James E. Furgerson

JAMES E. FURGERSON, who is one of the leading and wealthy citizens of Mt. Vernon, is called the " father of the Methodist Church," a name which indicates the active part which he takes in church and benevolent work, and also gives some suggestion of his honorable and well spent life.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Furgerson was born in Sumner County, August 1, 1819.

The grandfather, Edward Furgerson, was a native of Virginia, and in that state the father, Nelson Furgerson, was probably born. The latter first came to southern Illinois in 1819, but in 1822 he returned to Tennessee, where he died in 1825. He was a blacksmith by trade and came of a family of Irish origin, yet little is known of his ancestry. He married Roxibode Tyler, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of John Tyler, who was born in the same state and who came to Illinois in 1818, his death occurring in Jefferson County.

Our subject is the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. He was only six years old when his father died, and at the age of thirteen he was bound out to learn the blacksmith's trade, but after two years he was crippled. The man with whom he served his apprenticeship then offered to pay his doctor bill and give him a suit of clothes.

Mr. Furgerson accepted the offer, but supposed he would soon have to seek a home in the poor house. This, however, seemed to be the turning point in his eventful life, for at that time he began to improve in health and commenced to prosper. He followed the blacksmith's trade for some years, and after coming to Mt. Vernon, in 1836, followed that pursuit for one year. He then returned to Tennessee, where he continued to make his home until 1852, when he again came to Mt. Vernon and established a little store near his Grandfather Tyler's place, hauling his goods by team from St. Louis.

In 1859, he came to Mt. Vernon, and forming a partnership with Captain Stratton, built the first flouring mill in the place. They operated both a flouring and woolen mill, and for many years were the leading merchants of the city. Their partnership continued until the cyclone of 1888, when their buildings were destroyed, and soon afterward the connection was discontinued.

Of late years, Mr. Furgerson has largely given the care of his business interests into other hands, but each day pays a visit to his two stores and to his extensive farm close by.

In 1840, Mr. Furgerson married Miss Sarah S. Venture, and to them were born four children who grew to mature years.

James N., who served for four years in the Civil War, now follows farming near Mt. Vernon;
Frank L., who was a Captain in the Union army, resides in this city;
John L., who offered his services but was rejected on account of his eyesight, now follows farming near this city; and
Mary Jane died at the age of nineteen.

The mother of this family passed away in 1850, and in 1852 Mr. Furgerson wedded Marguerite E. Westcott, who died in 1858.

In 1859, he married Sarah F. Allen, and to them have been born the following children:

Belle, who is the wife of Charles Lindeley, of St. Louis;
Emma, wife of J. Hill Williams, who is in partnership with. Mr. Furgerson in the dry-goods business;
Leona,
Anna,
Cora and
Maud, at home; and
George Edward, who was burned to death when eleven years of age. His clothes caught fire and death resulted from the injuries thus sustained.

Mr. Furgerson and all of his family are members of the Methodist Church, with which he has been connected for fifty-eight years. His long and faithful service in the cause of the Master lias been productive of much good and has made his life well worthy of emulation. Through the legitimate channels of business he has won a handsome property and is now one of the substantial, as well as one of the highly respected and prominent citizens of the community.

"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Published by Chapman Publishing Company of Chicago in 1894
Page 380-381
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer