Ferguson was born December 15, 1831, at Esopus, Ulster County, N. Y., where his father, James Ferguson, was engaged in building. For a short ])eriod he enjoyed the privilege of the public school in his native place, and when the family removed to Fairfax Court House, Va., he attended its local school. The circumstances of the family early compelled him to contribute his share toward the general support, which he did by helping his father in the building trade.

At the age of nineteen he was visiting with a friend at New Rochelle, N. Y.. when he was offered a position as clerk in the store of Samuel Underbill, and it is from the small beginning thus obtained that he has succeeded in developing the extensive business interests which to-day command his attention.

For three years he remained with Mr. Underbill and then was induced by Mr. Vanderburg, of the firm of Geo. E. Vanderburg & Co., wholesale notion dealers in New York City, to enter their establishment as a salesman.

But Mr. Underbill, trading in a small way behind his country counter, missed the active and energetic young clerk who had left him and finally, after two years had elapsed, offered him a partnership. Mr. Ferguson accepted the offer, and the firm began business in 1857, under the name of Underbill and Ferguson. The partnership expired by limitation in the spring of 1861. He then leased a proi>erty

upon the Main Street, opposite the old store, and resumed business under the firm-name of Geo. Ferguson & Co. After three years his partner retiring on account of ill health left Mr. Ferguson the sole proprietor.