A Robert Fergusson represented Inverkeithing in the Parliaments of
1579 and 1587. [Records, p. 309]
Heraldry
- Heraldry suggests a connection to the Fergusson of Craigdarroch.
- Alexander (Robert?) Ferguson of Raith
- Bears. - Argent, a lion rampant azure,
between three buckles gules, and a cheiff chequy of the first and
second
- Crest. - A demi-lion proper holding between
his paws a buckle gales
- Motto. - 'Virtuti fortuna comes.'
- 16th March 1725
Three Brothers
Note communicated by R. C. Munro-Ferguson of Raith, M.P.,
1899
[Records Supplement, p. 70]
SINCE the account in the Records (pp. 311-319) was written old
documents and papers have been looked through, and it has been further
ascertained that previous to the purchase of Raith in 1724 the Fergusons had
been 'settled in the neighbourhood of Inverkeithing for more than two centuries
' That in the seventeenth century they established a house of business in
London, and there is documentary evidence of the existence of three
brothers-John, Henry and Robert.
- John, Merchant of London, died in 1725 at Whitchurch, Oxon, where
he was buried by his wife in the parish Church The references to this
individual show him to be in the tea trade, a flourishing business in those
days, as his ledger gives thirty shillings a pound as having been the price of
tea in 1707. It is therefore not surprising that he is found holding bonds over
different people. Amongst others one over Lord Cassilis, executed in 1692
- Henry whose daughter Christian was wife to John Anderson, minister
of Edrom, who was admitted Burgess of Edinburgh in 1709 (in right of his father
deceased).
- Robert who remained at Inverkeithing. His son James married Helen
Clunie, and was bailie of Inverkeithing in 1689. Their son (see note following)
Robert went into his grand-uncles house in the city. He was sheriff of London
in 1738 Amongst his possessions were the 'All and haill the Borough Acres in
and about Inverkeithing according as the same is bounded, meathed and marched
in my service and retour as Heir to my Father and my other rights and
securities and Titles thereof.'
Note: Robert the sheriff is the son of James FERGUSON and
Agnes STEWART according to the original account in the Records (pp. 311-319).
This fits with the Inverkeithing parish records wherein both he and sister
Agnes are recorded. In the tree that follows "their son" is not taken literally
for this reason.
John Ferguson, parish of St. Andrew Undershaft London
- Uncle John
- Brothers James, Alexander
- Nephew Robert = Executor
- Contigency to Poor of the town and Parish of Inverkeithing
- Will 30 Aug 1716
- Proved 7 Jul 1724
Family Tree
- John FERGUSON, Merchant of London, buried 9 Feb 1725, Whitchurch,
Oxfordshire
- Henry FERGUSON
- Christian FERGUSON m. John ANDERSON, minister of Edrom
- Robert FERGUSON of Inverkeithing
- James FERGUSON, Bailie of Inverkeithing, 1689
m. 1st
Agnes STEWART; m. 2nd Helen CLUNES
- Beatrix FERGUSON chr. 29 Nov 1689 Inverkeithing
- Elizabeth FERGUSON chr. 05 Jan 1694 Inverkeithing
- Agnes FERGUSON chr. 26 Nov 1702 Inverkeithing; m. David
BERRY
- WILLIAM BERRY assumed by Royal Licence dated 11 Jan.
1782, the surname and arms of FERGUSON, on s. to the estate of Raith, m. Jane
Ronald CRAUFURD
- Robert FERGUSON, Sheriff of London 1738, chr. 16 Dec.
1690, Inverkeithing; d. 18 Dec. 1781; m. Mary TOWNSEND
Robert FERGUSON, of Raith, Sheriff of London
1738 had no sons, and the estate passed at his death to his nephew, William
BERRY, who then assumed his name and arms. [Records, p. 312]
- Helen FERGUSON [Records Supplement, p. 71]
Vital Records
OPR
- James FERGUSON m. Agnes STEWART
- Beatrix FERGUSON chr. 29 Nov 1689 Inverkeithing
- Robert FERGUSON chr. 16 Dec 1690 Inverkeithing
- Elizabeth FERGUSON chr. 05 Jan 1694 Inverkeithing
- Agnes FERGUSON chr. 26 Nov 1702 Inverkeithing
- James FERGUSON m. Helen CLUNES 08 Apr 1711 Inverkeithing
References
- Records of the Clan and Name of Fergusson,
Ferguson and Fergus, by James Ferguson and Robert Menzies Fergusson,
Edinburgh, 1895.
- Supplement to the above, 1899
