August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
FERRIS' OF KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Also see the separate paper from They Broke the Prairie.
GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRANDPARENTS
(5.1.1.5.4) SYLVANUS (SILVANUS) FERRIS (Photo) born March 5, 1773 Greenwich,
Connecticut and died June 13, 1861 Galesburg, Knox, IL. He removed with his parents from
Greenwich to S. Salem (Lewisboro), Westchester Co NY 1782; married 1st March 15, 1798 Sarah
‘Sally’ Maria Olmsted born 1779 (of Sharon CT) and died September 6, 1845 Galesburg IL. (her
parents were Hezekiah and Sarah (Gale) [daughter of G.W.Gale] Olmstead - See Separate Paper on the
Olmsteds) in Connecticut and they immediately moved to Norway, Herkimer, NY and purchased 100
acres of unimproved land and built their farm cabin there on the edge of what was then the Adirondack
wilderness where for nearly 40 years they engaged successfully in dairy farming. One source says they
had seven sons and 3 daughters; only six sons and 3 daughters are shown below. Silvanus was a dairy
farmer and cheese maker in New York (See Separate Paper on Herkimer County). [There was a Justice
of the Peace, ‘Squire’ Silvanus Ferris who performed numerous marriages in Norway between 18081820 - don't know if this is the same Silvanus, but am not aware of any other Silvanus in Norway,
Herkimer Co at that time - Jim] [There was also a Private Silvanus Ferris in Captain Jared Smith's
Company, September 14, 1811 - again, don't know if this is the same gentleman - Jim] Silvanus and his
wife were Presbyterians of the staunch type and inculcated those principles in the lives of their
children. To the Presbyterian Church, he was always loyal and generous with his money. In 1813 when
the Norway Presbyterian Church was built he gave $150.00; later he built a chapel on the state road
east of Norway. In Russia he erected the chapel for the Presbyterians that stood so near the old Russia
Union Church; was always a trustee of the Russia Union Church. Silvanus was one of the founders of
Knox College, Illinois. (See They Broke the Prairie.) Silvanus and Sally came to Knox Co in the
spring of 1837. He was not a large, robust man, (photograph) but was of medium height, perhaps 5'9"
and very quiet, not a great talker. Silvanus's siblings that accompanied them in 1837 were Gideon,
James, Hannah, Sarah, and Mary E. The Ferris’ passed the winter of 1837-38 at Log City and probably
remained there during the summers of 1838-39, and possibly until some time during the year of 1840,
when comfortable frame homes were being rapidly constructed in Galesburg; moved into their frame
house at the corner of Thompkins and Cherry Streets, diagonally across from the site of Knox
Seminary, now known as Whiting Hall - where he lived for the remainder of his life. He continued the
tradition of giving his sons a section of land after they had married, except he gave, G.W.G, his
youngest, 720 acres; apparently his son Nathan O. paid him for his section. (See diagram, at the end of
this chapter, of Galesburg Township and the land owned by the Ferris’, a total of 4,565 acres - Jim –
incredible!) [According to the Illinois Archives - Land Purchases, Sylvanus bought over 10,000 acres
in 1835.] According to family tradition, he was connected with the underground railroad, hiding slaves
in the church belfry and his own home by day, and helping them on their way north by night by
concealing them in loads of straw. Silvanus took an active interest in the affairs of Knox College and
was a member of the Board of Trustees for 21 years (1837-58) until at the age of 85 he resigned. The
motion to accept his resignation was amended so as to order a committee to prepare a resolution
expressing the sentiments of the Board. The resolution follows: “Mr. Silvanus Ferris having tendered
to this Board the resignation of his seat as member thereof, and the same having been accepted, it is
hereby declared as the sense of the Board of Trustees of Knox College, and as a matter of history
proper to be spread upon the records of their proceedings, that they recognize in their late associate,
one of the earliest, most substantial and most faithful friends of the enterprise which resulted in the
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
founding of Knox College, and that to his liberality and devoted labors the Institution is largely
indebted for its present financial prosperity. Entertaining these views, this Board does hereby express
their high regard for Mr. Ferris, and an earnest hope that health, peace, and happiness may attend his
declining years”. Sally died September 6, 1845; both buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL (see
tombstone photo). After Sally's death, Silvanus married October 27, 1846 Mrs. Sarah Warner (Stevens)
Hitchcock, a widow who had joined the Galesburg settlement some time before with her seven
children. He took the sons and daughters of Mrs. Hitchcock into his heart and home and treated them
as his own and she did likewise with his. She was loved by his grandchildren as though she was their
own. She died August 1, 1881 and is also buried at Hope Cemetery. [Jim - see separate papers at the
end of this chapter on The Ferris Family.]; and born to Silvanus and Sally were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1) SILVANUS WESTERN FERRIS (Photographs), oldest son of Silvanus, born June
30, 1799 Norway, Herkimer, NY and died September 30,1887 Galesburg, Knox, IL; buried with his
wife at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; born in the first rude log cabin which his father had erected on his
farm; S.W. grew up in Norway and in May 1821, married Aurinda Sophronia Doty [dau of Danforth
Doty of Norway NY] born 1795 and died September 10, 1883 Galesburg; S.W. built a house, barns and
a cider mill and engaged in dairying, then sold his farm to Peleg Wilcox, Jr. When his father,
Silvanus, became interested in the Rev. Dr. George W. Gale's project for the founding of a college on
the western prairies, S.W. followed his leadership and accompanied him on his first expedition to
Illinois in September, 1835, when Silvanus went out as a member of the Purchasing Committee to buy
the lands recommended by the original Exploration Committee, and was a member of the little group
that staked out the site for Knox College at Galesburg in October, 1835. S.W. was unable, however, to
accompany his parents to Illinois when they finally moved there in the early summer of 1837 (1838?),
doubtless because of the necessity of his remaining behind to settle up his own and some of his father's
business affairs. Exactly when S.W. migrated with his family to Illinois is uncertain, but it seems
probable that he did so in the fall of 1837, and it may be that he and his brother Nathan Olmstead and
the latter's family traveled together, for the latter also probably went in the fall of that year, having
written on July 31, 1837, to his brother William Mead, who had accompanied the father in June, that he
intended to start the first week in September. S.W. lived on the farm northwest of Galesburg given to
him by his father, and was more or less active in the affairs of the community throughout his life. He
made at least one trip of some duration away from home, when, in 1877, he visited Washington,
apparently, in part at least, for the purpose of attempting to collect a debt, and was in the capital when
President Hayes was inaugurated. He wrote a letter to his brother at Galesburg, which reflects his state
of mind about several things - the inauguration, his anticipation that his stepmother was not long for
this world (with respect to which, however, she deceived the family by living 20 more years, since she
did not die until 1881.), the fact that for some undisclosed reason he had become peeved at his brother
Timothy Harvey, back in Herkimer Co NY. (See Letters at the end of this Paper.); S.W. and Aurinda
buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1) CAROLINA (CAROLINE) ELIZA FERRIS born March 24, 1822 Norway NY and
died March 7, 1904; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL, with his husband. From the Monmouth
Review, March 9, 1904: “For the second time within six days, death made a visitation to the Gale
family circle last night and at the hour of 9 claimed for his own the spirit of Mrs. Caroline Ferris Gale.
The end came at the family home, 340 North Broad Street and removed one of Galesburg's oldest and
most widely known and respected residents. She was one whose every acquaintance was a friend and
the announcement of her taking off created great and genuine sorrow wherever it was made. Caroline
Ferris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Western Ferris born March 24, 1823 in Norway, New York.
She made her home in that city until 1838 when with her parents she moved to Galesburg. Her
education had been gained in a girl’s school in the East. Upon her return to Galesburg, she met W.
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Selden Gale and they married October 6, 1845. Since that time Galesburg has always been her home.”
She married August 10, 1845 (October 1, 1845?) in Knox Co IL, William Selden Gale born February
15,1822 Adams, Jefferson, NY and died September 1, 1900 and they had eight children. Caroline
attended Knox College 1841-42. William was the son of George Washington Gale, D.D., the founder
of Galesburg, Illinois; his mother Harriet was the daughter of Hon. Charles Selden and Abigail (Jones).
[Note: Harriet was a cousin of Mary Mead, the mother of Silvanus Ferris. Charles Selden graduated
from Yale 1777 and in the presence of General Washington, from whom he received, with others of his
class, a commission on graduation day, and entered the Army.] William attended school in New York
prior to 14 years of age, when he came to Galesburg in 1836 with his father, and read Law in Galesburg
as early as 1842, with the Honorable James Knox, and was admitted to the Bar in 1845. He continued
to practice, however, only five or six years, as his attention was occupied with other business. He was
one of the organizers of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad; in fact, was the originator of
the idea. Mr. Gale took an active part in political matters, was a member of the first board of
supervisors, and served with that group for many years. In 1850, the News-Letter was started by Mr.
Gale, Mr. Lanphere and Dr. Bunce; taking the place of the Intelligencer, the local newspaper. He was
the Galesburg Postmaster 1849-53; from 1853-95 with the exception of five years, was Supervisor of
Galesburg Township of Knox County; Representative State General Assembly 1870-72. He was a
member of the Constitutional Convention in 1869, and on the City Council from 1871-82, 1891-95;
and a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1880; member of the State Revenue
Commission, 1885-86; Trustee of the Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane, 1895-97; and
Presidential Elector, 1872. In 1853 he was nominated for County Judge during his absence from home;
he did not desire the office, made no canvass and was defeated. He was a trustee of Knox College
from 1861 until his death. William finished his years attending to his large farming interests in Knox
and Warren Counties. In 1859, there were five hundred acres of meadow in timothy on the Gale farm.
Additional information on Mr. Gale is available in the Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox
County, 1899; both buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; and born to Caroline and William were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.1) WILLIAM SELDEN GALE, JR., born June 8, 1846 Galesburg and died December 5,
1912; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; attended Knox College 1857-58, 1859-64 but did not
graduate; never married; listed as city alderman and member board of supervisors; resided 312 N.
Broad in the 1892-93 Galesburg City directory
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE III born August 16, 1848 Galesburg and died
October 4, 1938 Campbell CA; attended Knox College 1857-64 but did not graduate; a trustee of Knox
College 1900-1937; farmer; married 1st September 4, 1872 Frances Candee (1850-1904) born
LaFayette IN [dau of Isaac Newton & Elizabeth (Greene) Candee], and married 2d November 1, 1906
Georgiana Smith (1864-1925); Frances attended Knox College 1863-64; George and both wives buried
Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; and born to George and Frances were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1) GEORGE CANDEE GALE (Photo) born July 12, 1873 Galesburg and died
September 1, 1927; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; boyhood was spent on the family farm;
attended the Galesburg public schools including one year in the High School; two years in Knox
Academy admitted him to Knox College 1887-93, graduating with the Class of 1893, with first honors,
receiving a B.A.; M.A. from Knox 1895; honorary LL.D, 1923; on the Knox faculty 1900-01; received
his LL.B, New York Law School 1896; admitted to the Bar of Wisconsin May 1895 and Illinois 1896;
a lawyer and a tax expert and a member of the Illinois Constitutional Convention; practiced law and
was associated with Mr. Wilfred Arnold; married September 6, 1900 Irma Reel (1873-1964)(buried at
Hope Cemetery) of Milwaukee WI who is listed as being a special student at Knox 1918-24; there was
an Irma Gale listed as a history teacher at Galesburg High School – not sure if same person. During
WWI, George was County Chairman first YMCA Fund and United War Work campaigns; City
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Chairman second Red Cross Membership and second Red Cross War Fund campaigns; Vice-President
War Service League; Four-Minute Man; member Executive committee second, third, and fourth
Liberty Loans; and associate member Legal Advisory Fund. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.1) JEANETTE REEL GALE born June 6, 1901 and died January 28, 1921; buried
Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.2) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE IV (Photos) born February 9, 1905 Chicago IL
and died 1985; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; Phi Delta Theta as a Sophomore at Knox; George
graduated from Knox College 1924, B.S.; received his J.D. from the U. of Michigan 1929; a lawyer
and partner, King, Robin, Gale and Phillinger, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago; married January 29,
1932 Ann M. Van Nice (1908-); 1963 they resided at 403 Jackson Ave., Glencoe IL; and born to them
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.2.1) JANE GALE (1935-1938) buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.2.2) ANN GALE (1939-)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.2.3) MARY E. GALE (1940-)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.3) SELDEN REEL GALE (Photo) born March 17, 1909 Galesburg, Knox, IL and
died 1959 presumably Maywood IL; attended Knox College 1926-28, 1929-31 and graduated with the
Class of 1931, B.A; member of Knox Men’s Glee Club; served with the Air Force 1949-53 (Major);
