Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

MARGARET FERGUSON

Margaret Wark Brown was born on 29 July 1887 in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland to James Gibson Brown (1855-1916) & Isabella Walk (1855-1935). Margaret had four sisters, Catherine Jaffray (1881-1883), Christina (1886-1971), Isabella Walk (1891-1950) & Agnes Gibson (b 1893) and five brothers, William Walk (1884-1899), Robert Maxwell (1889-1924), James Walk Gibson (b 1895), Thomas Hunter (b 1899) & Donald McNaughton (1907-1987). Margaret grew up in Largs where her father was a stone mason.

Margaret’s maternal grandmother was Agnes Gibson (b 1827). Several of Margaret’s siblings included ‘Gibson’ as an additional given name. We surmise that this accounts for Margaret’s M G Ferguson signature.

Margaret married James Kirk Ferguson (1883-1958) but whether this took place in Scotland or Canada is unclear. James was born to James Ferguson (1845-1902) & Mary Kirk (1857-1927). James had eight sisters and three brothers, none of whom appear to have immigrated to Canada.

Their circumstances between 1901-1911 are unclear. There are two passenger records which appear relevant:

SS ‘Hesperian’ sailed 25 May 1912 from Glasgow, arrived 4 June 1912 at Quebec.

James & Mrs Ferguson were classified as “Returned Canadians” having been in Canada from 1904-1911. Also travelling with them was James (aged 1). They were going to Hamilton, Ontario.

SS ‘Grampian’ sailed 26 April 1913 from Glasgow, arrived 6 May 1913 at Quebec.

James K (married) born in 1883 occupation: carter, previously in this occupation for 18 years. Travelling to Saskatoon. There were four other Ferguson on the boat: Archibald (b 1893), Archibald (b 1888), James (b 1882) & Thomas (b 1891). All were first time immigrants. None were travelling to Saskatoon.

No records of their previous voyages have been found. However in the 1916 census we found:

James (head) born 1883 in Scotland
Margaret (wife) born 1884 in Scotland
Margaret (daughter) born 1908 in Scotland and
James (son) born 1909 in Scotland

All had immigrated three years earlier and were then living at 1220 Ave D North, Saskatoon. James Sr was a mechanic with McLaughlin Carriage Co.

Until 1919, the family lived in Ave D North. Henderson City Directories for the period indicate various house numbers, but they may not actually have moved as the allocation of house numbering was in its early stages in Saskatoon at this time. Subsequently, the family lived in 5th Ave N and later at #8 Ayres Apartments, 106 4th Ave N for over twenty years. James Sr continued to be involved with the motor trade until his retirement.

Margaret Sr died on 24 February 1950 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon. James Sr died on 14 March 1958 and is buried alongside his wife.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Ferguson 2 Tree.