R.G. Ferguson, a leading business man of Chippewa County is the president of the Ferguson Hardward Co., one of the leading commercial concerns of Sault Ste Marie, the growth of which has been almost phenomenalwhen the time of its existence is taken into consideration. To successfully conduct such an enterprise requires a man ofkeen perception, resolute pupose, utiring perseverance and excellent managerial ability - qualities possessedin aln eminent degree by the president of the company.

He first came to this city in August 1888, and opened a hardware establishment ot become a jobbing house as their trade demanded. Itsoon became apparent that they must enlarge their stock if they would meet the wants of the public. Thisthey did and from the beginning they receivd a most liberal patronage. In 1893 the Ferguson Hardware Co. was organized, with a capital of $30,000, all paid in. The following are its officers; R.G. Ferguson, President; W.H. Miller, vice-president; A.L. Ferguson, secretary/Treasurer. From that date it was the firm's puprpose to do a general jobbing as well as a retair business, and this plan has been very successful. They furnish employment in the works here to some 10 tinners, and 8 clerks and o an annual business second to none in the ciyt. The stock consists of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware, mill and lumbermen's supplies, all kinds of tin work,plumbing and steam and water heating. The members of the company are men of practical business experience, thoroughly acquainted with their line of trade, scrupulously honest and exact in their dealings, and their success is well merited.

In connection with the history of this concern it is interesting to note farther facts concerning its efficient president, for he is a self-made man who hwas won prosperity entirely through his own efforts. He was born in brampton Ontario, Oct. 22, 1858. About 1868 his father removed with the family to St. Joseph MO. In his early life he had followed farming and on removing to the west began merchandising in St. Joseph. In 1873 he returned to the East and carried on a grocery trade in Bay City MI. He is now living retired from active business cares and makes his home in this city. He was born in St. Thomas,Ontario, and belongs to an old Canadian family of Scotch-Irish lineage. He has now reached the age of 73 and is enjoying a rest which he has turly earned and deserves. His wife, Catherine Golden, is 60 years of age. Their children are: R.G.; A.L. born April 15, 1864 and is secretary and treasurer of the hardware company. He was married in this city in Sept. 1891 to Alice McNaughton, a daughter of W.W. McNaughton and they have one child, Robert G. W.F. was born in 1867 and Ferguson August 18, 1877.

R.G. Ferguson received good school privileges, completing his education by study int he Christian Brothers College of St. Joseph MO. During his boyhood he entered the employ of W.H. Miller who is now vice-president of hte Ferguson Hardware Co. and for a time did service in the store and office. As time went on and he became thoroughly familiary with the business he won promotion in 1874. He was very successful - in fact he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. On leaving the road he came to Sault St. Marie and the history of his business career has already been given.

On the 20th of Sept. 1886 in Winnipeg Manitoba, Mr.Ferguson wsa married to Christina Baine, daughter of James Baine, formerly of Belleville Ontario. Their home is blessed with a daughter, Helen Elizabeth born August 20, 1887. Mr. Ferguson exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican part. Socially he is a Knight Templar Mason and religiously is a Methodist.
Northern Pennisula 1895 Portraits & Biographical Pg 267