General Notes

REFN: 2497AN
REFN: P2498
Notes for MARIAN FERGOUSSONE from Kimberly Egan:
Arms: Azure, a b uckle Argent between three boars' heads couped
-Badge: A bee on a thistle, all Proper
oMotto: Dulcius ex asperis (Sweeter after difficulties)
oGaelic Name: MacFhearghuis
°Tartans: Fergusson, Fergusson of Balquhidder
oSepts: Fergie, Fergus, Ferguson, Ferries, Firgie, Keddie, Kiddie,
MacAdie, MacFergus, MacKed die, MacKerras, MacKersey.
The origin of the name Fergusson or Ferguson, "son of Fergus"
(MacFhearguis in Gaelic), is shrouded by the mists of time. Mediev al
historians recorded a tradition that the founder of Scotland's monarchy
was a Fergus who lived in Ireland about 300 B.C. Historical research
dating f rom the l3th century confirms that by 500 A.D. the Scots under
King Fergus Mo r had left Northern Ireland and became established in
Dalriada, now Argyll. F rom Fergus Mor, with a few early exceptions,
descend all subsequent kings and queens of the Scots, including the
present Queen of Great Britain. St. Colum ba of Iona ( 6th century A.D. .)
was a scion of Fergus Mor's royal line.
In one of the oldest documents of ancient Scottish history , the "Tract
on the M en of Alby " , Fergusson is the only modem clan name mentioned.
Some writers believe the Fergusson had their day as a powerful clan prior
to the 13th cent ury and became dispersed from Argyll (Dalriada) as the
Scots spread into othe r parts of Scotland. Before the 18th century, at
least five groups of Ferguss on possessed lands and lived in the style of
a clan under their respective ch iefs in Argyll, Perthshire,
Aberdeenshire, Dumfriesshire, and Ayrshire. Today , the Kilkerran
Fergussons in Ayreshire and the family of Fergusson of Baledm und and the
Fergussons of Balquhidder, both in Perthshire, are still owners o f
extensive lands.
The name is also common in Ulster where there have been s everal landed
families, some claiming to have been planted there from A Ayrsh ire in the
17th century .Others of the name in Antrim and nea1by counties des cend
from people who did not migrate to Dalriada in the 5th century .
The di spersed Clan Fergusson has not blazed the battlefield with glories
won by the sword. However, "Sons of Fergus" fought with Bruce in the Wars
of Independen ce. Some Perthshire Fergussons were out with Montrose in
1644. The oldest sol dier in Prince Charles Edward's Army at Prestonpans
in the '45 was an 80-year -old Ferguson. In modem times and during World
Wars I and II many Fergus(s)on s from Scotland and abroad were
distinguished military leaders. Clan Fergusso n has been termed a "gentle
froce" that gained respected prominence from live and let live. Recently,
however, a clansman, after looking at Mclan's depict ion of "The
Fergusson" as a barefooted, Claymore-wielding, helmeted warrior w earing
the ancient Lein-croich, or saffron colored shirt of the Celts, remark ed
that "if Clan Fergusson is a "gentle force" he was glad the warrior was
one of us and not a foeman!"
"Sons of Fergus" the world over have gained disti nction in nonmilitary
activities, e.g. in the law, the
church, government, t he arts and sciences, medicine, education,
agriculture and in business and in dustry. Mention can only be made of
Adam Ferguson the philosopher (1724-1816) and Robert Fergusson (1750-
Sources:
Title: House of Grimmett by William Ord way
Repository: