About T.B. and Elva Ferguson

T.B. Ferguson, Elva, and two sons came to Watonga in October after the Cheyenne and Arapaho land opening in 1892 to publish a newspaper, The Watonga Republican, which is still in print today. T.B. was educated as a Methodist Minister and taught school before coming to Oklahoma Territory. He was the 6th and longest serving Territorial Governor after President Roosevelt appointed him. They hired someone to publish the newspaper while he was governor and after his term was up he returned to Watonga to continue printing the paper until his death in February 14, 1921. Elva became editor after his death until her retirement in 1947. Edna Ferber stayed with Elva while writing the book Cimarron which later became a movie.

1901 Victorian Home Construction:

The Ferguson Home received National Register status in 1972.  It was constructed to use for entertaining since the newspaper editor was an important person in town.  The three story home has two doors on the front of the house, half circle bay windows with curved glass on first and second stories.  There is a bay window in the dinning room.  The two doors on second floor open onto a balcony.