free lance journalist; contributor to the American Guide, King Features Syndicate; a staff writer, Fed
Writers, Chicago; married October 3, 1931 Mildred E. Goelz, of Aurora IL, and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.3.1) JOYCE JEANETTE GALE born May 9, 1933; married a Mr. Brown
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.3.2) ROBERT S. GALE (1935-1960)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.3.3) JOHN F. GALE (1936-)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.1.4) FRANCES CANDEE GALE born March 20, 1911 Galesburg; attended Knox
College 1927-28 and received a Ph.B. from the U. of Chicago 1931; 1963 Frances was a section chief,
Business Methods, Western Electric Company, 195 Broadway, New York City and resided at 25
Monroe Place, Brooklyn NY; married 1st July 29, 1933 Arthur Charles Thompson born October 4,
1905 Quincy IL - apparently divorced; Arthur attended Knox College 1924-26 and was in newspaper
advertising sales and resided Forest Hills NY 1963; apparently no offspring from this marriage;
married 2d 1957 Glen Higgins Colby, an accountant, who brought 2 children, Glen and Leonora, from
a previous marriage with him
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.2) WILLIAM SELDEN GALE born January 30, 1878 and died September 16, 1878;
buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3) ALICE CANDEE GALE born February 23, 1881 Galesburg and died July 16, 1964
Santa Clara County CA; attended Knox College 1896-1902; married August 25, 1903 Lew E. Wallace;
a farmer (Jim - wonder if he was related to the Illinois Union General by the same name?); Alice was a
magazine writer and involved in astrology; 1963 resided at 19749 N. Oakmont Dr., Los Gatos CA; and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.1) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE WALLACE (Photo) born September 6, 1904
Monmouth IL; graduated from Knox College 1923, B.A; M.A. from Chico State College 1962; also
attended San Francisco State College and San Jose State College; George was a farmer, salesman and a
teacher; Principal of Oakdale and Salem Schools, Chico CA; married November 11, 1927 Elizabeth
Hayes of New Rockford ND; 1963 they resided at 1448 Esplanade, Chico, Butte, CA. Note: 2004 –
this address is the Enloe Medical Center – Foundation; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.1.1) JEFF (JOFF?) GALE WALLACE born October 14, 1928 (twin); deceased 1963
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.1.2) GEORGE HAYES WALLACE born October 14, 1928 (twin)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.1.3) SARAH JOSELYN WALLACE born December 6, 1938 Chico CA; attended
Knox College 1956-57; received a B.A. from Chico State College; married 1958 Richard C. Williams
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– divorced; 1963 she resided at 1150 Broadway, Chico CA
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.2) CAROLINE GALE WALLACE born May 10, 1908; attended Knox College in
1927; married November 23, 1926 William Grant Lewis; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.2.1) JOANNA GALE LEWIS born December 16, 1927
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.2.2) WILLIAM GRANT LEWIS born November 24, 1929
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.2.3) CAROL CHRISTINE LEWIS born October 14, 1933
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.3) LEW GREGORY WALLACE born January 27, 1910 IL and died December 7,
1982 Santa Clara Co CA; married July 17, 1933 Amy Elizabeth Collins born September 19, 1914; and
born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.3.3.1) SHERWOOD GREGORY WALLACE born May 21, 1934
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.4) CAROLINE SELDEN GALE (Photos) born October 4, 1882 Galesburg; attended
Knox College 1896-1900, 1901-03, graduating with the Class of 1903, B.A.; Pi Beta Phi, 1903 Gale
Board and member of Senior Basketball Team; received her M.A. at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn NY
1906-08; married October 1, 1908 Worth Cleland Harder of Washington, D.C.; the Deputy Securities
Commissioner for the State of Indiana; 1963 they resided at 47 W. 32d St., Indianapolis IN; and born
to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.4.1) MARGARET ANN HARDER born August 25, 1919
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.2.5) FRANCES GALE born March 20, 1888 and died August 30, 1888; buried Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.3) CHARLES SELDEN GALE born November 1850 and died October 24, 1851; buried
Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.4) CAROLINE FERRIS GALE born December 27, 1851 and died January 18, 1927;
attended Knox College 1867-72 graduating with the Class of 1872; attended the 75th Anniversary
celebration of Knox College, 1912; married August 29, 1878 Rev. James Gibson Lowrie (1846-1927),
D.D., a Presbyterian minister [was he son of John Marshall Lowrie, Presbyterian minister and author?];
both buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.4.1) ALICE CAROLINE LOWRIE (Photo) born October 8, 1882 Mt. Sterling IL and
died 1954; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; graduated from Knox College in 1905, B.A.; Diploma
Knox Conservatory of Music, 1916; Music B., teacher of voice, Bellevue College, Bellevue NE, 191719; supervisor of Public School Music Monmouth, Kirkwood, and Avon IL, 1919-21; teacher of music
in high school, Wyandotte MI, 1921-23; Knox Conservatory, 1925; Professor of Voice and Public
School Music Methods at the Knox Conservatory 1928 through at least 1938; Professor of Voice and
Theory, 1934; retired from Knox College 1944
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.4.2) SELDEN GALE LOWRIE (photos) born August 13, 1884 Mt. Sterling IL and died
1961; graduated from Knox College in 1907, B.A.; Honorary LL.D, 1937; M.A. U. of Illinois, 1908;
Ph.D. U. of Wisconsin 1912; Captain in the Army Ordnance Department 1918-19; author and
contributor to technical journals on economics and politics; professor for 49 years; professor emer. of
political science at the U. of Cincinnati. Who’s Who. According to the 1905 Gale, Selden was a
reserve left guard on the Knox football team; married January 21, 1932 Agnes Potter Van Ryn (18921964) of Chicago; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.4.3) JOHN MARSHALL LOWRIE (Photo) born June 7, 1887 Elkhart IN and died 1954;
graduated from Knox College in 1908, B.A; M.A. 1909, U. of Illinois; LLB, 1912, Columbia; Trustee
Knox College 1935-42; a musician; married December 19, 1916 Rebecca Lawrence who attended
Knox 1905-07 and was on the Faculty 1913-16. From the 1909 Gale: “I had planned to be a
professional man, but during my college course the ambition to become a railroad magnate has
overcome me. I hope some day to possess a little Alton property. It is “the only way”.”
