(1796-1864) Daniel Ferguson
Involvement with Education
Daniel Ferguson played an important part in moves to set up the first public school in Glen Osmond. While local councils were given the power to "promote education in South Australia by aids towards the erection of schools and the payment of stipends to teachers," with limited income, they seldom had the means to do so, and funds to establish schools were more commonly raised through subscription.
Private schools already existed in Glen Osmond, however the private dwellings they were held in were quite unsuited for schoolrooms. As no suitable building existed in a central position for a public school, a number of residents presented a petition to Arthur Hardy in October 1856m asking him to take steps to establish a schoolroom at Glen Osmond under the trust of the Education Board. The Register of November 2, 1856 reported "a public meeting was held on Thursday morning at the Reading Room, Glen Osmond, to adopt measures for raising subscriptions for the erection of a public schoolroom in that locality. From seventy to eighty persons were present"
Private schools already existed in Glen Osmond, including the Reverend Platts', which had an enrolment of 81. Conflict arose over the issue of who was to control the new school. Reverend Platts wanted it to remain under his control and a motion was put to the meeting that "it is desirable for a schoolhouse to be erected at Glen Osmond, in connection with the existing school."
Opposition came from those who wanted to ensure secular control. Daniel Ferguson seconded an amendment that "the school be erected in connection with the Central Board of Education." Osmond Gilles had already offered land and a subscription of £50, so an alternative to Mr Platts' school was available.
The amendment was however, lost for the moment, Reverend Platts arguing that "the present school could not be less denominational than it was. It was already in connection with the Board of Education, and its conductors had no intention of receding from that position." Having won support, he also obtained consent to apply for a grant from the Central Education Board, and to appoint trustees.
Those opposed to Platts' plan refused to concede defeat. Proof was presented that Osmond Gilles' plan was not new, and in fact dated back to 1851. Attempts to reach a compromise by referring the Gilles' offer back to a committee were resisted, the question of who should appoint the trustees coming into dispute. Arthur Hardy, the Chairman, tried to bring the debate to a close arguing "the trustees should be appointed by the District Council. At all events, the whole matter must pass through the District Council's hands." He also moved a resolution thanking Osmond Gillies for "his kind offer, whether it were accepted or not." Daniel Ferguson seconded the motion, which was carried with cheers.
While the meeting ended at this point, controversy continued. On March 5, 1856 a notice appeared:
Proposed schoolhouse at Glen Osmond
At a meeting held at the Mechanics' Institute, on Thursday, October 30, 1856, it was resolved: "That it is desirable that a schoolhouse be erected at Glen Osmond in connection with the existing school (explained by Mr Platts to mean in connection with his private school) under the Central Board of Education." It is contrary to the intention of some of the subscribers that the proposed schoolhouse should be limited in connection with any particular existing school, and a meeting of those persons only whose subscriptions may be paid will be held at the Mechanics' Institute, Glen Omond on Wednesday, the 7th November, to determine on the disposal of funds in hand, when any person will be at liberty to withdraw his or her subscription. Arthur Hardy, Treasurer, pro term.
Daniel Ferguson was clearly a major force in having the second meeting called, as he is again recorded as proposing and seconding several motions. The first, which was carried unanimously, resolved "that it is desirable to carry out the erection of the proposed schoolhouse in accordance with the spirit of the memorandum to which the subscribers' names are affixed, that is to say, under the model deed of the Central Board of Education, and entirely unconnected with any denominational or other existing school Proposed by Arthur Hardy, seconded by Daniel Ferguson and carried unanimously"
A second resolution, put forward by Arthur Hardy, was more critical "That it is the opinion of the meeting that Mr Platts' resolution, as carried by him at the meeting on October 30 "That the proposed school house be in connection with the existing school" is opposed to the spirit of the memoranda in pursuance of which that meeting was called, and which memorandum was subscribed by Mr Platts; and that this meeting has no confidence in any support that gentleman may offer to the erection of a schoolhouse for the equal accommodation of all denominations."
