Ferguson, Harry

views updated

Ferguson, Harry (1884–1960). Engineer. Born in Co. Down, Ferguson opened a garage in Belfast and in 1909 was the first man in Ireland to fly. During the First World War he developed his interest in farm machinery and in the 1930s produced his ploughing tractor. Between 1939 and 1947 he was in partnership with Henry Ford to mass-produce tractors, and when Ford's successors repudiated the contract, set up on his own. Ford's were forced to settle in 1952 for $9 million in compensation. Ferguson's constant advocacy of reducing prices and holding down incomes became fashionable after his death.

J. A. Cannon

More From encyclopedia.com