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.5) HARRIET GALE born July 28, 1854 and died August 27, 1925; buried Hope
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Cemetery, Galesburg; graduated from Knox College 1872
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.6) JOSEPH DUDLEY GALE born 1856 and died October 19, 1857; buried Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.7) JOSIAH GALE born September 18, 1858 Galesburg and died August 29, 1889 in a
railroad accident; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; attended Knox College 1872-78, graduating in
1878 with a B.A.; Circuit Clerk of Knox County at his death
(5.1.1.5.4.1.1.8) JOHN GALE born April 4, 1859 and died September 27, 1862; buried Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2) ORIN CLARK FERRIS (Orrin) (O.C.) born August 29, 1825 Norway NY and died
July 25, 1899; listed as attending Knox College as a Special student 1842-44; married November 11,
1858 in Knox Co, Phebe (Phoebe) Thorne Matteson (1836-1899). O.C. was one of the prominent
breeders of Shorthorn cattle in Knox Co; listed in the 1888 Farmer’s & Land Owner’s Directory as
owning 120 acres in Sections 5-6 of Galesburg; and born to O.C. and Phoebe were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.1) CAROLINE FERRIS born February 9, 1860 and died 1861
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.2) CATHERINE B. FERRIS (Katherine?) born June 1, 1861 and died June 26, 1890;
married July 22, 1885 in Knox Co IL, George D. Meyer; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.2.1) JESSIE LEAH MEYER born September 19, 1886; married June 12, 1907 Frank
Loder (Frank Loveler of Welsback, Neb.); and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.2.1.1) CARROLL FRANKLIN LODER born February 25, 1910
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.2.1.2) ROBERT BRUCE LODER born August 21, 1916
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.2.1.3) DOROTHY JEAN LODER born June 15, 1920
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3) FRANK WESTERN FERRIS born January 2, 1863 and died December 6, 1933;
buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; there is a Frank Ferris listed in the 1892-93 Galesburg City
Directory as a plumber for McLaughlin & Flynn residing at 106 S. Cedar – don’t know if this is the
same one. Frank W. is listed as a farmer in the Farmers and Breeder’s Directory of Warren County,
c1920, RFD 2, Alexis, Warren County as the owner of 240 acres since 1900; owner of a Ford
automobile; not listed as owner of a tractor; married November 15, 1888 in Knox Co IL, Adda L.
Cone; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1) MAE LOUISE FERRIS born October 30, 1891 and died May 5, 1984; married in
Warren Co IL, January 12, 1910 Charles Harrison Squire born November 13, 1888 and died February
17, 1972; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1) FORREST CHARLES ‘Pete’ SQUIRE born August 5, 1911 Galesburg IL
(obituary says he born in Warren Co) and died November 21, 1997 Galesburg IL; buried Oak Lawn
Memorial Gardens; married May 12, 1934 Lowava Alice Ahenger born December 7, 1917; Forrest
lived in Galesburg most of his life; an operating engineer for Local Union 649 from 1949-75 before
retiring; also worked for Gunter Construction Company for many years; member of the Coldbrook
Christian Church in Warren Co where he served as a Deacon for several years; a first chapter ‘Dad’ for
the Future Homemakers of America; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1) LOWAVA JEANINE SQUIRE born June 17, 1936; married February 13, 1955
Richard Eugene Corbin born November 13, 1930; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.1) DARRELL EUGENE CORBIN born January 20, 1956; married July 16, 1977
Sandi Kay Bordner; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.1.1) BRENT MATTHEW CORBIN born March 29, 1979
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.1.2) BRANDI MICHELLE CORBIN born March 30, 1982
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.2) LOWAVA DENISE CORBIN born March 27, 1958; married 1st a Mr.
Rutledge; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.2.1) TIFFANY MICHELLE RUTLEDGE born February 9, 1979
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.1.3) DOUGLAS CHARLES CORBIN born July 20, 1963; married November 11,
1993 Eliza Jane Blazer born August 12, 1969
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.2) JACQUELINE ANN SQUIRE (Jackie) born October 10, 1939; married April
29, 1958 Wayne Hoteling born May 13, 1936; resided Commache IA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.2.1) DIANE MARIE HOTELING born March 13, 1959
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.2.2) KIMBERLY KAYE HOTELING born June 29, 1964; married August 2, 1992
Steve Piper born June 9, 1963
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.3) JOYCE ELAINE SQUIRE born June 5, 1943; married November 13, 1971 Larry
French born April 11, 1938; resided Monmouth IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.4) JUDITH KAY SQUIRE born December 18, 1944; married July 28, 1963 Donald
Fredrickson born May 5, 1941; resided Biggsville IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.4.1) DONALD LANE FREDRICKSON born March 2, 1967; married April 25,
1987 Karen Earp born July 25, 1967
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.4.2) JUDITH LYNETTE FREDRICKSON born December 5, 1968
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.4.3) SHAWNA REANNE FREDRICKSON born January 30, 1970; married
October 20, 1992 Eric Roberts
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.5) JON CHARLES SQUIRE born August 28, 1948 and died May 20, 1992;
married January 23, 1971 Betsy Sayrs born July 30, 1950; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.5.1) JON TROY SQUIRE born July 29, 1971
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.5.2) TRAVIS LEE SQUIRE born October 10, 1972
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.5.3) JOSHUA CHARLES SQUIRE born September 6, 1977
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6) JAN FORREST SQUIRE born August 28, 1948; married 1st name unk; and 2d
May 21, 1977 Terri Schoonover born August 9, 1955; resided Abingdon IL; and born to Jan and his 1st
wife were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6.1) JAN PATRICK SQUIRE born September 13, 1971
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6.2) JAMES HARRISON SQUIRE born December 15, 1972
Born to Jan and his 2d wife Terri were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6.3) JEFF THOMAS SQUIRE born November 14, 1977
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6.4) JOEL TYSON SQUIRE born March 18, 1979
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.6.5) JARED TODD SQUIRE born April 4, 1981
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.7) JERRILYN SUE SQUIRE born November 25, 1955; married 1st a Mr. Kenney;
and 2d November 23, 1991 Jon Hajostek born September 26, 1947; resided Cameron IL; and born to
Jerrilyn and Mr. Kenney were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.7.1) LISSA DANIELLE KENNEY born January 24, 1979
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.7.2) DUSTIN DEAN KENNEY born February 21, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.8) JULIE DIANE SQUIRE born October 21, 1958; married May 18, 1979 Bob
