John Ferguson
Born 25 Dec 1838 in Dumfries, Scotland
Veteran of the Civil War
Retired as Justice of the Peace in 1938
Resided in a home in this community for 79 years

Died: 20 Jan 1940 in Iberia, Miller Co, MO
Cause: Influenza and BronchoPneumonia
Age 101 years 0 months and 25 days

Father: William Ferguson (born in Maxwelthan, Scotland)
Mother: Elizabeth Hunter (born in Dumfries, Scotland)

Buried on 21 Jan 1940 in Madden Cemetery

"Squire" John Hunter Ferguson
Company M of the 3rd Regiment, Missouri Cavalry Volunteers

John Hunter Ferguson was born on December 25, 1838 in Warren Hill, Dumfries Scotland, son of William John Fergusson and Isabella Chisholm Hunter.

The family immigrated to the United States when John was 14 years old. His father died before reaching this country and was buried at sea. After living with relatives in St. Louis and Maries County for a period of time, the family settled in Miller County in September 1861.

On June 4, 1862 John married Dorcas Cansada Shelton in Miller County, MO.

He joined Colonel McClurg's Osage Regiment at Linn Creek and on October 15, 1862 enlisted in Company M of the 3rd Regiment, Missouri Cavalry Volunteers.

He served with the Union army until he mustered out in New Orleans on July 27, 1865.

An often-repeated family story tells how, early in the War, John came home to visit his new bride, Dorcas. Her family, who were Confederate sympathizers, turned him in to the local State Guard ("Secesh") who was actively pursuing Union soldiers and sympathizers in Miller County.

To avoid capture, John hid out in what is now known as the Ferguson Cave while Dorcas slipped out at night to bring him food, which she would lower in from above the cave by rope.

He ultimately escaped capture and returned to active duty. John survived and lived to a ripe old age and became a very prominent figure in Miller County and the Iberia Community, active in religious, political and community affairs.

He served as Justice of the Peace for over 45 years and was known by everyone as "Squire" John. He was very active in the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as Commander of the State of Missouri.

In July, 1938, John Ferguson and Isaac Boyce of Versailles, journeyed to Pennsylvania where they attended the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

They were guests of the U.S. Government and at the time, Squire John was 99 years old and Isaac was 92. Estimates were made that 2,500 Civil War vets attended the ceremony.

Squire John died on January 20, 1940 in Miller County, MO at the age of 101