W.M. FERGUSON, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 29, 1857, the youngest son of Benjamin M. and Cynthia (Haskins) Ferguson. He went to school until fifteen years old, when, without having ever been under instruction, he took up the "art preservative" in company with a younger companion, and published a small paper. In two years he left home and engaged in the office of the Cadiz Sentinel, serving a three years' apprenticeship, being however, promoted to the foremanship after the first six months. He next went to Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, there establishing a paper called the Eye, and successfully managing it for over a year, when he disposed of his interest and retired for a short time. Next, he and his brother purchased an office in Coshocton, Ohio, and January 1, 1880, started the Coshocton Commonwealth, which met with gratifying success. In April, 1881, he came to Jefferson, this county, and was employed on the Bee until the spring of 1885, being for one year a partner in the proprietorship of that paper. April 4, 1885, as above stated, he established the Souvenir, to which he has since devoted his time and energies.
He was married May 14, 1884, to Miss Anna King, of Panora, this State.
In politics, Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat.
