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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Squire Daniel A. Ferguson, a prominent resident and retired merchant at Saulsbury, was born January 8, 1825, in Franklin County, Va., of which State his parents were also natives. His father, Daniel Fergu son, was born August 4, 1782, and immigrated to Tennessee in 1836, locating in Hardeman County, where he died March 27, 1858. He was an officer of high rank in the war of 1812. The mother, Jemima (Saunders) Ferguson, was born, and spent her life in her native State. She died in 1835. Our subject’s early life was passed on a farm. In 1857 he embarked in the merchandise business at Saulsbury, where with the exception of about six years, he continued until 1882. He was one of the most successful merchants of the county for many years, and considered a man of best business qualifications. In 1849 he was elected magistrate, and served about ten years in that capacity. He was the first mayor of the town, holding the office for eight or ten years. No man in the community is better or more favorably known. He has great force of character. He began life with comparatively nothing, but is now in most comfortable circumstances, and owns some fine property. He is a Mason and a Democrat. April 29, 1847, he married Miss Frances E., daughter of James and Mary (Jones) Smith, of Tippah County, Miss. To the union two children were born: James and Mary Frances, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are zealous and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

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This family biography is one of 101 biographies included in the book,  The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Hardeman County was included within The History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties, Tennessee

View additional Hardeman County, Tennessee family biographies here: Hardeman County, Tennessee

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