William Ferguson (Australian pioneer)
William Ferguson | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1809 Hawick, Scotland |
| Died | 3 December 1892 |
| Occupation(s) | Farmer, settler, auctioneer |
| Known for | Early settler of South Australia, landowner, founding member of Agricultural and Horticultural Society |
William Ferguson (circa 1809 – 3 December 1892) was among the earliest settlers in South Australia and counted as one of the last living passengers who arrived on the 1836 voyage.
History
Originating as a farmer from Hawick, Scotland, Ferguson immigrated in 1836 aboard the flagship Buffalo, commanded by Governor Hindmarsh, which formed part of the "First Fleet of South Australia". During the journey, his wife gave birth to their first child while still in South Australian waters.
He was present at the Proclamation event beneath the Old Gum Tree on 28 December 1836 and contributed to thatching the roof of the first Government House.
Ferguson amassed substantial property holdings, including two "city acres" situated between Hindley and Currie Streets; the eastern edge of this land later became Rosina Street, named in honor of his wife. He also secured an acre on Rundle Street, now occupied by Adelaide Arcade, as well as another parcel where the Primrose Brewery was later established. His land extended to Magill, where he cultivated one of the colony’s initial wheat crops before transferring ownership to Dr. C. R. Penfold. Furthermore, Ferguson purchased a portion of section 251 in the Hundred of Adelaide, which he named "Roseville" after his wife; this area eventually evolved into the suburb now known as Highgate.
In 1848, he acquired Section 267 at Glen Osmond from Capt. William Elder and made it his residence until passing away; today this location forms part of the suburb Myrtle Bank. In addition to farming and land acquisition, Ferguson entered into a business partnership with auctioneer Robert Cock, whose name was commemorated in Cox Creek.
He played a foundational role in establishing the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, actively contributing as both exhibitor and judge, which earned him life membership. Ferguson was also a dedicated congregant of Chalmers Church.
William Ferguson (circa 1809 – 3 December 1892) married Rosina Forsyth (circa 1810 – 15 December 1893) on 22 December 1835. Their offspring comprised:
- Isabella Ferguson (1836 – ) who wed James Ferguson on 27 March 1862. Isabella was born aboard the Buffalo shortly after reaching South Australian shores. James was the son of William Ferguson from Glasgow but not closely related; alternate sources connect him to Daniel Ferguson (1796–1864) of Glenunga.
- Rachael Christina Ferguson (1840 – 13 May 1921) married Andrew Tennant MP (1835–1913) on 28 August 1862; they lived at Tallala Station near Port Lincoln and "Essenside", Glenelg. Their children included:
- John Tennant (1863–1941), who married Margaret Barr Love in 1898
- Andrew Tennant, who married Gwendoline Letitia Goodman, daughter of Sir William Goodman, in 1928
- Rosina Forsayth "Rosie" Tennant (circa1867–1939), who married cousin William Tennant Mortlock (1858–1913)
- William Andrew Tennant (1868–1929), married first Elizabeth Mary Meincke and later Matilda Elsie Audacia Hobbs
- Jessie Clara Tennant (1872–1958), who married William Anstruther-Thomson, ADC to the Governor, in 1891
- Frederick Augustus "Fred" Tennant (1874–1937), married Kathleen Hammill in 1914
- Adelaide Tennant (1874–1952), who married Richard McDonnell Hawker, son of G. C. Hawker, in 1903
- Margaret Jane Ferguson (circa1842–1932), married William Bickford (1841–1916) in 1871; they resided at Glenelg with children Sidney, Harold, Reginald, Norman Forsyth, and Leslie Bruce Bickford.
- Rosina Mary Ferguson (1845–1898) wedded Harry Bickford (1843–1927) in 1870; their children included Isabella May Bickford, Harry Fairweather Bickford, and Harding William Bickford.
- William Andrew "Willie" Ferguson (circa1850–1924), who managed Moolooloo stations and married cousin Rachel Rosina Bell in 1892; their progeny included Christina Forsyth Ferguson, Dorothy Carrington Ferguson, and William Bell Ferguson.
- Elizabeth Helen Ferguson (1850–1913), married Alexander Scott Murray in 1874; their children were Colin Campbell Murray, Charlotte Scott Murray, and Arthur Ferguson Murray.
- John Thomas Ferguson (1852–1921), who served as manager of Willippa station for 45 years; he married Catherine Agnes Barrington Williams in 1895. Their children included John Forsyth Ferguson and Isabelle Mary Ferguson.
This family tree illustrates deliberate marital connections that linked the Fergusons with influential pastoralist families such as the Tennants and Bickfords, thereby strengthening their prominence within South Australia's agricultural and pastoral industries.
Additional Resources
Rosina Forsyth Ferguson, William and Rosina Ferguson, 1943