McGraw born March 10, 1957; resided Oneida IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.8.1)FORREST EUGEN MCGRAW born November 20, 1979
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.8.2) CASEY ADAM MCGRAW born August 24, 1989
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.1.8.3) TAREN JON MCGRAW born December 26, 1992
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2) HERBERT DONALD SQUIRE born February 23, 1919 Galesburg IL; served in
the U.S. Army 1941-45 with the 1st Infantry Division, participating in campaigns in the African and
European theaters. Upon his return to Galesburg, he was self-employed operating a garage; then
employed by Admiral where he worked for 32 years in the Engineering Department before retiring
1982; married June 20, 1948 Helen Marie Cravens born June 2, 1927 Mercer Co IL, graduating from
Monmouth High School; Herbert and Helen currently reside in Galesburg IL during the summer
months and then go to Brandenton FL for the winter where they stay active; Herb plays golf, at least
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
once a day. [Herb and Helen have furnished all of this information on the descendants of Mae Louise
and Charles Squire - thanks folks!]; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.1) GARY HERBERT SQUIRE born June 11, 1950; married January 31, 1970 Lois
Jean Bevenour - divorced 1973; Gary resides Sarasota FL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.1.1) COREY CHRISTOPHER SQUIRE born August 10, 1970
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.1.2) TY AARON SQUIRE born September 25, 1971 and died March 29, 2000;
buried Memorial Park, Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2) LYNN MARIE SQUIRE born February 20, 1952; married, June 7, 1975 Frank
Ray Burg born January 22, 1948; they reside Evergreen CO; Lynn is home schooling two of the kids
(1998) and teaches outside the home 3 days a week; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2.1) AMY LYNISE BURG born April 6, 1980; recently won first place in the
Optimist Club public speaking contest for all of Colorado and Wyoming and later won first place in the
Colorado State 4H public speaking contest
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2.2) JENNIFER RENEE BURG born June 12, 1982; sings in the Colorado
Children’s Chorale and was one of 30 selected to sing on the Kathy Lee Gifford Christmas Special,
which was on CBS, December 20, 1995
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2.3) AARON CHRISTOPHER BURG born February 26, 1984
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2.4) JORDAN MARIE BURG born July 25, 1986
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.2.5) TAYLOR FRANKLYN BURG born April 23, 1990
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.3) TIMOTHY JAMES SQUIRE (Rev.) born February 18, 1955; married August 6,
1983 Sally Bond Harris born October 19, 1955; they resided Vidalia GA and Ravenel SC; and born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.3.1) JAMES SAMUEL SQUIRE born December 21, 1987
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.2.3.2) ELIZABETH BOND SQUIRE born June 12, 1994
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3) GORDON ROBERT SQUIRE born April 1, 1923 Galesburg IL; resided Mountain
View MO; married May 1, 1942 Shirley Jean Crandall born June 1, 1924 and died June 3, 2000; buried
Mountain View Cemetery; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.1) LINDA JEAN SQUIRE born September 1, 1944; married 1st a Mr. Richards; 2d
July 11, 1992 Robert Curtis born January 22, 1946; and born to Linda and Mr. Richards were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.1.1) CATHERINE JEAN RICHARDS born June 23, 1966
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.1.2) CHRISTINE LOUISE RICHARDS born August 8, 1971
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.2) SHARON LOUISE SQUIRE born October 8, 1946; married 1st a Mr. Blake; 2d
Clifford Wayne Skinner born April 8, 1942; and born to Sharon and Mr. Blake were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.2.1) KIMBERLY ANN BLAKE born October 9, 1968; married May 20, 1989
Robert Norris born August 20, 1964
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.1.3.2.2) HEATHER LORRAINE BLAKE born August 7, 1970
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2) HERBERT SCOTT FERRIS born March 22, 1893 Galesburg IL and died April
24, 1987 age 94 at the Knox Co Nursing Home, Knoxville IL; buried Knoxville Cemetery (residence as
per death certificate was North Market Street in Knoxville) (cause of death cardio-respiratory failure;
chronic congestive heart failure and arteriosclerotic heart disease); farmed for most of his life and
worked for Consumer Grain Elevator in Galesburg for several years retiring 1969; had lived in
Knoxville since 1952; a member of the Knoxville American Legion Post 749 and an Army Veteran of
WWI; married August 22, 1925 Alice Josephine Nelson who died December 17, 1981; and born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.1) DONALD RICHARD FERRIS (Dr.) (presumably PhD) born September 20,
1927 Galesburg IL; married November 26, 1952 Ruth Ann Coulter, a speech pathologist; resided at
San Jose CA and then at West Lafayette IN where he was an Associate Professor of Education; 2003 a
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Don & Ruth Ann Ferris, members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lafayette were the recipients
of the 2003 Outstanding Unitarian Universalist Service Award; a donation was made to the Tippecanoe
Community Health Clinic in Lafayette 2005 in honor of a Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Ferris – presumably
same folks – have written to Dr. Ferris, no response, maybe deceased but was alive in 2005; a Dr.
Donald R. Ferris & Ruth Ann Ferris were donors to the Purdue U Libraries during 2004-2005; Don and
Ann Ferris were donors to the Lafayette Urban Ministry Hunger Hike 2005; donors to the Tippecanoe
Public Library; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.1.1) ANN MARIE FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.1.2) RICHARD ALAN FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.2) CAROL FERRIS married John Liston; resided Gilson IL. Note: 2003 – I
stumbled upon John at McDonalds in Knoxville IL on a visit back there this year – after the initial
introduction he said I am married to a Ferris and we got to talking and this is Carol, his wife. Then a
couple of days later at the same McD’s I met Carol – small world!!!! Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.2.1) TED LISTON
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.2.3) ORRIN TEDDY EARL FERRIS born August 29, 1932; resided Lakewood CO
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.3) MILDRED IRENE FERRIS born February 8, 1895 Galesburg IL and died age 85
at Steubenville OH; married 1st in Warren Co IL August 8, 1914 William T. Stone - they divorced;
married 2d April 18, 1937 at Springfield IL, Alvin Andreen of Woodhull IL (-1971); and born to
Mildred and William were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.3.1) ROSE IRENE STONE born October 2, 1915 - deceased date unk; married a Mr.
