In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people (1915)
STEPHEN E. FERGUSON.
The name of Ferguson is well known in connection with industrial enterprise in Waterloo and Stephen E. Ferguson is one of four brothers, who in a partnership are conducting a growing and profitable business in the manufacture of well drilling machinery and supplies under the name of the Ferguson Manufacturing Comi)any. This is one of the more recently established industrial concerns of Waterloo but already has attained substantial success.
Stephen E. Ferguson was born in New York state, May 26, 1866, and was less than a year of age when brought by his parents to Iowa. An account of their removal and a more extended mention of the father and mother is to be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the life history of Albert R. Ferguson.
Reared upon the old homestead farm in Bennington township, this county, Stephen E. Ferguson early became familiar r with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. During the school sessions he pursued his studies in one of the district schools of Bennington township and afterward enjoyed the advantage of further instruction in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls and also in Cornell College. In early manhood he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in the rural schools for a number of years and then turned his attention from professional to commercial pursuits by entering the employ of the Hurst & Corson Grocery Company in the capacity of bookkeeper. Later he engaged in the insurance business for a number of years, carrying on that business until he joined his brothers in organizing the Ferguson Manufacturing Company and establishing the factory which they, now operate. He represents the firm upon the road as traveling salesman and like his brothers devotes his entire time to the business. He has secured for the company many substantial patrons and has contributed in large measure to the continuous growth of the undertaking.
Mr. Ferguson also owns desirable real estate in Waterloo and farm lands in Texas. He resides at No. 154 Harrison street. His name is on the membership rolls of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Court of Honor and of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. For almost a half century he has resided in this county and has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred and the work that has been wrought in bringing the county from pioneer conditions to its present state of development and progress.
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.
The printed record stops around 1915. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.