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From: FIONA GAYTHER <>
Subject: [FERGUSON-DNA] My Ferguson Roots
Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 16:06:45 +0000 (GMT)


Hi All.

Today I bit the bullet and bought a DNA test for my brother. I have had a brick wall for a very long time so I'm hoping this might open a chink of light.

My Fergusons are Scottish as far back as I can find. There are some discepancies in my Great Grandfather's birth dates. The 1871 census says he was born in 1837, but his death certificate says he was born in 1828. I think the registrar must have been drunk as that would have made him 11 when my Grandfather was born (in 1871)! Great Great Grandfather was also born in Scotland, according to GGF's marriage certificate. GGF and GGGF were both called John Ferguson.

My Grandfather was Edward Thomas Dunne Ferguson, born in Kent. His father was a Colour Sergeant in the Rifle Brigade. His mother was Catherine Larkin, born in Ireland. My father (another John!) was born in India - his mother's family were all English (with a tiny bit of Welsh).

I have absolutely no idea where in Scotland they are all from. I have vague memories of my father telling me it was Glasgow, but I don't know much he really knew about it. With names like John Ferguson it really is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, which is why I have ordered the DNA test. I am hoping it will give me some idea of where in Scotland my family are from and put me in touch with someone who knows more than I do. I'm not sure if I should say anything about my Mother's side of the family. Perhaps someone will tell me if I should. I hope I have given enough information and it's not too confusing.

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