| WAYNE P. FERGUSON, VETERAN OF SOUTH, IS CLAIMED BY DEATH |
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General Wayne P. Ferguson, 73, veteran of the Confederate army, a leader in the United Confederate Veterans since their organization, for years in the service of the United States internal revenue department, and long a leader of statewide prominence in the democratic party, died Saturday at his home in Kenova, after a lingering illness. General Ferguson, a man of splendid stature and great physical strength, and a commanding figure wherever men assembled, was in excellent health until less then two years ago, when the robust health began to fail. He attended the Confederate Veterans reunion at Birmingham against the advice of his physicians, and there his illness became more acute. From Birmingham he went to Hot Springs, where he spent several weeks before returning to his home in Kenova. Since that time, while his condition occasionally showed improvement, his strength has gradually wasted, and for months it had been known that death was only a matter of time. Indeed it was largely his own courage and determination that long delayed the end. Born in Wayne county, seventy- three years ago then, in the old state of Virginia, General Ferguson resided there until the ourbreak of the civil war. With the ourbreak of hostilities, he donned a uniform of gray, a private in the Jenkins Cavalry, organized and headed by General Albert Gallatin Jenkins, who once resided on the Ohio valley near Huntington. As a private in this dashing brigade, young Ferguson won honor, being given a non-commissioned rank before he had been in two years of service. Prior to the close of the war, he was elevated to the rank of a first lieutenant with the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, Company K. When General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Apamattox Court House Mr. Ferguson returned to his home in Wayne county, where he entered the merchandise business. General Ferguson soon turned his attentions to politics, in which he became a democratic leader of note throughout West Virginia, his first public service in this state being as a member of the state senate. After this service the general became connected with the federal government, in the internal revenue service, which position he held with credit for many years. As a national and state leader in United Confederate Veteran circles, General Ferguson was widely known. He held offices with the national and state orders, and was a leader in Camp Garnet, Huntington. From this organization Mr. Ferguson received the title of General, his service rank being first lieutenant. During his early days, General Ferguson married Miss Mary Kenney, of Wayne county, the widow surviving. No children came from this union but the marital happiness of General and Mrs. Ferguson was the envy of their many friends throughout the state. While funeral arrangements have not been perfected, the burial will probably take place Monday, with services in the home. -The Huntington Advertiser, Saturday Evening, March 17, 1917 |
| Gen. Ferguson's |
| Funeral Tuesday |
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General Wayne P. Ferguson, of Kenova, who died Saturday afternoon, will be buried Tuesday afternoon in Spring Hill cemetery, interment to follow services at the home, conducted under the auspices of Camp Garnet, United Confederate Veterans. In accordance with one of the general's last wishes, his remains will be clothed in the Confederate uniform of gray. A military escort, from the Second Regiment, West Virginia National Guard, will bear the casket to the last resting place. At two o'clock Tuesday afternoon, in the Ferguson home at Kenova, last rites will be pronounced. At the close of this service, two special funeral cars will carry the party to Spring Hill for the burial. -The Huntington Advertiser, Monday Evening, March 19, 1917 |
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