In 1796 the government intiated a program to encourage expanding the linen industry. Free Spinning wheels or looms were granted to those individuals planting a particular area of land with flax. Approximately 60,000 individuals received those awards and a list of the persons was published in 1796. (PRONI reference T/3419) In addition there is a surname index for those entitled to the spinning wheel premium. (PRONI reference MF/7 from which the following FERGUS information was extracted. This list is considered a Census Substitute. LAST FIRST TOWNLAND COUNTY Fergus Andrew Cappagh Co Tyrone Fergus Bryan Killasnet Co Leitrim Fergus Catherine Rossenver Co Leitrim Fergus Edmond Ballintober Co Mayo Fergus Hugh Rossenver Co Leitrim Fergus James Kilbefad Co Mayo Fergus James Cappagh Co Tyrone Fergus Patrick Islandedy Co Mayo Fergus Thomas Cappagh Co Tyrone