James Ferguson (major-general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Ferguson
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James Ferguson of Balmakelly
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| Born |
Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK
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| Died | 1705 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Major General, Colonel of the Cameronian regiment |
James Ferguson (born before 1677, died 1705) was a Scottish soldier. He became a very important military leader, reaching the rank of major-general. He was also the colonel of a famous army group called the Cameronian regiment.
James Ferguson came from a family in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father, William Ferguson, was a local landowner. James was also the younger brother of Robert Ferguson, who was known for his involvement in political plots.
Contents
James Ferguson's Military Journey
James Ferguson started his military career in the Scots brigade. These were Scottish soldiers who fought for the Netherlands. He likely joined around the time of King Charles II.
Early Ranks and Battles
- His first official role was as a quartermaster in 1677.
- He slowly moved up the ranks, becoming an ensign in 1678 and a lieutenant in 1682.
- In 1685, his group was sent to England during a rebellion.
- He became a captain in 1687.
- In 1688, he joined William of Orange when William arrived in England.
- Ferguson's regiment was among the first to land.
- He fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie, where he was captured for a short time. After this battle, he became a major.
- In 1690, he led 600 men to help bring peace to the western Scottish isles. He did this job very well.
Fighting in Europe
- By 1692, Ferguson was fighting in Europe again.
- He was with his regiment at the Battle of Steenkirk.
- Soon after, he became a lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Cameronians regiment.
- Ferguson led his regiment at the Battle of Landen and during the siege of Namur.
- In 1693, he was made the colonel of his regiment. He kept this important role until he died.
- After a peace treaty, his regiment stayed in the Netherlands for a while.
- In 1700, his regiment officially joined the British army and moved to Scotland.
Leading the Way
- In 1702, Ferguson went back to the Netherlands with his regiment under the famous general Marlborough.
- In 1703, he was in charge of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch and was promoted to brigadier-general.
- In 1704, he led a group of soldiers in the attack on the heights of Schellenberg.
- He also played a big part in the Battle of Blenheim. His group fought hard in one of the toughest parts of the battle.
His Final Years
- In 1705, he commanded a group of soldiers during a battle in Brabant.
- Later that year, he was in charge of 's-Hertogenbosch again, now as a major-general.
- James Ferguson died very suddenly on October 22, 1705.
- He was buried in a church in 's-Hertogenbosch. There is also a memorial for him in Scotland.
- People at the time remembered him as a brave and experienced officer.
James Ferguson's Family Life
James Ferguson was married twice.
- His first wife was Helen Drummond. They had a son and a daughter.
- His second wife was Hester Elizabeth Hibelet. They had one daughter.
His son, also named James, took over the family estates after his father died. He was only ten years old at the time. The family later bought new estates called Kinmundy and Coynach in Aberdeenshire. These lands are still held by his family today.
