My Genealogy Hound

BARNEY FERGUSON, proprietor of Barney’s Place, is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Fermanagh, Sept. 20, 1847. His parents, Hugh and Mary (Kohran) Ferguson, were also natives of Ireland. Subject grew to manhood in Ireland, receiving a liberal education. Immigrated to America in 1869, sailing from Londonderry, in the steamer North America, and reaching Quebec, Canada, in October, after a voyage of nine days. Came at once to the states, locating at Whitehall, Mich., where he engaged in the lumber business. In the fall of 1870 he came west, locating at Baxter Springs, Kan., and engaged with a brother in the stock business for a time, after which he clerked several months in a grocery store. Came to Joplin in March, 1871, and engaged in smelting one year. Then accepted the superintendency of the works of S. B. Corn & J. C. Thompson until the latter retired, continued with the former until the spring of 1875, when he went to Dade county, and constructed a furnace and engaged there as superintendent for some time. Returned to Joplin in winter of 1876, and re-engaged in smelting, this time for the West Joplin L. &. Z. Co. In July, 1877 he made a visit to his old home in Ireland, sailing from New York on the City of Berlin and nine days thereafter landed at Londonderry; remained several weeks. Returned, sailing from Dundalk, Ireland, on the City of Berlin, arriving at New York City in September same year; returned at once to Joplin, and shortly after engaged in present business. Mr. Ferguson was married May 17, 1873, to Miss Mary, daughter of Philip Lisch of this city. From this union there are three children, Maggie, born March 9, 1874; Annie, born Dec. 4, 1876; and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are both members of the Catholic Church.