Person Page - 97

Alastair Ferguson was born at 3 Narval Place in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, on 16 March 1923.¹

The family were booked on the Letitia, which left Glasgow for New York on 12 February 1927 but appear never to have made the trip, as their names were crossed off the passenger manifest.²

Given his mother's use of the surname Edmonds from about the mid-1930s, it seems her children also adopted that name and in Alastair's case it seems he retained it.

Alastair died on 23 July 1985 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, at age 62 (under the name of Edmonds) according to informtion on an Ancestry tree that contains no source.

Alexander Ferguson was born at 61 Exeter Drive in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 25 January 1912.^1,2

The following comes from a 6p book 'All About Baby', probably written by his mother: "He is called after his father, being the man his mother thought the most of on the wide world. Born at 61 Exeter Drive, Partick, Glasgow on 25th day of January in the year 1912 at 1.30pm o'clock. Born on a Thursday. Thursday's child is merry and glad. He has a mole under his left knee and another on calf of right leg.
Baptised at 61 Exeter Drive on Friday 7th March by Principal McCullough. Baby was carried to the room by his Aunt Tina and behaved like a little swell. His wee cousin Peggy being an interested spectator. Baby's weight: at 3 months 11 1/2 lbs; 2 stone 4 lb at 2 years.
May 18th, Saturday, got his photo taken. His last day in long dresses. First short clothes on Sunday May 19th 1912 (& shoes).
Took whooping cough in August so we did not get holidays. Was not very bad and was as good as gold through it all. He now knows the use of his feet.
Cut his first tooth on Saturday 21 Sept 1912.
Had been walking round the chairs for two months. Auntie Jean sent him off on his own on Sunday afternoon in 848 Argyle St where he was visiting his Grandpa. Took his first step on Sunday April 6th 1913.
He was out in the pram and saw a horse and he said Gee-up, but had been saying Ta Ta and Da Da for a long time, while his wee cousin Peggy taught him to say Chi Chi to Pussy at Christmas. Spoke first word on Sunday March 23rd 1913.
Got his first horse on Friday 7th November 1913. Nearly went off his head with joy. Papa made him a big engine in September, it has a back seat. Named horse Powerful.
The two greatest surprises of his life were when he saw his wee sister in short clothes, and when his Papa shaved off his moustache on Thursday Dec 18th 1913 - did not know him for hours."²
The siblings Alexander and Christina were listed in the 1921 census at 61 Exeter Drive in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, Alexander Ferguson and Catherine Sinclair (Kate) McInnes.³

He was a student at Hamilton Crescent (now Fortrose St) School and received a reference from Thomas Martin, Headmaster, probably when he left (aged 14). He felt the school could not teach him much and his parents needed further income, so left on 21 September 1926.⁴

His mother somehow engineered his employment with the Glen Line out of Glasgow, and his discharge book (issued by the UK Board of Trade, No. R43382 for seaman 263915) shows various engagements up until his Ranginui voyage to New Zealand. These include the Glenardle (Oct 1927 - Nov 1928, 3 voyages as Mess room boy), Arracan (Mar 1929, Apr 1931, 5 voyages as Cadet), Henzada (Apr 1931, Apr 1933, 5 voyages as Cadet) and Ranginui signon (Jun 1936, Able-bodied Seaman).⁵ His papers include an Argentine Certificate of Identification for Seamen; issued while a Cadet on the Henzada (Henderson Line). Stamps show he visited Argentina in August 1932 and October 1934.⁶ He was employed by P Henderson & Co as a Cadet until 7 Apr 1933 aboard the Arracan and Henzada.⁷ He received a Certificate of Profiency as a Watcher in Radiotelegraphy on 25 September 1929.⁸ Alexander was registered as #35905 on the Register of Midshipmen of the Officers (Merchant Navy) Federation and with the Navigators and General Insurance Co Ltd on 19 April 1933.⁹
Now in the depths of the depression, and laid off, his Unemployment book shows his registration on 9 April 1935 at Finnieston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.¹⁰

He thought fondly in later years of the time he spent 'on board a yacht during the summer' - the yacht Dorcas, of which he seemed to be the sole caretaker for an absentee owner.¹¹

