James Fergus

James Fergus (October 8, 1813 – June 5, 1902) was a miner, rancher, businessman and politician in Minnesota and Montana. He immigrated as a young man from Scotland and became a naturalized United States citizen. He helped develop the frontier in both territories, founding cities and counties.

In the book Progressive Men of Montana, Fergus is described as: "his main characteristics are a natural aptitude for mechanical enterprises, a sturdy independence of thought, a strict integrity of purpose and a love for study and good books."

Early life

Fergus was born in 1813 in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

In 1862 Fergus joined Capt. James L. Fisk's expedition to Bannack, Montana.

Fergus moved with his family west to Montana Territory. He became involved in territorial and state politics. He was selected as the first judge in the miners' court in the Territory. He was appointed commissioner of Madison County. In 1869, Fergus was appointed to a vacant seat as county commissioner of Lewis and Clark County.

In 1873 and in 1875 Fergus served as a precinct chairman in Montana for the Republican Party. In 1879 he was elected to represent Fergus County in the Territorial House of Representatives. Fergus was instrumental to the Republican party in Montana, as chairman and through his writings in local newspapers.

In 1884 he participated in the constitutional convention in preparation for seeking admission of the territory as a state. At the same time, he promoted the organization of Fergus County and is considered its founder.

Fergus became the first president of the Society of Montana Pioneers in 1884.

Business

In 1895, Fergus and his son Andrew expanded their ranching business operation. They created a family corporation named Fergus Livestock and Land Company. It developed as one of biggest ranching operations in central Montana. Their ranch was located on Armells Creek in northeastern Fergus County. James died in 1902 and Andrew in 1928. Due to the loss of these business leaders and the economic strains of the Great Depression, heirs were forced to sell this exceptional ranch.

Death Fergus died June 5, 1902. His wife died October 6, 1887. Andrew Fergus died in 1928, shortly before the stock market crash and onset of the Great Depression.

Legacy Fergus was posthumously inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.