Cecilia (Coleman) Ferguson (abt. 1832 - 1928)

Born about 1832 in Essex, England, United Kingdom

Wife of John Ferguson — married about 1849 in Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia

Descendants

Died 27 Apr 1928 at about age 96 in Adelong, New South Wales, Australia

Biography

Came to Australia 1836 on board "Augusta Jessie" from Portsmouth, with sister

Celia (16) married John Ferguson (33) (born about Feb 1815 in Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom) in 1849 in Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia. Cite error 3; Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many Both parties were living at Tumut at the time. ^[1]

Their known children were:

1. Nancy Jane (Ferguson) Purcell (abt. 1850–abt. 1930) .
2. John Ferguson (abt. 1851– ) .
3. Mary Ann (Ferguson) Lewin (1862–1952) .
4. James Ferguson (1865–1954) .
5. Frances Ferguson (abt. 1869– ) .
6. Charles Dundas Ferguson (abt. 1871– ) .
7. Thomas Malcolm Ferguson (abt. 1874– )

Husband John died in 1892.

Celia died in 1928 in Adelong, New South Wales, aged about 95.^[2]

DEATH OF "GRANNY" FERGUSON. Mrs. Cecilia ("Granny") Ferguson,who died last week, was born in Essex, England, in the year 1830 (which would make her older than that which appeared on her coffin, viz, 96 years). When six years of age, she sailed with her parents to Australia in the "Augusta Jessie," from Portsmouth. In those days to Australia the sailing ship took a long time to complete the voyage, but they eventually landed safely and, from 1836 till the present time, Mrs. Ferguson has been a resident of N.S.W, and nearly all that time was spent in Adelong district. She went to Adelong as a young girl, and, when she arrived there, there were only three bark houses, one being owned by the late Mrs. Roche, mother of the elder well-known Roche family, anotherbeing occupied by Mrs. Curran,then called "Krawn," and it is not remembered who was the other resident.Mrs. Ferguson shortly after went to reside with a family at Sharp's Creek, and, when 17 years of age, was married to her late husband. The wedding took place at Gundagai and the party, including the bride, rode from Sharp's Creek to Gundagai on horseback for the ceremony, the journey to and fro being 100 miles. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson then took up their residence at Wondalga, Adelong, and she has resided there ever since.
To the present generation she has always been known as "Granny" Ferguson — a good-living, kind-hearted old soul, who was a good wife, good mother, neighbor and friend all the time. In the early days doctors were scarce and people lived at great distances from medical help. It was then that these noble women rode miles on horseback to help some unfortunate person in sickness or distress. Her whole life has been an example, that any woman might try to emulate. At the time of her death, Mrs. Ferguson was living with her daughter, Mrs. Lewin, of Tumblong. They reared a large family to the estate of manhood and womanhood, and lost two sons, John and William. Her father was owner of the well-known "Kirkham" farm at Bowna for many years. The members of the family who survive are Mrs.C. Pucell ("Millbrook," Adelong), Mrs. Lewin (Tumblong), Mrs. Fynney (Holbrook), Mrs. Clarke (Brisbane), Henry (Wondalga), James (Ellerslie), Charles (Wondalga), Thomas (Tumut). The other descendants are 56 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great- grandchildren. All the children and a great many grandchildren, were amongst the mourners at the graveside in the Adelong cemetery on Saturday last,when the Rev. G. F. Pyke read the burial service.

Cecilia was mentioned on a memorial in Adelong Cemetery, with a death date of 27 April 1928. Husband John is named on the same memorial.^[3]

Research Notes

• No source for birth or immigration found at this time McCarron-898 04:48, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
• Other possible children McCarron-898 04:48, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
  • William George 2093/1852 V18522093 38A
  • Henry 1856- 67/1856 V185667 159
  • Harriett 1859 13051/1859

Sources

1. ↑ Copy of MC sighted on Ancestry by ~~~~
2. ↑ *Death Index (NSW Registry of Births Deaths Marriages : accessed 24 Oct 2023), Index entry for FERGUSON CECILIA; Parents: COLEMAN and 96 YRS ADELONG; District: ADELONG; ; Registration Number: 7362/1928 DOD: 27 APR 1928
3. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #156545052 (accessed 24 October 2023)
   Memorial page for Cecilia Coleman Ferguson (1832-27 Apr 1928), citing Adelong Cemetery, Adelong, Snowy Valleys Council, New South Wales, Australia; Maintained by Kaypee (contributor 48022414).