He signed on as Seaman in Bowling, Dunbartonshire, on 17 June 1936 for the delivery voyage of the scow Ranginui, to New Zealand, although he was really trying to get to Australia. This tiny vessel (105 ft long) took 105 days to reach Auckland after many adventures due to her inability to steer straight (the rudder was too small). The photo shows the Ranginui as she was later altered for the Northern Shipping Co.^12,13
After arriving in New Zealand, he signed on as 4th Officer with the Union Steamship Co on the Marama at Wellington on 21 October 1936.¹⁴
He then joined the Union Steamship Co as 3rd Officer on a variety of vessels: Gabriella, Wingatui, Karepo, Kartigi, Tamahine, Omana, Waipori, Waimarino, Kaiwarra.¹⁴ He received a Radio-Telegraph Operator's Certificate, Third Class, numbered WN 121 at Wellington on 26 September 1938.¹⁵ He probably received his first driver's licence at Christchurch, Canterbury, on 1 June 1939; also a June 1939 licence was issued in Melbourne, and another in 1940 in Dunedin.¹⁶ Alexander's continued working with the Union Steamship Co as 2nd Officer on a variety of vessels: Poolta, Kakapo, Kaimiro, Karetu, Kaiwarra, Wingatui, Kartigi, Kiwitea based at Wellington from 1940.^14,17

He married Berys Hunter Macdonald, daughter of Arnold Morell (Dick) Macdonald and Ella Mary Morris, at St Luke's Presbyterian Church in Remuera, Auckland, on 13 October 1941. They were attended by Johnnie Crisp and Susan SamuelL and the reception was held at the Auckland Domain Tearooms.^18,19,20

He received his Master's Certificate (Foreign-going) at Wellington on 19 February 1943.²¹ He remained with the Union Steamship Co as 2nd Officer on the Kiwitea (acting Chief Officer for the first week) from 1944.¹⁴

With a growing family, he now felt it was time to seek a shore job and so worked as a Harbourmaster's Assistant and Dredge Officer at a number of New Zealand ports, including Dunedin, Westport and Nelson.²²

He was given authority to wear War Medals, namely the 1939-43 Star Medal Ribbon, Star Medal (and clasp) by the Marine Dept at Wellington on 17 September 1945.²³

He worked as Mate on the Motu (3 engagements until August 1952) at New Zealand on 18 September 1951.¹²

He received a Restricted Radio-Telegraph Operator's Certificate, numbered NN107 at Nelson on 26 August 1957.¹⁵

He was appointed as a Marriage Celebrant on 12 November 1982.²⁴ Stanley Robert Cuthbertson and Dorothy May (Doe) McCaffery were married by Alexander Ferguson (as Marriage Celebrant) at Nelson on 26 April 1983.

He was widowed at age 76 on the death of his wife Berys on 6 February 1988.^25,26,27,28

He signed a will dated 27 October 1999 in Nelson, replacing an earlier one of 29 May 1962.²⁹

Alexander died on 7 January 2005 at 1.45pm at Nelson Hospice, 36 Manuka St in Nelson at age 92 of gall bladder cancer.^{26,30,27,31,32} His funeral was held at Nelson on 12 January 2005.^26,33 He was cremated at the Golden Bay/Motueka Crematorium on 12 January 2005.²⁶ His ashes were retained by the family.²⁶

Alexander Ferguson was born at 118 Garthland Drive in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 9 November 1882.¹
The siblings Alexander, Jane, Robert and Mary were listed in the 1891 census at 37 Wesleyan St in Camlachie, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, James (Jimmie) Ferguson and Mary Duncan Adam.²
The siblings Alexander, Jane, Robert and Mary were listed in the 1901 census at 85 Bellgrove St in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, James (Jimmie) Ferguson and Mary Duncan Adam. Alexander was an apprentice joiner.³

He worked in one of the Glasgow shipyards, but was forced to work as a tram conductor (1911) due to lack of jobs (which was regarded as a major set-back for a journeyman carpenter to have to resort to such a position).⁴
The siblings Alexander, Mary and Robert were listed in the 1911 census at 1052 Dumbarton Rd in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, James (Jimmie) Ferguson and Mary Duncan Adam. Alexander was a 'tramways man' for the (Tramways) Corporation.⁵

He married Catherine Sinclair (Kate) McInnes, daughter of Charles McInnes and Margaret McColl, at 25 Bath St in Blythswood, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 21 April 1911.⁶

He enlisted with the 15th Service Battalion (1st Glasgow - also known as the Glasgow Tramways Battalion) of the Highland Light Infantry on the 14 Sep 1914 (#13251), was made Lance-Corporal in C Company, on the 17 Mar 1915, and by 23 Nov 1915, when they landed at Boulange, was a Sergeant.
The Battalion fought in 1916 at the battles of Albert, Bazentin and Ancre; in 1917 the First Battle of Arras and the battles of Amiens, Albert, Bapaume, St Quentin Canal, Beaurevoir and the Sambre.
He was discharged on 2 Oct 1918 (cause Wounds xviA Army Order 11b(1)) but it is understood from family oral history that he also served in Mesopotamia.^4,7,8,9

