A mechanic and pilot who then went into the agricultural industry and his famous for his work on 4-wheel drive transmissions and tractors. Despite his death, from a drugs overdose, the F1 project went ahead, but it wasn't a great success. Ferguson, the son of a farmer, originally worked in a bicycle and car repair workshop before becoming fascinated by aviation. On the last day of 1909, Ferguson became the first Irishman to fly a plane, which he also built. Before long, he moved into designing tractors, and is largely responsible for the modern tractor's design and then popularity. He is still remembered for both his aviation feats and his engineering work in his homeland, with a number of sculptures, as well as a memorial garden in his home village of Growell.

Biography last updated 7 Aug 2016