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Andrew Ferguson, Jun., ordained at Burt 16 Feb 1725 as successor to his father, died. 31 Jan 1787
[ Historical and literary memorials of Presbyterianism in Ireland, 1623-1731 (see also 1731-1800). By Thomas Witherow ]

Ferguson of The Farm

This family formerly resided in Scotland, but settled 250 years ago (as of 1895) at Burt House, County Donegal. Sir Andrew Ferguson, son of John Ferguson of Londonderry, and grandson of the Rev. Andrew Ferguson of Burt House, was created a Baronet in 1801. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Alexander, Esq. of Broom Hall, co. Londonderry, sister to the late Bishop of Meath, and niece to James, Earl of Caledon

Andrew Ferguson of Burt House

• Andrew FERGUSON b.~1773; d. Oct 11, 1855; m. Jane OGILBY³ (she dsp 1 Oct 1856)

Ferguson of Burt House

In the book "Guide Through Ireland" by James Fraser,1838 is the following: "Buncrana is conveniently reached by various vehicles running from Derry. Proceeding by the eastern suburb of the city, at four miles we reach the Swilly. The ruins of Burt Castle and Burt House, the residence of Andrew Ferguson, Esq. lie to the left on the shore of the lough and near the base of Greenan hill."

In 1843 John Magennis of Burt House had his arms exemplified on assuming the name and arms of his maternal uncle, Andrew Ferguson of Burt House.

In a letter, dated 27th August 1784, from Lord Charlemont to Dr. Haliday, the following allusion occurs to the exertions of a Ferguson in the famous volunteers of the North of Ireland. ' You ask me how I found matters in the Episcopal city. As well as possible. . . . Ferguson behaved excellently well, and I think I may venture to say that I have left Derry nearly as Derry ought to be. ... At Derry I dined with the Mayor, and almost got drunk with old Protestant toasts.' - (Hist. MS. Comm., 13th Rep., App. Part viii.)

The Ferguson referred to was John Ferguson, commander of a company of the Londonderry Volunteer Association. Along with the Earl of Bristol, the Bishop, Colonel the Right Hon. Thomas Conolly, Colonel Edward Carey, and Captain Lackey, Captain Ferguson was a delegate from Londonderry to the National Convention of Volunteer Delegates of Ireland in November 1783. 'The bishop arrived in Dublin with a parade not very suitable to his ecclesiastical state, escorted by the Derry Horse.' -- (Letter of Mr.Secretary Pelham.)

Among the MSS. of the Duke of Hamilton is a letter from W. Fullartonne at Portpatrick, dated 28th July 1689, stating that in obedience to orders he had sent for intelligence from Ireland to one Dr. Ferguson, who had returned the answer enclosed, had desired the writer to warn the cruisers of some vessels in Carrickfergus Lough, and had also offered to meet them and give an account of affairs. The enclosure is long, and not very legible. It refers to the state of the Scottish forces whom the Irish look upon but as men only in appearance, beardless boys, silly souls, etc. That all the forces, militia, etc., were known to the Irish. He then refers to Derry, and expresses surprise at the delay of the English in relieving the town. He gives some particulars as to the movements and numbers of the Irish forces, estimating them at 40,000 men, levies being ordered of 25,000 more. He concludes by urging greater expedition on the part of the English forces.
(Friday, 26th July 1689.) - (Hist. MS Com., 11th. Rep., App. Part vi).

Gravestones and tablets in the ruins of Burt Presbyterian Church.