Varner and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.3.1.1) RICK VARNER
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.3.2) LILLIAN KAY STONE born May 27, 1917; married 1st a Mr. Stevens?; and 2d a
Mr. Johnson. Born to her and Mr. Stevens was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.3.2.1) SHERRY STEVENS married a Mr. Thompson
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4) CLARK WESTERN FERRIS Sr., born February (17?) 27, 1897 Galesburg IL and
died there September 20, 1992; a farmer in the Wataga area; married June 7, 1922 Alice Kathryn
Hendricks born June 23, 1901 Knoxville IL and died September 15, 1994; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1) BETTY MAE FERRIS (Groom) born December 27, 1922; married a Mr. Cole &
Shorty Groom; resided in Galesburg IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.1) DAVID ALAN COLE born March 1946; married 1st (*) and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.1.1) DAVID COLE had 2 kids
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.1.2) EARL DEAN COLE had a son
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.2) CHERYL COLE (twin) born August 1947; married 1st Mr. Kirby; and 2d John
Swanson; and born to Cheryl and Mr. Kirby were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.2.1) DEAN KIRBY married 1999 – had a son
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.2.2) KIM KIRBY had 2 kids
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.3) CAROL COLE (twin) born August 1947
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.4) THOMAS COLE born December 19xx; married/divorced - born to him were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.4.1) KEVIN COLE
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.1.4.2) JASON COLE
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2) BONNY JEAN FERRIS born January 25, 1924; married March 4, 1952 in
Galesburg IL, Irving Clinton Anderson; resided Galva IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.1) NANCY JEAN ANDERSON born December 21, 1952 Galesburg IL; married
April 3, 1976 Lynn Arden Sutton; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.1.1) JOSHUA LOUIS SUTTON born November 22, 1984 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.1.2) VALERIE LYNN SUTTON (twin) born January 5, 1989 Galesburg IL
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.1.3) NATALIE SUTTON (twin) born January 5, 1989 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.2) PATRICIA KAY ANDERSON born October 15, 1954 Galesburg IL and died
November 18, 1977
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.3) ALAN IRVING ANDERSON born January 12, 1959 Galesburg IL; married
March 11, 1989 in DeKalb IL, Marie Luedtke - Alan & Marie have provided this updated information
on this twig - thanks folks! Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.3.1) BENJAMIN ROBERT ANDERSON born November 15, 1995 Downers
Grove IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.2.3.2) EMMA MARIE ANDERSON born November 3, 1997 Maywood IL
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3) DARLENE LOUISE FERRIS born November 30, 1925 and died 1995 Knox Co
IL; married Norman Lester – divorced; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.1) DEBBIE LESTER born February 1950; married Ronald Erickson – divorced;
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.1.1) LISA ERICKSON born September 1969; she had twins - a son and daughter
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.1.2) DENNIS ERICKSON born November 23, 1972
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.2) ROCKY LESTER born October 15, 1951; married (*) and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.2.1) STEPHEN LESTER had 4 kids
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.2.2) JEFFREY LESTER had 2 kids
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.2.3) BETH LESTER
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.3) CINDY LESTER born January 1960; married a Mr. McCormick – divorced; and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.3.1) CASSIE MCCORMICK born April 23, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.3.2) ERYN MICHELLE MCCORMICK born April 18, 1986
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.4) NORMA LESTER married a Mr. Morgan and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.4.1) CHRISTY (not Mr. Morgan’s child) born May 22, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.4.2) KENT MORGAN born June 8, 1986
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.3.4.3) KELLI JO MORGAN born February 19, 1992
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.4) WALTER FRANK FERRIS born January 1, 1928 Oquawka IL and died July 30,
2004 Seminary Manor, Galesburg, Knox, IL; buried Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville IL with military
rites; resided Abingdon IL; a WWII Army Vet serving 18 months in Japan; worked for Admiral Corp
for 39 years retiring 1991; involved in several bowling leagues
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5) CASSILEE JANET FERRIS born May 28, 1931; married 1st Kenneth Smart;
and 2d John Mabey; resided Caldwell IN and Caldwell ID (2004); and born to Cassilee and Kenneth
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.1) KENNETH SMART, JR., (1953-) married at least three times - born to him
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.1.1) LUKE WADE SMART
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.1.2) ALEXANDER LEE SMART born September 18, 1996
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.1.3) UNK NAME SMART
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.2) JAMES CLARK SMART married Donna {maiden name unk} - adopted two
kids
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.5.3) GERALD SMART (1958-)
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.3.4.6) CLARK WESTERN FERRIS Jr., ‘Bill’ born March 1, 1933 and alive 2004;
married Lucille {maiden name unk}; resided Wataga IL - no offspring
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4) CHARLES GILBERT FERRIS born February 26, 1865 and died April 27, 1926; a
Charles G. Ferris is listed in the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory as being a fireman for the railroad
and residing at 341 Monmouth; listed in the 1917 Prairie Farmer’s Reliable Directory of Farmers and
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Breeders of Knox County; R5 Galesburg Township, Section 19 tenant of Dr. Corbin’s on 160 acres;
married July 16, 1887 in Knox Co IL, Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Jane Goetler born August 30, 1869 and died
November 27, 1955 Riverside CA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.1) BLANCHE THORNE FERRIS born August 17, 1888 and died July 11, 1965 San
Mateo Co CA; married February 17, 1910 Arthur Joseph Terpening (photo) from Coldbrook IL [son of
Edwin Ezekiel & Cynthia Elizabeth (Adcock) Terpening] born December 24, 1883 and died September
8, 1973 San Mateo Co CA. Arthur attended Knox College 1898-1904; a farmer in the Gladstone IL
area; 1921 they lived in Ocotne WI, but moved west because in 1963, they resided at San Carlos CA;
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.1.1) RICHARD EDWIN TERPENING (Photo) born January 5, 1911 in the Coldbrook
IL area and died July 18, 2006 Galesburg IL; attended Barnett Grade School, then to Galesburg High
School, then transferred to Monmouth High School and graduated from West Seattle High School in
Seattle WA 1929; enlisted with the Cavalry in the Army, 1941 and was stationed in Italy during WWII
as a building engineer, returning to Coldbrook in 1945 when the war ended; re-entered the service in
1950 for 2 years and was stationed at Camp Atterberry IN; when he returned, he farmed near
Monmouth; moved to Galesburg in 1950 and began working for Simpson-Powelson Lumber Yard and
retired from there 1980; member of the First United Methodist Church of Galesburg; buried Terpening
Cemetery, Warren County IL with military rites conducted by the Ralph M Noble American Legion
Post 295; married 1st Lois Gardner; married 2d February 11, 1963 in Galesburg A Jane Welch Gardner
who died January 6, 2004; surviving Richard were 2 stepdaughters, brother Francis Terpening of
Clinton WA; 5 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.1.2) BARBARA ELIZABETH TERPENING born December 24, 1912/13 and died
before her brother Richard; married August 24, 1933, J. Whitney Fraser – and/or December 24, 1940
Harold D. Kachel
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.1.3) FRANCIS CHARLES TERPENING born July 23, 1915; married Violet M
{maiden name unk}; 2006 resided Clinton WA
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.2) LOUISE MAY FERRIS born September 12, 1890; married November 12, 1913
Lawrence M. Waddell [son of Michael Lawyer & JoAnna (Hughes) Waddell] born June 8, 1888 near
Hills Grove, McDonough, IL and died c1930 CA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.2.1) LAWRENCE FERRIS WADDELL born September 26, 1924
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.2.2) JOANNE ELIZABETH WADDELL born March 18, 1916
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.3) RUTH EILEEN (AILEEN) FERRIS born April 20, 1895 Galesburg IL and died
July 16, 1921 Ocotne WI; buried at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; educated in the public schools of
Galesburg and graduated from that city's High School 1913; took a course at Brown’s Business
College; a member of the Central Congregational Church and took a great deal of interest in the work
of that religious body. [Galesburg Evening Mail, July 19, 1921.]
