Colin Ferguson papers
Scope and Contents Note
This collection contains the papers of the early Presidents of Washington College. Beginning with Washington College’s first President William Smith through it’s fourteenth Dr. Charles W. Reid. Francis Waters served two times as President making him the fifth and nineth President. Due to the fires of 1827 and 1916 many of the early records were lost including the identity of the Presidents from 1805-1813. These papers consist of original materials, research from primary and secondary sources, facsimile copies, and published materials.
This Record Group is divided into thirteen groups: Group 1: William Smith papers; Group 2: Colin Ferguson papers; Group 3: Hugh McGuire papers; Group 4: Joab Goldsmith Cooper papers; Group 5: Gerard E. Stack papers; Group 6: Francis Waters papers; Group 7: Timothy Clowes papers; Group 8: Peter Clark papers; Group 9: Richard W. Ringgold papers; Group 10: Andrew J. Sutton papers; Group 11: Robert C. Berkeley papers; Group 12: Thomas N. Williams papers; Group 13: Charles W. Reid papers.
Dates
- Creation: 1752-1997
Access restrictions
Collection in open for research.
Biographical Information
Colin Ferguson (approximately 1754-1807) was born in Kent County, Maryland to Scottish emigrants. Educated in America he received his higher education in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh. Afterwards he returned to America and by 1872 was an instructor in the Kent County School in Chestertown. Ferguson received a master’s degree from Washington College in 1783 and was chosen as a professor at the college. He taught mathematics, natural history, and languages having a knowledge of English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and the Erie language. As well as teaching Ferguson studied theology under William Smith and took his decan’s orders at Christ Church, Middletown, CT. He received a Doctor of Divinity from Washington College in 1785. He was licensed to preach in St. Paul’s parish in Kent County. Ferguson became President of Washington College in 1789 he resigned in 1804, when the Maryland Legislature deprived the college of its funding, finishing his tenure in 1805. He spent his last few years in retirement and passed away in 1807.
Extent
From the Record Group: 3.5 Cubic Feet (7 boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Record Group: English
Repository Details
Part of the Washington College Archives & Special Collections Repository
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown MD 21620