In 1901, the Ferguson family were living at 62 Queen Street, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire: Father, Alexander (House Painter) (56); Mother, Elizabeth (58); Daughter Grace (31); Daughter, Elizabeth (Infant Teacher) (29); Daughter, Sarah (Infant Teacher) (25); Son, Alexander (House Painter) (23); Daughter, Minnie G. M.(Student) (21); Son, John G. M. (Bank Clerk) (19); Daughter, Elsie Gray (18); Son, James P. (14); Son, Robert William (13); and Daughter, Henrietta (11). Also living at this address was Lizzie Keith (Domestic Servant) (16).

Robert Ferguson was born in Peterhead on 20th October 1887. He was educated at Peterhead Academy, entered Aberdeen University in 1905, and graduated M.A. with honours in Mathematics in 1909, and B.Sc. in 1910. Robert was a keen student of nature taking a special course of Botany at Oxford University, and he had gathered much valuable material concerning the Flora of Banffshire with a view to its publication. Robert proved himself a very successful teacher, doing good work at Aberlour, Nairn and Sharp's Institution, Perth. He took up the Boy Scout movement with great enthusiasm and was popular with both parents and pupils.

In April 1915 Robert enlisted as a private in his old College Company, the 3/4th Gordon Highlanders, was commissioned in the 5th Battalion on 19th June 1915, and thereafter was appointed Musketry Officer. Robert went through his training at Aberdeen, Peterhead and Ripon and crossed to France in 1916. He took part in the early Somme Battles, and was killed in action at Beaumont-Hamel on 13th November 1916, aged 28.

Buchan Observer, 21st November 1916

“Peterhead - Mr Alex Ferguson 62, Queen St has received information that his youngest son was wounded in action on 13th inst. No further information has been received as to the extent of his injuries. Lieut. Ferguson graduated M.A., B.Sc. at Aberdeen University and prior to joining the Gordon Highlanders was mathematical master at Sharpe’s Institute (sic), Perth.”

Robert Ferguson is also commemorated on the Perth Congregational Church War Memorial; the Peterhead War Memorial; and the University of Aberdeen War Memorial.