He was listed in the 1921 census as Head of Family at 61 Exeter Drive in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with his wife Catherine; he gave his occupation as house joiner for the Glasgow City Corporation. Their children Alexander and Christina were listed as living with them.¹⁰

After demob. he was unable to immediately return to the shipyards due to the post-war depression, although he later did so. He also worked with the Glasgow City Corporation Parks & Reserves after the General Strike.⁴

He was the informant of James (Jimmie) Ferguson's death at 1052 Dumbarton Rd in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 19 April 1949.¹¹

He was widowed at age 76 on the death of his wife Catherine on 28 May 1959.¹²

Alexander died on 7 January 1966 at Western Infirmary in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, at age 83 of a myocardial infarcation while residing at 51 Lawrence St - the informant was his grand-son John Taylor (Iain) Howat.¹³

Alexander Ferguson was born at Middleton Farm in Old Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire, on 27 September 1858. Informant for the birth was Peter McGregor 'Uncle-in-law' - this is presumed to be the husband of Margaret Fergusson.^1,2

Alexander died before 1861.

Alexander Ewen Ferguson was born at 135 Sword St in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 20 August 1893.^1,2
He was listed as the grandson of James Rodger in the 1901 Census at 114 Dunchatton St in Glasgow, Lanarkshire.³
The siblings Alexander, James, Angus, Ernest, Ronald, Winifred and Dorothy were listed in the 1911 census at 77 Willoughby St in Liverpool, Lancashire, with their parents, Alexander McGregor Ferguson and Helen Chalmers Rodger. Alexander was a butcher.⁴
The siblings Alexander, Winifred, Dorothy and John were listed in the 1921 census at 11 Bagot St in Toxteth Park, Liverpool, Lancashire, with their mother Helen Chalmers Rodger. Ewen was working as a butcher for Lyons.⁵

He married Janet Christie Davidson at St Matthews Church in Auckland on 25 October 1924.⁶

He was listed as a butcher in the NZ Electoral Rolls from 1928 to 1954, although on his return to NZ in 1951 he described himself as a 'master meat retailer' on the passenger list.⁷

He and his wife Janet arrived in England on the Rangitiki in January 1951 for a short visit, and gave his mother's address in Wallasley for their UK contact. They left London to return to New Zealand (through Wellington) on 24 Feb 1951 on the Rangitoto.^8,9

He was the informant of Helen Chalmers Rodger's death at 26 Seaview Ave in Wallasey, Cheshire, on 26 January 1951.¹⁰

He was widowed at age 74 on the death of his wife Janet on 26 September 1967.^11,12

Alexander's marriage to Mary le Mon was registered between April 1968 and June 1968 at Bootle Registry Office in Bootle, Lancashire.^13,14

Alexander died on 7 May 1969 at Flat 6, 2 Merrilocks Rd in Liverpool, Lancashire, at age 75.^15,16,17

His will was probated in London on 15 July 1969 with effects valued at £5519.¹⁷

Alexander McGregor Ferguson was born at Dumbuch in Old Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire, on 8 December 1867.^2,3
The siblings Janet, John, James, Duncan, Ewen, Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1871 census at 131 Arnfield St in St John, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, Alexander Fergusson and Elizabeth Stewart.⁴
The siblings Janet, James, Ewen, Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1881 census at 287 Duke St in Barony, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their father Alexander Fergusson.⁵
The siblings Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1891 census at 300 Duke St in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their father Alexander Fergusson. Alexander was a livestock agent's assistant.⁶

He married Helen Chalmers Rodger, daughter of James Rodger and Jane Alexander, at Millburn House, Townmill Rd in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 25 November 1892.⁷

He was named executor and beneficiary in the will of Alexander Fergusson, his father, dated 25 July 1896 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire; he was to inherit an equal share of the estate along with his survivng siblings.⁸

He was appointed executor of Alexander Fergusson's estate in Glasgow on 25 May 1897.⁹

He was listed in the 1911 census as Head of Family at 77 Willoughby St in Liverpool, Lancashire, with his wife Helen; he was a meat salesman. Their children Alexander, James, Angus, Ernest, Ronald, Winifred and Dorothy were listed as living with them.¹⁰

Alexander died on 17 December 1933 at Church Mount off Marmaduke St in West Derby, Lancashire, at age 66 of heart failure. The informant was his daughter Winifred.¹¹ He was buried on 21 December 1933 at the Anfield Cemetery in Liverpool.¹²

Angus Ferguson was born at 131 Arnfield St in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 26 March 1870.¹
The siblings Janet, John, James, Duncan, Ewen, Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1871 census at 131 Arnfield St in St John, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, Alexander Fergusson and Elizabeth Stewart.²
The siblings Janet, James, Ewen, Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1881 census at 287 Duke St in Barony, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their father Alexander Fergusson.³
The siblings Alexander and Angus were listed in the 1891 census at 300 Duke St in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their father Alexander Fergusson. Angus was a factor's general clerk.⁴

