Clan Fergusson

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History of the Clan

The name Ferguson (or Fergusson) and its history spreads from Argyle and Kintyre on the west coast of Scotland (then known as Dál Riata), but also as far across as Antrim in northeastern Ireland under Fergus mor MacErc. Evidence suggests that the clan also spread right across the Scottish Highlands as far as Dunkeld. Through emigation, either forced or voluntary, the name Ferguson and its rich heritage have travelled throughout the world.

As with world history much of the Clan Ferguson history has been lost through time and translation. It is generally believed all Fergusons claim descent from a very early king of the Scots, Fergus mor MacErc. The Scotti were well established in Dál Riata (Argyll and the islands of Jura, Islay and Iona) by 500 A.D. The Scots spread from Ireland in the third century throughout Caledonia leavening the country around the ancient seats on the Tay and the Earn, spreading into Carrick and Galloway.

According to Medieval historians Fergus was the founder of the Scottish monarchy. Ayrshire and Dumfries Fergussons alike claim descent from Fergus of Galloway. The grandfather of Duncan, 1st Earl of Carrick and in turn great-great-grandfather to Robert Bruce, Fergus, restored the see of Whithorn and founded the Abbey of Dundrennan during the reign of David I and Malcolm IV. He died as a monk at Holyrood in 1161. Through Robert Bruce passes the line of the Royal Family of Britain. It was the 1st Earl of Carrick's signature that might suggest the origins of the Fergusson surname, Duncan, son of Gilbert, the son of Fergus, hence MacFhearguis.

Clan Septs

The Gaelic spelling has been corrupted through translation into the forms, MacFergus, MacFerries, and MacFerris. Since the 'f' and 'g' are silent in the old language such variations as MacErries, MacHerries, MacKerras (especially common in Argyll and Australia) and even MacIrish were formed.

Origins

The origin of the name Fergusson or Ferguson, "son of Fergus" (MacFhearguis in Gaelic), is shrouded by the mists of time. Medieval historians recorded a tradition that the founder of Scotland's monarchy was a Fergus who lived in Ireland about 300 B.C. Historical research dating from the 13th century confirms that by 500 A.D. the Scots under King Fergus Mor had left Northern Ireland and became established in Dál Riata, now Argyll. From Fergus Mor, with a few early exceptions, descend all subsequent kings and queens of the Scots, including the present Queen of Britain. St. Columba of Iona (6th century A.D.) was a scion of Fergus Mor's royal line.

In one of the oldest documents of ancient Scottish history, the Tract on the Men of Albyn, Ferguson is the only modern clan name mentioned. Some writers believe the Fergusons had their day as a powerful clan prior to the 13th century and became dispersed from Argyll (Dalriada) as the Scots spread into other parts of Scotland. Before the 18th century, at least five groups of Fergusons possessed lands and lived in the style of a clan under their respective chiefs in Argyll, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Dumfriesshire, and Ayrshire. Today, the Kilkerran Fergusons in Ayreshire and the family of Ferguson of Baledmund and the Fergusons of Balquhidder, both in Perthshire, are still owners of extensive lands.

Robert Bruce granted certain lands in Ayrshire to Fergus MacFergus, and in 1466 John Ferguson resigned a portion of his estate to Fergus Ferguson (of Kilkerran), his son, and Janet Kennedy, his wife. From this line stems Sir Charles Ferguson, 9th Baronet, and Baron of Kilkerran who holds the undifferenced arms as Chief of the Name.

The name is also common in Ulster where there have been several landed families, some claiming to have been planted there from Ayrshire in the 17th century. Others of the name in Antrim and nearby counties descend from people who did not migrate to Dalriada in the 5th century.

The dispersed Clan Fergusson has not blazed the battlefield with glories won by the sword. However, "Sons of Fergus" fought with Bruce in the English Civil War. Some Perthshire Fergusons were out with Montrose in 1644. The oldest soldier in Prince Charles Edward's Army at Prestonpans in the '45 was an 80-year-old Ferguson. In modern times and during World Wars I and II many Fergus(s)ons from Scotland and abroad were distinguished military leaders. Clan Ferguson has been termed a "gentle force" that gained respected prominence from live and let live. Recently, however, a clansman, after looking at McIan's depiction of "The Ferguson" as a barefooted, Claymore-wielding, helmeted warrior wearing the ancient Lein-croich, or saffron colored shirt of the Celts, remarked that "if Clan Ferguson is a "gentle force" he was glad the warrior was one of us and not a foeman!"

"Sons of Fergus" the world over have gained distinction in nonmilitary activities, e.g. in the law, the church, government, the arts and sciences, medicine, education, agriculture and in business and industry. Mention can only be made of Adam Ferguson the philosopher (1724-1816) and Robert Ferguson (1750-1774) the poet and mentor of Robert Burns. And in the realm of romance, the heroine of the song Annie Laurie was married to Alexander Ferguson of Craigdarroch.

In the 18th century the head of the Kilkerran family came gradually to be regarded as the chief of all the Fergus(s)ons. This family has produced notable statesmen, military leaders, lawyers, writers and agricultural improvers. The present Chief is Sir Charles Ferguson of Kilkerran, 9th Baronet, who lives in the ancestral home near Maybole, Ayrshire.

The Anglicised "Fergusson" was widely used by the reign of James IV. The shortened form of the name with the single "s" was initiated by record clerks before the 1600's. The common spelling of the day was "Fergussoun" and by the reign of Charles II, "Fergussone".

In the modern era the Ayrshire, Dumfries, Argyll, and Perthshire families have retained the double 's' while those of Fife, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Ireland have the single "Ferguson".

We know with certainty that by the 13th century there were men in widely separated districts of Scotland which called themselves "sons of Fergus". It is recorded in the Annals of Ulster there was in 1216 a day of disaster to the "Clan Fergusa" at the hand of the Mormaer of Lennox's son. Through the passing of the ages however the particulars of the story have been lost.

In one of the oldest documents of Scottish history, the Irish Tract of the Men of Albyn, Fergus(s)on is the only modern clan listed. Two offshoots of "Clan Fergusa" from the Royal Race are mentioned. It is thought that from these offshoots comes the possible origin of regional separations of Fergusson. Thus lending explanation as to why the Aberdeenshire, Atholl and Ayreshire clans are under the arms of the boars head and the Dumfries and Galloway Fergussons are found with the lion rampant arms.

See also

• Ferguson Company, makers of the Ferguson Tractor

External Links

Clan Fergusson Society of North America