Transcriptions courtesy Celia Ferguson, 2009

• Tablet 1 on the North wall
  • Here lyeth the body of Reverend Andrew Ferguson, who departed this life July 18, 1725 in the 70th year of his age and the 36th year of his ministry in Burt.
  • Here lyeth the body of Mrs Sarah Ferguson, who departed this life December 30, 1728, aged 57 years.
  • Also, the body of Mrs Sarah Heslet, who departed this life October 30, 1712 aged 82.
  • The body of these saints here rest and sleep while Heaven their precious souls securely keep.
  • Here lyeth the body of Jean Ferguson, wife of ye Reverend Mr Andrew Ferguson jun. who departed May ye 9th 1774 aged 59.
• Tablet 2 on the North Wall
  • Underneath the remains of Andrew Ferguson Esq, of Burt House in this county, who departed this life, October 11, 1855 in the 82nd year of his age. Also of Jane wife of the above named Andrew who departed this life October 1, 1856, aged 88.
• Tablet 3 on the East Wall
  • Sacred to the memory of the Rev Andrew Ferguson departed this life, January 31, 1787 in the 88th year of his age and in the 61st year of his ministry to the congregation of Burt, the great and important duties of which he discharged with an upright heart and truly benevolent mind. And of Mrs Jane Ferguson, his wife who departed this life 9th of May 1745, aged 39. Also Miss Dorcas Ferguson, their elder daughter who departed this life March 24, 1787, aged 58 years. Also four of their children who died young. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them
• Tablet 4 on the East wall
  • Sacred to the memory of Mary the wife of Andrew Ferguson, Burt, Esq., who departed this life 7th of October 1762, aged 27 years. Also of Templeton Ferguson, son of the said Andrew and Mary Ferguson, who departed this life, the 17th day of April 1770 aged 7 years. Also of Anne, wife of the above named Andrew Ferguson, who departed this life, the 20th day of October 1774, aged 32 years. Also, their son George, who died young. Sacred also to the memory of the said Andrew Ferguson, who departed this life, the 16th day of October 1792 aged 56 years. Also of Lydia, wife of the said Andrew Ferguson, who departed this life, the 17th day of February 1824 aged 74 years.
• Gravestone flat on the ground in centre of Church
  • Here are interred the remains of Andrew Ferguson, son of John Ferguson Esq and grandson of Andrew Ferguson and his wife Lydia Ferguson, who died the 17th of October 1814. Also the undernamed children of the said Andrew and Lydia Ferguson, Sarah who died in the year 1807 aged 18 years. Anne who died the 28th day of July 1829, aged 38 years. Robert who died the 5th of October 1840, aged 58 years. Rebecca who died the 16th of July 1842, aged 64 years. Dorcas who died 26 February 1845 aged 68 years. David who died 10th of November 1849, aged 70 years. Also to the memory of James Ferguson, who departed this life October 16, 1850 (1859?), aged 75 years.

John Ferguson of Knockinkerragh, county Londonderry

The connection to the Ferguson of Burt is mentioned in a marriage settlement of Jane Ferguson, who married Hugh Montgomery of Benvarden, Co Antrim in the early 19th century, when John Ferguson of Knockinkerragh was given land as a kinsman of Jane Ferguson, daughter of Sir Andrew Ferguson.
[Celia Ferguson, 2008 ]

1901 Census

• Residents of a house 7 in Ardbana Terrace (Coleraine, Londonderry)
  • Ferguson John 57 Male Head of Family Presbyterian Co Derry Retired Farmer Read and write - Married -
  • Ferguson Eliza 54 Female Wife Presbyterian Co Antrim - Read and write - Married -
  • Ferguson Abert E 13 Male Son Presbyterian Co Derry Scolar Read and write - Not Married -

Newspaper Records

Londonderry Sentinel
08-Mar-45 On Wednesday, the 26th ult., at her residence, in Pump Street, in this City, Miss Dorcas Ferguson, last surviving daughter of the late Andrew Ferguson, of Burt, Esq.
24-Mar-54 Suddenly, on the 20th inst., at his residence, 25 Upper Gloucester Street, Dublin, John, second son of the late Andrew Ferguson, of Burt House, Londonderry, Esq.
19-Oct-55 On the 11th inst., at his residence Burt House, county Donegal, Andrew Ferguson, Esq., D.L., J.P., in the 82nd year of his age.
10-Oct-56 On the 1st inst., at Burt House, county Donegal, Jane relict of the late Andrew Ferguson, Esq.
21-Oct-59 On the 16th inst., at his residence in this City, James Ferguson, Esq., last surviving son of Andrew Ferguson, Esq., formerly of Burt House, county Donegal.

Strabane Journal
12/02/1787 - Died at Burt in the 88th year of his age, Rev. Andrew Ferguson.

Kilkerran

It has been suggested that the James FERGUSSON (son of Alexander FERGUSSON of Kilkerran and Margaret SYDSERF), a clergyman in England circa 1680 is a possible ancestor to this family.

College of Arms

The Arms and Pedigrees of both the Ferguson and Herdman families are registered with the College of Arms. Ferguson of Knockinkerragh and Articrunagh, of the Parish of Ballyrashane, of the City of Londonderry, all county Londonderry, of Conagher, Parish of Ballymoney, County Antrim, and of the Parish of Burt, county Donegal. (This family includes the extinct Baronetcy which died out with the death of Sir Robert Ferguson MP, 2nd Bart, of The Farm, Londonderry in 1860). and Herdman of Sion House, Sion Mills, County Tyrone and Carricklee, Strabane, County Tyrone
[Celia Ferguson, 2010 ]

References

1. Ferguson, James and Ferguson, Robert Menzies (eds)., Records of the Clan and Name of Fergusson, Ferguson, and Fergus, Edinburgh: 1895.
2. Ian Bartlett - GEDCOM file.
3. Burke's Peerage & Gentry
4. Debrett's Baronetage of England: Containing Their Descent and Present State ... By John Debrett
5. T.H. Mullin, Families of Ballyrashane, A District in Northern Ireland, Belfast, 1969, p.259