We continue celebrating Women’s History Month now going back three generations. We first considered Mrs. Elva Shartel Ferguson, wife of Thompson Benton Ferguson of Watonga. Then we celebrated Mrs. Lucia Loomis Ferguson, wife of Walter Scott Ferguson, son of T.B. and Elva. Today we note the wife of Dr. Thomas Ferguson, Elizabeth (Libby) Shanley Ferguson, the granddaughter- in-law of T.B. and Elva Ferguson. Elizabeth Doris Shanley was a graduate of Kirkwood High School and Duke University where she was editor of the university yearbook, Chanticleer, and a member of the Mortar Board and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Dr. Thomas B. Ferguson and “Libby” met at Duke and were married following Dr. Ferguson’s graduation from Duke Medical School. (St. Louis Dispatch (April 6, 1947).
In addition to raising a family including Linda, Bruce, and Scott, Libby was editor of the St. Louis Magazine. “The story goes that when the St Louis Magazine failed in the late 1970s, Tom bought it for one dollar and gave it to Libby. Rather than treat it as a sentimental joke, Libby turned it into the most popular and essential magazine in the city, one that businessmen, politicians, civic leaders, sports figures, doctors and lawyers all considered a must read. A favorable word on a restaurant in the St Louis Magazine during the Libby Ferguson Era ensured instant success for that restaurant, and of course, the opposite was true as well. J Cardiothoracic Surgery. “That August (1970), the St. Louisan was renamed St. Louis Magazine, and in December, owner and managing editor Libby Ferguson took over as editor-in-chief. By the end of 1978, SLM had more than doubled in size and nearly tripled its circulation.” Saint Louis Magazine.
Mrs. Ferguson was also an accomplished amateur golfer. Both Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson were steadfast fans of the St. Louis Cardinals. “Libby and Tom do share one weakness that is sometimes painful to witness… their love for the St Louis Cardinals. In 1982, 1985, 1987, 2004 and 2006 the Cardinals were in the World Series, but neither Tom nor Libby could attend the games or even watch them on television… it was simply too nerve-wracking for them. One would think that such an accomplished pair would not be squeamish about anything, but not so when it involves the Fergusons and the Cardinals! J Cardiothoracic Surgery. “
Mrs. Ferguson passed away on December 20, 2013. That brings us forward three generations from Elva Shartel Ferguson who doubtless had major influences as a writer/editor on her daughter-in-law and great daughter- in-law, both highly accomplished writers/ editors.
I hope you enjoy reading these Ferguson Features. These are one of the many benefits of being a member of the Friends of the Ferguson Home. For a $25/$35/$50 (single, family, business) donation you have already benefited in 2025 from a free presentation on Oklahoma Jails, a presentation about pioneering African Americans by Dr. Roger Hardaway, and enjoyed the Celebration of T.B. Ferguson’s birthday. A Ferguson Tea is planned for May and a Flag Day celebration for June. Stop by the Ferguson mansion Thursday-Sunday and note that painting has begun on the home, the fence has been repaired, a tree replaced and the flowers are blooming. Volunteer a few minutes/ hours to work the gardens/shrubs/yard outside and help organize and host inside. We are inviting the 3rd grade and 9th grade classes to visit in May. Share a story about the Fergusons or their home, the jail or the cavalry station with this generation. You will benefit future generations just as Elva Ferguson influenced generations through the wives of her son and grandson.