Mary Catherine Ferguson facts for kids
Mary Catherine Guinness Ferguson (born 1823, died 1905) was a talented writer and historian from Dublin, Ireland. She wrote books and stories, and also wrote about the lives of important people.
Her Life Story
Mary Catherine was born on September 13, 1823, in Stillorgan, a place near Dublin, Ireland. Her father was Robert Rundell Guinness, and her mother was Mary Anne Seymour. She learned a lot at home and also went to school in Woodside, Cheshire. From a young age, she was very interested in Irish art and old historical objects.
On August 16, 1848, she married Samuel Ferguson. He was a lawyer and also loved old things and history. When Samuel became a knight in 1878, Mary Catherine became known as Lady Ferguson.
They knew many interesting people, including famous artist George Petrie and William Reeves, who was a bishop. Many Irish scholars, writers, and artists often met at their home to share ideas.
Mary Catherine passed away in Dublin on March 5, 1905. She was buried next to her husband in Donegore, County Antrim. They did not have their own children, but they helped raise the children of her husband's brother, John Ferguson, after their mother died.
Her Writings
Mary Catherine was very interested in Irish art and history. This led her to write several books:
- The story of the Irish before the conquest. From the mythical period to the invasion under Strongbow (published in 1868). This book tells the story of the Irish people before a famous invasion.
- Lays of the Red Branch (published in 1897). This book shares old Irish tales and poems.
She also wrote books about the lives of other people. These are called biographies:
- She wrote a two-volume biography about her own husband, Samuel Ferguson.
- She wrote Life of William Reeves, D.D., Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore, which came out in 1893. She also helped organize and publish his writings after he passed away.
Mary Catherine Guinness Ferguson is recognized in the Dictionary of Irish Biography for her important contributions.
