Military service 1778–1812
Joined the British at Skenesborough (Whitehall) in 1778 under Captain Henry Young. Volunteer in the King's Rangers, rising to ensign; at St Johns, Quebec, 1 January 1783 aged 20, 5 ft 10 in, 1 year 8 months' service; half-pay after disbandment in December 1783. Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Volunteers, 1794; captain by purchase, 1798; captain at Niagara and living at Cavan, 1801. Changed his name to George R. Ferguson on joining the Canadian Fencibles in 1805 (temporary captain, York), commanding its light infantry company. Acting paymaster, 10th Royal Veteran Battalion at Quebec, September 1810 to October 1811; acting paymaster, 41st Regiment detachment at Quebec, to May 1812; paymaster of the Flank Battalion, August to December 1812.