This fine old Scotch family was founded in Troy, New York, by Alexander Ferguson (2), born in Glasgow, Scotland, but whose whole life with the exception of the first three years has been spent in Troy.
(I) Alexander Ferguson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 1802, died at Wappinger's Falls, Dutchess county, New York, in June, 1889. He married, in Glasgow, Mary, born 1804, died 1847, daughter of George and Ann Ferguson, probably a kinswoman. They resided on Cheapside street, near the river. About 1836 the family came to the United States and settled in Dutchess county, New York. Alexander Ferguson was a cotton dresser, and after a few years spent in the Borden nail mill, worked at his reguiar trade, learned in Scotland. The children of Alexander and Mary (Ferguson) Ferguson, were: Ann; Elizabeth; Alexander (2), see forward; Agnes; all born in Glasgow, Scotland, where George and Robert died.
(II) Alexander (2), son of Alexander (1) and Mary (Ferguson) Ferguson, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 1833. In 1836 he came to the United States, where the father had preceded him about two years before. He landed in Montreal, Canada, and joined his father in Troy, New York. The son always remained in Troy, where he was educated and started a business career that extended over forty years. His first employment was as a machinist, later as a manufacturer of brick; he thoroughly mastered the art of successful and profitable brick-making, and continued as the leading brick manufacturer of Troy for a term of years in excess of forty. During that period he transformed the clay hills of Mt. Ida and those on Hoosic street into good merchantable brick, that entered largely into the construction of the public and private buildings of Troy. His activity in the public affairs of the city has been confined to educational lines entirely. He has served on the school board, representing both the Fifth and Seventh wards of his city. His politics is Republican, and his religious faith Presbyterian. He is public spirited and generous, giving liberally to the maintenance of the Young Woman's Home and other worthy benevolences. Mr. Ferguson has practically retired from active business life, resides in Troy, at the corner of Hoosic and Fifteenth streets, and enjoys the fruits of an active, well-spent life. He married, November 1, 1854, Mary Ann Stone, born in Troy, New York, April 10, 1834, where she died in 1905. Children:
- Joseph, born December 24, 1855; married Elizabeth Whitney, and had four children: Baltuce, Mary S. F., Alexander F., Sheldon B.
- Oakley W., April 8, 1858, married Frances Davis, and had two children: Walter A., and Mae D.
- Cora May, June 7, 1867; married, November 28, 1888, Charles Christopher Seibert, born September 2, 1863, son of Michael Seibert, of Troy. Her children are Norman, Saleina, both deceased; Naomi, Wilhelmina and Alexander Seibert.