The Rev. James E. and Fannie F. Ferguson
Salado, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Alabama native James Ferguson (1824-1876) became a Methodist preacher in Arkansas before moving to Texas in 1847. As a circuit rider for the next 20 years, he served Methodists in numerous parts of central and southeast Texas. Ferguson wed native Texan Fannie Fitzpatrick (1839-1915) in Houston in 1855 and, following his service in the Civil War, the couple settled in Salado, where they farmed and operated a mill. Fannie ran the farm when James began preaching again and continued to successfully manage the farm and the family after his death at the age of 52. Their son James Edward Ferguson was elected governor of Texas in 1914 and again in 1916. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Alabama-born James Ferguson became a Methodist circuit rider, carrying the gospel across central and southeast Texas for two decades after arriving in 1847. He and his wife Fannie Fitzpatrick settled in Salado to farm and run a mill; when James returned to preaching, Fannie ran the farm herself, and kept it going after his death in 1876. Their son, James Edward Ferguson, went on to be elected governor of Texas in 1914 and 1916.
Why it matters
The Fergusons show how frontier faith, family enterprise, and a capable farm wife's labor could seed a Texas political dynasty in a single generation.
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Related people
- · James E. Ferguson
- · Fannie Fitzpatrick Ferguson
- · James Edward Ferguson
Themes & tags
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