Discussions

I am working on a family history. In 1947, a direct ancestor died and the Campbell & Fergusson funeral home handled arrangements.  
 
Does anyone know where I can find out where this funeral home was located in Brandon? and some history of it? Where would those records have gone?  
 
Thanks in advance.

I am not from Brandon nor have any family from here, so not any point of reference other than google… but , google is telling me that George William Fergusson (1879-1963) operated the Campbell and Campbell Furniture store and the Fergusson Funeral Home. So I did not see any Campbell and Fergusson Funeral home as you stated. To me they look like 2 separate companies?  
 
http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/fergusson_gw.shtml

There is also this link to brandonsun that might aid in the search? I can’t open it though  
 
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2021/10/29/downtown-brandons-painted-memories

Thanks for that info. You had more luck with your search than I did! lol  
 
The obit from 1947 says, "funeral was held Friday from Campbell and Fergusson funeral home to Brandon Cemetery." We've been out to the cemetery a few summers ago. Found where he is, but no marker, either  
 
I'm really hoping I can track down where the records went.

I got it open.... Here's a relevant section:  
 
Another downtown building has some of the more well-preserved examples of vintage ads left in Brandon.  
 
It’s now known as the Bass Building but originally called the Campbell Building after partners Archibald and Robert Campbell operated their combination furniture and undertaking business there for decades after construction in 1905.  
 
“As far as I can find, there’s no relation there,” Wowchuk said of the original namesakes. “They also ended up with partners Fergus Wright and George Ferguson. Ferguson operated as an undertaker, so there were funeral, furniture and undertaking services, and that was actually incredibly common back in the day. Even Brockie Donovan Funeral Home had a furniture store at one point. Undertaking and furniture companies went hand in hand for a long time.”  
 
Forty years later, George Bass bought the building, and his name is still used to refer to it. However, remnants of both businesses still linger.

From the Brandon sun link:  
 
 
It’s now known as the Bass Building but originally called the Campbell Building after partners Archibald and Robert Campbell operated their combination furniture and undertaking business there for decades after construction in 1905.  
 
“As far as I can find, there’s no relation there,” Wowchuk said of the original namesakes. “They also ended up with partners Fergus Wright and George Ferguson.Ferguson operated as an undertaker, so there were funeral, furniture and undertaking services , and that was actually incredibly common back in the day. Even Brockie Donovan Funeral Home had a furniture store at one point. Undertaking and furniture companies went hand in hand for a long time.”  
 
 
So the article states that “Ferguson operated as an undertaker, so there were funeral, furniture and undertaking services”… so maybe in the same building??  
 
Here is another link stating that the name was changed when more partners joined  
 
“In 1920, George William Fergusson and Fergus John Wright became partners, after which the firm was known as Campbell Fergusson and Wright. “…. So maybe your reference was before “wright” joined and it was just “Campbell and Ferguson?”  
 
That’s my guess, 29-33 Tenth Street, Brandon would be the buildings for this establishment  
 
http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/campbellbuilding.shtml

I should get you to help with some other things I'm trying to track down! Thanks so much!!!!

That was a lot of fun I enjoyed it quite a lot!!

1945 Brandon Henderson's Directory Lists:  
Campbell and Fergusson Funeral Services  
236-11 Street  
Director: G, W, Fergusson  
Nights, Sundays and Holidays  
 
Building was still there 10 year ago  
as Trophy Engraver

Thanks for the help!

LMAO SORRY!

If you're not comfortable posting the name you're searching for, understood. If you send a private message, I can have a quick look and share some resources you could try.

Hand in hand - coffins are furniture.  
 
Edited by brucejohnston, 2024-01-07 14:42:05

Nights, Sundays & Holidays - don't die at work.

What sort of remnants of these businesses linger? Similar lingering remnants of Brockie Donovan & Central United Church?