Having regained control of the project, the meeting went on to allocate responsibility. At Daniel Ferguson's suggestions, Arthur Hardy was appointed treasurer. A new committee was established, with Daniel Ferguson the first named of the eleven members. It was decided that "they be authorised to negotiate for the most advantageous site; and that they be requested to procure plans and estimates from such persons as may be willing to furnish the same, and submit the same to a meeting."
Seven trustees were appointed, and again Daniel Ferguson's name was listed first. The site of the proposed school was to 'be vested in them upon the trusts of the model deed approved by the Central Board of Education.' The new school was completed in 1859 and comprised a large hall with two rooms for a teacher's residence. According to the Education Report for 1859 "Glen Osmond, with one exception the only suburban locality that has taken advantage of Government aid in building, possesses a large and well-furnished schoolroom. The master, aided by Mrs Tucker, teaches an orderly assemblage of pupils with ability, energy and success"
The school was later handed over to Burnside Council, when repairs became too costly. As well as serving its central purpose as a school, it also served as a public hall and became the new home of the Glen Osmond Institute. It was also used for religious services by various denominations on Sundays.
From 1859-64, Daniel Ferguson was also President of the Glen Osmond Institute. First known as the Glen Osmond Mechanics Institute, it was established by Arthur Hardy on his property to foster adult education, especially amongst the working classes. The Institute lapsed somewhat over the next few years, but in 1859, when the new schoolhouse was completed, interest was rekindled, and a new committee elected. A lecture program was organised. Statistics for the 1860s show that the Reading Room had more than 300 books, over 100 donated by Arthur Hardy's brother-in-law, the English philosopher John Stuart Mill. A debating club was also set up and Mutual Improvement classes held. Lectures were frequently illustrated by a magic lantern, and were usually well-attended.
Daniel Ferguson's involvement with education was also reflected in the establishment of a private school for young ladies in the refurbished dairy at Glenunga. Set up in 1861, it was run by his daughters, with the help of their cousins, Sarah and Mary Bird. It last appeared in directories in 1883 as Miss Ferguson's School.
Elder of the First Presbyterian Church
Daniel Ferguson had been ordained as an elder in the United Associate Secession church in Scotland. He continued to play an active role in church life after he migrated to Australia and was closely involved with the establishment of the first Presbyterian church in South Australia.
The first Presbyterian service was held at the South Australian Society's schoolroom in North Terrace on 14 July 1839. A meeting was held soon after to discuss establishing a church and a committee was set up to collect subscriptions. At a second meeting on 18 October 1839, a congregation called the Scotch Kirk was established, with Daniel Ferguson elected as one of the first elders.
The church records state: The congregation met according to previous intimation and after prayer and our adoption of the principals and constitution of the church by the Reverend Ralph Drummond proceeded to elect Elders. It being stated that Messrs Daniel Ferguson and John Harkness were ordained Elders of the United Associate Secession congregation of Lochmaben in Scotland and were then present, it was unanimously agreed that they be requested to take this office in the congregation and they having expressed their willingness to do so were admitted and ordained to be ruling Elders of the church. Concluded with prayers
From November 24, they met in the schoolroom in the Reverend Ralph Drummond's home in Angas Street. As the congregation grew, a canvas awning had to be erected to increase seating capacity. A building was urgently needed and by January 1840 a special fund had been established. Congregation members were asked to take out £5 shares, bearing 20% interest. In the first year, £452 was raised, which also allowed for an increase in the Reverend Drummond's stipend.
Sir James Malcolm donated a site in Gouger Street, and a tender was accepted from Samuel Mills for £550 for mason work only. The foundation stone was laid on 30 November 1840, St Andrews Day. A plate was inscribed "Fourth year of the colony, George Gawler, Governor, Presbyterian Church." Daniel Ferguson's name, as elder, was inscribed on it, along with the names of the other elders, the trustees, the managers, builders and architects.
