Thompson Benton Ferguson

Thompson Benton Ferguson (March 17, 1857 – February 14, 1921) was the sixth governor of Oklahoma Territory.

Early life Ferguson was born on March 17, 1857, near Des Moines, Iowa. The following year, he moved to Emporia, Kansas, with his parents. His mother died in 1860, and his father enlisted in the Union Army at the beginning of the American Civil War. He was raised by his older sister and educated in public schools. After finishing college, he was ordained as a Methodist minister and after a short time moved to Chautauqua County, Kansas. There, Ferguson taught school for nine years and married Elva Shartel Ferguson on June 9, 1885, in Sedan, Kansas. Shartel was the daughter of the local newspaper owner and when her father died in 1890, Ferguson took over the paper. ) and he assumed the office on November 30, 1901. He served until January 5, 1906. Upon retirement, he returned to his residence in Watonga. He made two notable attempts to return to his public service. He was a candidate for U.S. Representative from Oklahoma in 1907 and the Republican candidate for Governor of Oklahoma in 1910.

Death Ferguson died on February 14, 1921, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After a formal tribute in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, presided over by then-Governor James B. A. Robertson, his remains were returned to Watonga and were interred at Watonga City Cemetery.