He married Agnes Ross Dickson at 87 Meadowpark St in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 6 June 1895. He gave his occupation as mercantile clerk.⁵

He was named as a beneficiary of the will of Alexander Fergusson, his father, dated 25 July 1896 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire; he was to inherit an equal share of the estate along with his survivng siblings.⁶

He was listed in the 1901 census as Head of Family at 2 Kennyhill Gardens in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with his wife Agnes; he was a cashier. Their children James and Jane were listed as living with them.⁷

Angus left Liverpool on 24 March 1909, on board the Friesland. He gave his occupation as clerk and was travelling alone, giving a contact in the UK as his wife, at 41 Garthland Drive, Dennistoun. He arrived in Philadelphia on 5 Apr and is recorded as being 'in transit' with a destination of Montreal. His wife Agnes and three of the children followed in 1912.^8,9

He was listed in the 1916 Canadian census as Head of Household at 424 Anderson Ave in Winnipeg North, Manitoba, with his wife Agnes; he was an accountant, but out of work. Their children James, Jane, John and Elizabeth were listed as living with them.¹⁰

He was listed in the 1921 census as Head of Family at 706 Garwood in Winnipeg South, Manitoba, with his wife Agnes; he was a railway weighmaster and they were living in a 6-room rented house. Their children John, Elizabeth and Jane were listed as living with them.¹¹

He was widowed at age 57 on the death of his wife Agnes on 13 June 1927.¹²

He was listed in the 1931 census as Head of Family in Winnipeg South, Manitoba; where he was living alone in a rented 2-room house, with a radio and was still working as a filing clerk for a railway.¹³

Angus died on 4 June 1958 at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, at age 88 of cancer of the colon and broncho-pneumonia.¹⁴ He was cremated on 9 June 1958.¹⁴

Angus Stewart Ferguson was born at 8 Whitehill St in Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 14 November 1896.^1,2
He was listed as the grandson of James Rodger in the 1901 Census at 114 Dunchatton St in Glasgow, Lanarkshire.³
The siblings Alexander, James, Angus, Ernest, Ronald, Winifred and Dorothy were listed in the 1911 census at 77 Willoughby St in Liverpool, Lancashire, with their parents, Alexander McGregor Ferguson and Helen Chalmers Rodger. Angus was a baker.⁴

He married Adelaide May Boyle at St Bridgets in Wavertree, West Derby, Lancashire, on 18 May 1919.^5,6

He was listed in the 1921 census as Head of Family at 15 Bagot St in Wavertree, West Derby, Lancashire, with his wife Adelaide; he was a baker and confectioner for the Bibby Line shipping company and there were two Scottish waitresses boarding with the family. Their child Adelaide was listed as living with them.⁷

He was listed in the 1939 Register at 261 Smithdown Rd in Liverpool, Lancashire, with Adelaide May Boyle; he was a Chief Steward on the Dock & Harbour Board fireboat Trefoil. Olive Florence Ferguson and Adelaide Myrtle Maud Ferguson were listed as living at the same address.⁸

Angus died on 1 May 1969 in Llandudno, Conway, at age 72.⁵

Carolyn Ferguson was born at 3 Narval Place in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, on 28 March 1918.¹
The siblings James, Irene and Carolyn were listed in the 1921 census at 3 Narval Place in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, with their parents, James Ferguson and Mary Ferguson.²

The family were booked on the Letitia, which left Glasgow for New York on 12 February 1927 but appear never to have made the trip, as their names were crossed off the passenger manifest.³

She married Matthew Herbertson at Partick Methodist Church in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 29 December 1938. He was an electrician and she was a grocer's assistant.⁴

Carolyn died on 6 July 2012 in Newport at age 94.^5,6

Her will was probated in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, on 11 October 2012.⁶

Christina McInnes Ferguson was born in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 28 August 1913.¹
The siblings Alexander and Christina were listed in the 1921 census at 61 Exeter Drive in Partick, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, with their parents, Alexander Ferguson and Catherine Sinclair (Kate) McInnes.²

She married John Taylor (Jack) Howat, son of Alexander Guthrie Howat and Margaret Houston McPhee, at the Grand Hotel in Kelvingrove, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, on 12 February 1938. He was a marine engineer and she was a typist.³

She was widowed at age 33 on the death of her husband John on 25 June 1947.^4,5

Christina died on 23 January 1998 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, at age 84.⁶ She was cremated in Edinburgh on 29 January 1998.