The building measured 60 feet by 40 feet and was made from stone from a quarry behind government house. A slate roof was later added. The church, described as 'a severely simple gable-ended stone structure, to seat 260' was opened on 27 February 1842, but remained unfinished for some time, as its members were reluctant to go into debt. It was not plastered until 1845. Two vestries were added at the rear in 1850.
As well as serving the congregation in the city, the Minister also had to keep in touch with settlers in the country. Gawler Plains, where Daniel Ferguson first settled, was included in his itinerary. The size of the parish made it urgent that an assistant be appointed. In 1846, a request was made to the Synod in Scotland to send out a missionary. In 1851, William Baird Miller arrived. Presbyterians in the Barossa and Little Para districts asked for him to be stationed at Mt Crawford, where a church had been built in the 1840s. When Mr Miller went there on his arrival, members of the city church were dissatisfied.
On 20 April 1851 a meeting of the congregation was called to discuss a petition signed by six members of the Board of Management asking for Miller to be assigned to assist Drummond, so he could more effectively administer to the whole parish. A motion was put forward by some of the town people, suggesting Miller and Drummond share the work. However, neither Drummond nor Miller were happy with this suggestion and Drummond would not let the motion be put to the meeting. The meeting described by one member as "very uproarious" resulted in a serious rupture in the Gouger Street congregation. Daniel Ferguson and all of the elders except one resigned, as did all but one of the managers. The minute books were taken away and only recovered by the church when legal action was threatened.
The Gouger Street church continued, at first with a very much reduced congregation. In 1865, its congregation moved to a new church in Flinders Street. The Gouger Street property was sold, becoming in turn a hall, a school and a Crusaders temple before being incorporated in 1895 in the development of People Stores. Three walls, part of the roof, the northern gable and two stained glass windows remained, until the entire building was finally demolished in 1983.
Dissident members of the Gouger Street congregation joined other Presbyterian churches, as they became established. The Gouger Street Church belonged to the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Daniel Ferguson was one of 16 members who left to join the newly built Chalmers Free Church, in North Terrace, while others left to join the Grenfell Street Church of Scotland. The Free Church quickly attracted support in South Australia. By the end of 1851, it had 133 communicants, including the 17 who had left Gouger Street.
Daniel Ferguson was admitted to the eldership at Chalmers Street on January 30, 1859. He resigned on 5 April 1864, because of poor health, having served as an elder for five years. Chalmers Church had by then grown considerably, especially in comparison to the other two churches. In 1865, it had 200 communicants, an average attendance of 400 and 230 Sunday school scholars.
The Cyclopedia of South Australia in 1902 described the "Chalmers Church, by its commanding position on North Terrace at the corner of Pulteney Street, impresses the visitor as being the most representative Presbyterian Church in Adelaide."
Retirement from Public Life
To mark Daniel Ferguson's retirement as chairman of Burnside Council, a dinner was held for him at the Vine Inn on Thursday 2 July 1863. Local dignitaries came to pay their respects. According to the Register, "About forty persons sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Mrs Henderson, the hostess. The Hon W Milne presided and was supported on his right by the guest for the evening and Mr J W Bull, and on his left by Mr W S Whittington. Mr Thomas Graves filled the Vice-Chair. A party of German settlers also attended." Toasts were first proposed to "Her Majesty the Queen," "the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family" and "His Excellency the Governor," all of which were received with cheering and drunk with tokens of loyalty. David Packham then sang "I'm Afloat." Next were toasts to "the Houses of Parliament" then the Chairman turned to "the toast of the evening, the Health of Mr Daniel Ferguson." William Milne spoke at length on Daniel Ferguson's contribution to public life
"Mr Ferguson had made up his mind to retire from the District council; and though all would regret losing the benefit of his services, it was only right to show a slight appreciation of what Mr Ferguson had done for them". He expressed his pleasure at presiding, for he was not only able to appreciate Mr Ferguson's services as District Councillor, but could testify to the services he had rendered in a public capacity, where he had always endeavoured to advance the interests of the colony. The duties of a District Councillor were responsible and important, especially in the care and maintenance of the roads. Mr Ferguson had a great deal of practical experience and they had the benefit of his services gratuitously for years. He was sure the district of Burnside might be taken as a model, for their funds were appropriated in a careful and economical manner. A large amount of the present satisfactory state of the district was owing to their respected guest. He did not wish to depreciate the other District Councillors, but he thought Mr Ferguson, from his greater age and experience had been the most useful member of the Council. Mr Ferguson had proved himself valuable in many other matters. He had attended a large number of agricultural meetings himself, and he almost invariably met Mr Ferguson there, he being always willing to render any service in his power. Mr Ferguson was also a member of the Central Road Board - a very important institution in the colony - and his services were highly appreciated by the Government and the country generally. He could only say in conclusion, that throughout the long period that he had known him, he had always found him - whether as a private or a public man - to act in a manner which had assured him of the respect of all persons (Cheers) The toast was drunk with more cheering, with "one more for Mrs Ferguson". A song was then sung "in an excellent manner" by the party of German gentlemen from Adelaide.