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.4.4) RAYMOND ORRIN FERRIS born May 14, 1901 Illinois and died April 10, 1989
San Diego Co CA (resided Fallbrook); married September 14, 1922 in Oconto Co WI, Leona
Lundgren/Lindgren [dau of Charles]
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5) AURINDA SOPHRONIA (Aunt Orie) FERRIS born June 29, 1872; married April
24, 1894 in Fulton Co IL, William Sanford Berry [son of Isaiah & Sarah D. (Burress) Berry] born
December 1866 Washington IN and died December, 1948 San Bernadino CA. [Jim - there was a
William W. Berry who was a Knox trustee 1883-94 - I do not know if related.][She is identified as
Orah S., in the 1880 census.] They moved to Gardiner MT c1902 and owned the Gardiner
Photographic Studio; Willy and Aurie were award-winning photographers, operating Gardiner Studios
just outside the north gate to Yellowstone National Park; in 1918 Willy became warden of Sully’s Hill
Game Preserve at Fort Totten ND; the preserve being established by President Teddy Roosevelt to help
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
rebuild the herds of elk, deer, and bison which had been over hunted nearly to extinction; after several
Dakota winters, Willy decided there was too much pioneering at Fort Totten for a man his age and in
1920 moved his family to sunny Long Beach CA; 1926 relocated to Pomona; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1) FERRIS MILTON BERRY (Colonel) (Photos) born February 13, 1912 Livingston
MT and died December 26, 2003 Charleston SC; adventurer, outdoorsman, and world traveler; moved
with his parents to Long Beach CA 1920 and then to Pomona CA 1926 where he attended high school
and Pomona Jr College; married April 24, 1941 in Los Angeles, Jean L Riley; 1932 he joined the
California National Guard and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the Reserve
Officer Corps in 1936; ordered to active duty 1937 with the CCC and commanded camps in Death
Valley CA, Alaska, and Washington State; with the close of CCC and the beginning of WWII, he
commanded a Military Police Company and was later assigned to the Army Transportation Corps;
1944 he assume command of the Army repair ship USS Connors and served in New Guinea, Biak, and
the Philippine Islands. Upon his return from the South Pacific, he commanded the Army transport ship
USS Patch out of the Port of New York; during the Korean War he was sent to Yokohama, Japan
where he was the military commander of the Assano Shipyard, a Japanese facility supporting US Army
ships and landing craft; Ferris was one of the Army’s first hard hat deep sea divers, receiving his dive
training and certification from the USN; assigned to the US Army’s Charleston Transportation Depot
1954-57 as Assistant for Supply Operations and Deputy Depot Commander; 1957 he joined the Army’s
guided missile air defense program at Fort Bliss TX where he retired from the Army in 1964 with over
32y of active service; 1964 Ferris and his family returned to Charleston as a civilian with DoD where
he worked at the Charleston Naval Yard; transferred to Okinawa 1967, retiring at Charleston 1972; Jim
– Ferris called me in 1997 and we discussed Ferris Genealogy – I told him I would come visit him one
day, but never did – my loss; as his daughter Jennifer says, “he was an outstandingly kind, happy, and
interesting man, and he made such an impression on all who met him”; Jean moved to Bismarck 2005;
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.1) DAVID BRUCE BERRY married Susan M {maiden name unk} – 2003 of Silver
City NM; he works six months of the year at McMurdo Station, Antarctica; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.1.1) ANDREW JAMES BERRY
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.2) JEFFREY FERRIS BERRY (Captain) married Jennifer Tang-Chin of Guangzhou,
Guangdon Province, China; resides in Singapore; she is a liaison for Proctor-Gamble and speaks 5
languages
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.3) JENNIFER BERRY is head of Technical Processing at Bismarck Public Library;
married Dr A. Wesley Jones – of Bismarck ND 2003; Wesley Jones – from his website: I am a
professor of Humanities and the Director of the Program in England at the University of Mary,
Bismarck ND, where I have researched and/or taught since 1976. My undergraduate and M.A. work
were in English (Virginia Polytechnic University and State University) with an emphasis in medieval
and Renaissance studies (undergraduate minor in history). My doctoral work was in linguistics
(University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) with a concentration in Germanic historical linguistics
(especially Gothic inflectional morphology). I was hired at the U of Mary as staff linguist for Hidatsa in
the North Dakota Indian Languages Program, and moved into the English Department in 1979/80. My
chief hobby interests are evolutionary biology, cognitive science and religious studies. My teaching
areas are composition, world literature, literary criticism, and linguistics. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.3.1) ELISE CLAIRE JONES
(5.1.1.5.4.1.2.5.1.4) CHRISTOPHER SANFORD BERRY, M.D. (Optometrist) married Carol A Lien –
2003 of Olympia WA
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3) CHARLES J. FERRIS “Charley” born May 3, 1831 Norway NY and died March 21,
1909; attended Knox College 1847-48, 1849-1850; married May 6, 1851 at the Mansion House in
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Knoxville IL, Sarah Jane Lipe born 1834 and died October 9, 1922, buried with Charley; Sarah
attended Knox College 1849-51;
Obituary, Western Kansas World: Charles Jackson Ferris was born May 3, 1831 in Norway Township, Herkimer County,
NY and died March 22, 1909 at Kansas City MO, where he was temporarily residing. When Mr Ferris was about seven
years old his family moved to Galesburg IL; that town having been founded by the Gales and Ferrises, two related families.
