John S. Fergus, farmer; P. O. West Charleston; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Dec. 4, 1819 ; is a son of James and Rachel (Mars) Fergus they were natives of Rockbridge Co., Va., but came to this township in 1807 and bought 160 acres of land, of which 12 acres was partially cleared. The remainder of the farm he had improved, but followed tanning himself. He was commander of the militia in the war of 1812 but was never called to active service, and was one of the County Commissioners in the days when they were the tax collectors. He helped to "lay out" the county, and was its representative for three terms. A short time previous to his death he moved to West Charleston. He was taken ill at his daughter's in Tippecanoe, and was never able to be taken home. His death occurred Dec. 27, 1855, at the age of 71 years 10 months and 12 days. Our subject was raised a farmer and followed that business till he arrived at the age of 29 years. He then bought property in Tippecanoe, and engaged in the grain trade for two years, at which time he bought the farm on which he now resides. He has recently sold 54 acres to his son, but still owns 90 acres in Sec. 26, which is well improved and in a good state of cultivation. In 1844, Nov. 21, he married Susan Black, a native of Clark Co., born Sept. 5, 1823. The fruits of this marriage are three children; James Corwin, born Nov. 28,1845; Samuel R., Oct. 27, 1848; John Franklin, March 8, 1863.