"Daniel Ferguson was then called on to speak, replying that he rose with considerable diffidence to return thanks for the eulogistic manner in which the toast had been proposed, and the enthusiastic reception it had met with. He felt that the Chairman had rated his services much beyond their merits ("No"). When the idea of a dinner was first put to him, he stated that he was perfectly satisfied with the honour of a unanimous vote of thanks from the Council for his past services. He had no idea of being surrounded by so many friends, with some of whom he had no personal acquaintance. He had now been a colonist for 25 years and had always taken a warm interest in the progress and industry of the colony, more particularly with reference to agriculture and roads. Very often however, it was not he who made suggestions, but the person who carried them out who deserved the praise. He remembered some years ago moving that a farmers periodical should be published by the Agricultural Society, but it was opposed on the grounds that it was a matter of speculation. Mr E W Andrews however, came forward and offered to take the whole responsibility of such a paper published as Farm and Garden, if the Agricultural and Horticultural Society would honour him with its patronage. He was sure everyone who had read it had received practical lessons ("Hear, hear") and would join him in expressing regret that by want of support, it had now become defunct. He also had the honour to initiate the Farmers Club, which however, also from lack of support had fallen to the ground.
With reference to District Councils, he remarked that they were very useful institutions. He was a member of the first Council in East Torrens, which was successful for a time, but in consequences of disagreement the district was divided and Burnside Council was formed. He was connected with the East Torrens Council for two years. Dr Penfold was their first Chairman, Mr A Fergusson their second, and he had filled the same capacity for five years. They had acted with harmony, and he believed that they had given general satisfaction (Cheers). He believed that the roads and bridges of Burnside were a model for other districts. The Council however should be considered together, for he was only a humble member of it. It was now his desire to retire from the Council to make room for a gentleman who had sufficient spare time to devote to their interests. With these observations he thanked them for the honour they had done him (Cheers).
Following this speech, the German party again sang, then Daniel Ferguson proposed a toast to "The Various Interests of the Colony," stating he considered "the agricultural as the principal interest of the colony. When he came to the colony there were only four or five acres cropped, but this year their exportation, after feeding themselves would amount to 50,000 to 60,000 tons. It was evident that some depression existed at present, but he hoped that this would soon be dissipated. It was necessary for them also to have mercantile men like their Chairman. The pastoral interest was progressing well, and had become an important interest of the colony. With reference to the mining interest, he could not say very much in its praise, as he had only had one or two ventures, and had not been very successful. He hoped however, their resources would be developed, and he would ask them to drink to "The Various Interests of the Colony."
The Vice-Chairman responded, adding his thoughts, then a toast was proposed to "Lady Daly and the Ladies of South Australia" which Gilbert Ferguson acknowledged. Before they parted, Mr Bull proposed a toast to "the fatherland," referring to the pleasures with which they frequently remembered "the old country." My Meyers then made a speech in German, and Mr Schumm translated. The last toast was to "the health of the hostess" and the meeting separated at 11 pm.