Albert R. Ferguson

As printed in 1915

ALBERT R. FERGUSON.

Albert R. Ferguson, partner in the F"ergu5on Manufacturing Company, which manufactures all kinds of well drilling machinery and supplies at No. 118 Rath street. Waterloo, was born in Black Hawk county, October 21, 1868, his parents being Edward and Isabelle ( Cummings ) Ferguson, who at an early period in the development of this section of Iowa came from Pennsylvania and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Black Hawk county, establishing their home eight miles northeast of Waterloo, where the father began farming. His remaining days were devoted to the further development and cultivation of that place and his death occurred in 1874. The mother continued to reside upon the home farm with her family until about 1894, when they came to Waterloo, where Mrs. Ferguson still makes her home. By her marriage she became the mother of six children: George C. who is interested in the Ferguson Manufacturing Company; Robert, in business alone in Waterloo; Albert R., of this review; Stephen, who resides in Waterloo and acts as salesman for the Ferguson Manufacturing Company; Charles, who is also connected with the firm; and iona, the wife of J. W. Noble, who is assistant postmaster at Manitou. Colorado.

Albert R. Ferguson attended the district schools near his boyhood home until nineteen years of age and afterward pursued a commercial course in

Waterloo. Through the periods of vacation his attention was given to the work of the farm and at the age of twenty-one years he rented the old homestead and continued the further cultivation and improvement of the farm for about two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Waterloo and entered the employ of the Kelley & Tannehill Company, with whom he continued for about six or seven years, during which time he gained a comprehensive knowledge of and training in mechanical pursuits and developed his latent powers, thus greatly increasing his ability. At the end of that time he, with his three brothers, organized the Ferguson Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of all kinds of well drilling machinery and supplies. They have a well equipped factory supplied with the latest improved machinery necessary to their line at No. ii8 Rath street. Mr. Ferguson is secretary of the company, with three of his brothers as partners, and he devotes his entire time to the factory. He now owns valuable real estate in Waterloo, including an attractive residence property at No. 150 Harrison street.

On the loth of October, 1894, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Rodifer, who was born in Waterloo in a house which then stood on the site of the present Ellis Hotel, at which time her father owned the entire block. She is a daughter of George and Mary (Harrod) Rodifer, who were among the early and highly respected residents of the county. The father here engaged in the building business as a contractor and both he and his wife died in Waterloo. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have three children. Ruby Lucille, Leila Maud and Donald E., all at home.

Mr. Ferguson holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and the rules which govern his conduct are indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Walnut Street Baptist church, to the teachings of which he consistently adheres. In politics he is independent, nor has he ever aspired to public office. He has always given his undivided attention to his business affairs and it is well known that he has never been afraid of hard work. Energy and close application have been the salient features in his success and he has advanced step by step, proving his worth and ability in concentrated and intelligently directed effort.

As printed in History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.