Photograph of James Ferguson, ca. 1857 (William W. Slaughter, Life in Zion, An intimate look at the Latter-day Saints 1820-1995, 38.)
Painting used by permission of the International Society-Daughters of the Utah Pioneers
James Furguson (1828-1863)
Painted in Salt Lake City (He was too young and unknown to have warranted a painting in Nauvoo) ca.1852
James Ferguson was a member of the Mormon Battalion, sergeant-major in Company A, was born Feb. 23, 1828, at Belfast, Ireland, a son of Francis and Mary Ferguson. He was one of the most brilliant and capable of the younger men of Utah of pioneer days, and came first into historical prominence when he enlisted in the Mormon Battalion. He made his way to Utah immediately after he was discharged from the Battalion and later served as adjutant-general of the Utah state militia. He was leading man for the Deseret Dramatic Association. When Johnston's army was approaching Utah during the winter of 1857-1858, he wrote a ringing epistle, as adjutant-general, to his old Battalion commander, Col. Philip St. George Cooke, who was with Johnston's troops. Still later, in 1859, he was one of the founders and the principal writer of a local publication called "The Mountaineer." He died Aug. 30, 1863, in Salt Lake City, while still a comparatively young man. He was handsome, dashing, eloquent, and incisive, and was equally brilliant as soldier, lawyer, actor and orator (Andrew Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson, Vol. 4, p.743).
Copyright Jill C. Major