Squire Daniel A. Ferguson, a prominent resident and retired merchant at Saulsbury, was born January 8, 1825, in Franklin County, Va., of which State his parents were also natives. His father, Daniel Ferguson, was born August 4, 1782, and immigrated to Tennessee in 1836, locating in Hardeman County, where he died March 27, 1858. He was an officer of high rank in the war of 1812. The mother, Jemima (Saunders) Ferguson, was born, and spent her life in her native State. She died in 1835. Our subject’s early life was passed on a farm. In 1857, he embarked in the merchandise business at Saulsbury, where with the exception of about six years, he continued until 1882. He was one of the most successful merchants of the county for many years, and considered a man of best business qualifications. In 1849, he was elected magistrate, and served about ten years in that capacity. He was the first mayor of the town, holding the office for eight or ten years. No man in the community is better or more favorably known. He has great force of character. He began life with comparatively nothing, but is now in most comfortable circumstances, and owns some fine property. He is a Mason and a Democrat. April 29, 1847, he married Miss Frances E., daughter of James and Mary (Jones) Smith, of Tippah County, Miss. To the union two children were born: James and Mary Frances, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are zealous and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Source: from “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”