ferguson Clan Data bank - we do not match up to much. This has made it difficult to pinpoint our particular hometown for our ancestors in Scotland. If anyone reading this has any information that could lead us to that place please let us know."

"Our family's story: The 3 original Ferguson Brothers Thomas, John and Richard and (probably) their 2 sisters, Janet and Nancy (Anne) were born in Scotland coming to Pennsylvania about 1750. We do not know anything of their parents but early - one brother went to Virginia and married a Tripplett from the Family of brick architects that built Mount Vernon home of George Washington. The young Brothers about 18, 16 and 14 years of age migrated Southward toward a warmer and less crowded (possibly because of marauding Indians) area and where there was available fertile land - the Yadkin Valley - in what is now Wilkes Co, North Carolina. Wilkes Co. was formed in 1777 originally it was in Surry County.

They settled on the Yadkin River, Beaver Creek and Stony Fork Creek. All became large landowners and even bought land by training and trading good hunting dogs. This was 10 years before the great frontiersman Daniel Boone left Pennsylvania and following in the Ferguson Brother's footsteps forged his way to also settling in the Yadkin Valley. The Fergusons and the Boones became friends."

"Daniel Boone built 3 cabins. The Fergusons were his near neighbours 1 1/2 mile away. Daniel Boone's cabins were built on Beaver Creek and across the Yadkin (there are markers where these cabin's stood) and the 3rd cabin's location is now under the waters of the Kerr Scott Reservoir. Daniel, being of a restless disposition, left his family to go further exploring - coming back and forth to the Yadkin for many years, until finally moving his family to Kentucky.

Also of interest to readers of the Outlander Books- the author seem to pin-point the area around Ferguson as Jamie and Claire's holdings in the new world. The Fergusons eventually moved up in the world owning a brick house (one of the few in the area) and this Ferguson owner became known as Brick House Jack. Jack entertained many dignitaries of the age and was well known for his hospitality. The Fergusons reared large families which today still own the original holdings of land, They helped build the Beaver Creek Church and mail was delivered at church by the Ferguson Post Master - in about 1912 the Post Office and town was officially renamed Ferguson."

"In more modern times - 40 years ago a Ferguson descendant - Edith Marie Carter - began reconstructing old log cabins moving them to the family farm. These cabins included Daniel Boone's and Tom Dule's (of the famous song) homes, and also a general Store, Church and a one room school house. many other buildings were added - until there is now a small historical village on our original Ferguson land; Whippoorwill Village.

The village operated by Family and helped by many volunteers is open most weekends in the summer and by appointment other times of the year. Whippoorwill Village has many special celebrations - 2 annual events are - recreations of life in Daniel Boone Days and Tom Dule Days. Also Outlander related events have recently been added to the calendar. Throughout the year there are also various music and art festivals and (by appointment) weddings venues. An Air B&B can be rented for a stay in the old Ferguson homestead. Most school children in the area take field trips to Whippoorwill Village and many a boy scout canoe expedition on the Yadkin starts here. (much more info on Whippoorwill Village is on the internet)"

Carol also has some great information on Ferguson Castles that she was eager to share.

"You might be interested to know there is a much older Ferguson castle ruin on Kilkerran property. The towers still stands; as does the bottom room which has a large fireplace. see photos Also the Ferguson who was Factor at Drummund castle is credited with designing and executing the garden which was featured as France in the Outlander series."

"See photo Patrick Ferguson led the British in the fateful Kings Mountain battle of the American Revolution and he also invented the breech loading rifle. Which if the British high command had backed and used at Kings Mountain may have turned the battles' outcome."

Cindy shared the story of her late husbands time as Chief at their local Caledonian Society.

"Years ago, back in 1979 I think, my husband Raymond Ferguson was inducted as chief into our local Caledonian Society here in Randfontein, South Africa."

"Me (Cindy Ferguson) with my husband on Chief's Night. Our ten year old daughter, Raylene, was the badge bearer that night. Ray also played the pipes for the Krugersdorp Pipe Band."

We are honoured to include Cindy and Raymond's story, we were very sad to hear of the passing of Raymond in 2021. We are sure his work and commitment to the society will live on for years to come.

Noelle has been following our Ferguson celebrations and got in touch to share her very interesting Ferguson links.

'Hi, I am a Ferguson Clan member from the American branch.

My great great grandmother was a Ferguson, granddaughter of Thomas Ferguson the founder of the American branch & friend of Thomas Jefferson. His father was John, the 15th Laird of the name. The family here in America did very well, investing in land & industry over the generations. My Ferguson grandmother married into the Coulter family, and she, and my great grandfather, built a very successful furniture company, large family, and beautiful home together. Their home is now a private museum, as it exhibits some of the finest craftsmanship available in United States at the time. Even though our last name was Coulter, the last few generations of the family continued to use Ferguson family names as our first and middle names. My oldest son is named Henry Coulter W. as a tribute to this ancestry.

One of my favorites, Ferguson ancestors is my 10th great grandmother, Annie Laurie, of whom the popular ballad was written about. She & her husband, Alexander the 14th laird, built the estate that stands today in Dumfries. Their marriage appeared to be a happy one, as they went on to have many children.'

Learn about the clan's origin, royal links and a special Scottish poet. This is a legendary Scottish clan steeped in history!