Nathaniel Ferguson, Iron Manufacturer, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on November 20th, 1817. He is the son of John Ferguson, who emigrated to the United States at the commencement of this century. His son received his elementary education at the common school, and completed the same by attending the Moscow Academy, in Lancaster. Being an apt and intelligent scholar, and of an energetic spirit, he began teaching school at the age of eighteen years; his capital in hand was fifty cents received from his mother, and this was all he had at the outset of his career. He continued the role of school-master for eighteen months, and subsequently, in 1839, effected an engagement as clerk at Elizabeth (charcoal) Furnace, in Lancaster county, where that well known iron-master, Robert Coleman, first started. Here, by dint of study and observation, he learned all that was necessary to adapt him as a manager of the establishment. His term of service was nine years and a half, during seven of which he was entrusted with the superintendence of the Furnace in and for the interest of the heirs of James Coleman. He then removed to the Swatara Furnace, in Schuylkill county, where he became one of the firm of Eckert, Gilbert & Co., and took the practical management of the works. This was also a "charcoal furnace," of the capacity of forty tons daily, and employing forty or fifty hands. The co-partnership lasted until 1855, when they ceased operations; for it was found that "anthracite iron" which had already been for some years most successfully manufactured, was far more profitable than that by the old process; besides, wood was becoming scarcer and dearer every year, enhancing the price of charcoal; and as the location was not suitable for the fabrication of anthracite iron, they wisely closed up their furnace. In 1857, he removed to Robesonia with the intention of becoming a partner in the firm there engaged, but being unable to negotiate matters satisfactorily, he undertook the management of the works. In 186o, at the death of Mr. Robertson, he was enabled to purchase an interest in the concern, and the firm became "White, Ferguson & Co.," the "Company" being the interest of the deceased partner. In 1863, this latter interest expired, and the style was changed to "White & Ferguson." In 1868, the senior partner died, leaving him sole proprietor, subject to the interest of Mr. White's heirs. There are two furnaces at this establishment which have been in blast, as required, since 1858. The quality of the iron manufactured is the same as that which is principally produced from the ores of the Cornwall mines, and, about 1860 and 1861, was worth from $15 to $18 per ton. The capacity of the furnaces is from 175 to 200 tons, employing altogether some seventy-five hands. A branch railroad track, about half a mile long, is used to convey the iron to the main line of the Lebanon Valley Railroad. A market is found for the sale of the metal in Reading and Philadelphia; while some goes as far west as Pittsburgh. He was married, in 1856, to Amanda Davenport, of Berks county, and has a family growing up. He is evidence of what a sound education, self-reliance, and untiring industry will produce; a most successful manufacturer, a shrewd business man, and with all of the most genial manners and presence. He has traveled much through the West, prospecting and investing. During the Rebellion, he contributed largely of his means towards sustaining the Union. He is especially noted for his benevolence and hospitality; and is beloved by all for his charitable actions towards the poor and suffering. His mother is still living (close of 1873) at the great age of 101 years. His father reached his ninetieth year.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 219.
Contributed by: Nancy.