I got these 2 messages through another list & thought I would post here for anyone interested in contributing to this "book" project. Bill Austin "Those who have no pride in the deeds of a remote ancestry will hardly be likely to accomplish anything worthy to be remembered by the remote posterity." Macauley -------- Original Message -------- Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 22:47:58 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Ferguson Book Hello, all. Just wanted to let you know of a project that several of us are working on that Sherry Gritzbaugh mentioned in an earlier message. I am typing the material that has been gathered by several descendants of John Ferguson. Already, we're up to two hundred pages of descendants and family information. The "book" is nearly complete. The first draft will be sent out soon to the contributors for their review. John Ferguson, revolutionary soldier, moved from Amite County, MS to then Ouachita Parish, LA in the early 1820's. With him were his two sons-in-law, William Austin and Richard Austin, as well as his wife and several daughters. Two other sons, David and William, and two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth, remained in Mississippi with their families. John became a resident of Union Parish when it was formed in 1839. You could say he was one of the original residents of Union Parish. The book being put together is a collaborative effort of myself, Sherry Gritzbaugh, Carolyn Austin, Bill Austin, Paul Cales, Ron Austin, Glenda Kinser and Charles Lilly. Input was also given before their deaths by Miss Sada Carey, Mrs. Nellie Sneed and Mrs. Arelia Breed. Anyone who descends from John Ferguson is invited to have their information included. Just send me an email message; we would really like your contribution as well. John's children included Mary Ann Ferguson who married William Austin, Joannah Ferguson who married Richard Austin, William Ferguson who married Patsy Daniel, David Ferguson who married Catherine Cooley, Elizabeth Ferguson who married Isham Lucy, Susannah Ferguson who married Jesse Wise, Sarah Ferguson who married Samuel McGehee and Christiana Ferguson who married John O. Feazel. Send me an email if you have an interest. Roy Austin -------- Original Message -------- Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 23:19:43 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Ferguson Book & the grave of Grandpa John, the Revo. vet Dear Roy and Union Web site members: Before Arelia Breed died, she wrote that a relative had walked the Zion Hill Cemetery in Liberty, Amite, Mississippi. So did a photographer that I hired. His name was Paul McGehee 601) 657-4344. He refused to accept my check because there was no grave at the Zion Hill Bapt Ch located on Route 1 in MS. We finally deceided that they must have brough John, the Revo. soldier back to Union Parish, La. to be buried by his first wife at the church he helped form and attended. The Zion Hill Baptist Church. I have never been there but Arelia said the church was located (I think Cherry Ridge or Cherry Point?) in Union Parish, La. The church minutes which Arelia sent to me stated that when they first started, they had no minister so John and another deacon rotated preaching the sermons until one was called. The DAR is trying to locate his grave so it can be marked. Can a reader and/or researcher help us find his grave? Others who descended from John Ferguson were my two ancestors: Susannah Ferguson who married Jesse Wise the parents of Mary Ann Clarissa Wise who married Michael Feazel. Christiana (Catherine) Ferguson who married John O. Feazel and left many, many descendants in Union Parish as did Michael and Mary Ann Clarissa Feazel, nee Wise. If they do find the grave, PERHAPS WE COULD ATTEND THE MARKING CEREMONY. There were only three revo. vets that Arelia and I could find and they were John Ferguson, Jeremiah Grisham and John Huey. All were living in Chester Co. SC at the same time. All eventually migrated to Union Parish. I have often wondered if there was a family connection way back there?! I think Daniel Colvin may have also lived in Chester Co. SC. but I am not sure. A lady contacted me some time ago. Perhaps he also served in the war of the Revo. Maybe the lady will read this message and contact me again. I hope so. Keep up the good work Roy! Sherry Gritzbaugh in Bellaire, Texas