He secured a better than average education for those days in Knox Academy, Galesburg and was married to Sarah J Lipe at
Knoxville May 6, 1851. Some years later, hoping to improve his health, he moved to Portage City WI and remained there
twelve years, serving as county surveyor most of the time. Still in search of health he left Galesburg a second time and filed
on a homestead in Trego County KS about nine miles southwest of Wa-Kenney. This was in 1879, the family moving out in
the spring of 1880. Being appointed a deputy for County Surveyor Peck, and later appointed to the office, Mr Ferris moved
his family to Wa-Keeney which has been their home for the last twenty-seven years. He was nine times elected surveyor of
Trego County and served Trego County about twenty years. The present Ferris House was built by him in 1855 and since
Christmas day of that year it has been the family home, becoming well known for its hospitality and home like comforts . Mr
and Mrs Ferris in recent years made two trips to the Pacific coast and last fall went down to Kansas City to spend the winter.
Several years ago Mr Ferris selected choice lot in the WaKeeney city cemetery and in accordance with his expressed wish
his remains were brought here for interment. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church. Services at the grave
were conducted by the Masonic Lodge of WaKeeney to which Mr Ferris belonged since 1883. He joined the Craft at
Galesburg in 1852 and for a time as a member of Galesburg Chapter No 46, R.A.M. Mr Ferris is survived by his wife and
all his children, these being Mrs. Louise Biedrich (Dietrich) and E. L. Ferris of Kansas City, Mrs Luella Davis of Los
Angeles, and Mrs. Bessie Huyett of Minneapolis KS, all being present at the funeral except for Mrs. Davis;
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1) LOUISE IRENE FERRIS born September 10, 1853; attended Knox College 186768, 1870-71, and 1873-74; married March 18, 1879 in Knox Co, George Corwin Dietrich; George was
a student at Knox College 1866-67; apparently resided Dalton City IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.1) NEIL BLAINE DIETRICH born April 15, 1880; married August 12, 1903 Anna M.
Satterlee; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.1.1) NEIL BLAINE DIETRICH JR., born April 22, 1910
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2) PAUL DOUGLAS DIETRICH born May 5, 1912
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.1.3) MARY IRENE DIETRICH born July 26, 1917
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.2) CARL FERRIS DIETRICH born November 29, 1883 and died October 27, 1908
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.1.3) FREDERIC CORWIN DIETRICH born July 26, 1889 and married December 24,
1917 Millie B. Stukey
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.2) D. LOUELLA FERRIS (Luelle) born September 18, 1857 and died May 21, 1931;
attended Knox College 1872-73, 1874-77; married February 16, 1887 Arthur J. Davis – 1909 resided
Los Angeles CA
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.3) EDWIN L. FERRIS born September 10, 1861; married April 17, 1887 Josephine
Buis – 1909 resided Kansas City; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.3.1) EARLE PERRY FERRIS born January 1898 and died at 18m
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.4) ELIZABETH FERRIS (Bessie) born August 29, 1878 and died January 4, 1951;
married November 23, 1897 Guy L. Huyett (Photo) born 1874 and died October 24, 1949; both buried
Bennington, Ottawa, KS. G. L. Huyett Inc. was incorporated in 1906 Minneapolis KS and in still in
operation today (2004) – see www.huyett.com. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.4.1) GUY FERRIS HUYETT born November 3/4, 1899 and died March 24/25, 1908;
buried Bennington, Ottawa, KS
(5.1.1.5.4.1.3.4.2) ELIZABETH LOUISE HUYETT born July 12, 1906 and died April 6, 1971;
married September 12, 1920 Daniel Gaines Hon [son of Judge Daniel & Margaret Pamelia (Gaines)
Hon] born January 21, 1898 Waldron AR and died May 14, 1950 Los Angeles Co CA; and they had a
child – they lived in Los Angeles where he was an attorney;
(5.1.1.5.4.1.4) DELIA AURINDA FERRIS born March 7, 1843 Galesburg IL and died February 6,
1909; attended Knox College 1854-59; married August 29, 1871/72 in Knox Co IL, William H.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Brainerd (1841-1908). In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory, a William H. Brainerd is listed as a
life insurance agent, residing at 223 N. Broad; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.4.1) SARAH AURINDA BRAINERD born January 22, 1874 and died October 22, 1888
(5.1.1.5.4.1.4.2) CAROLINE FRANCES BRAINERD born November 11, 1876
(5.1.1.5.4.1.4.3) HARRIET GALE BRAINERD born January 8, 1880; married July 7, 1904 William
Johnston; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.1.4.3.1) FAITH ELEANOR JOHNSTON born July 4, 1905
(5.1.1.5.4.2) NATHAN OLMSTED ‘Ump’ FERRIS, second child of Silvanus, born Herkimer Co
NY February 11, 1801, like his brother Silvanus Western, in the log cabin on the farm, and died
November 19, 1850 as a result of a kick from a horse, after fever set in; buried Weaverville CA;
married February 15, 1827 Currence (Concurrence) (commonly abbreviated to Currency - she had a
rather sharp tongue and in her school days was called ‘Currants and Vinegar’) Ann Winnegar (a
daughter of Samuel and Martha Winnegar) born April 14, 1805 Fort Ann, Washington, NY and died
December 24, 1888; buried at Hope Cemetery; N.O. kept a large dairy on the farm in Norway and sold
his farm to Elias B. Pullman, before moving to Illinois; came to Illinois 1837 and began farming
probably on land given to Nathan by his father. Nathan inherited the irrepressible energy and business
tact of his father and appears to have had a propensity for engaging in various agricultural speculative
ventures, plus his partnership with his brother William in the sawmill. Thus, he early began the saving
and shipping of timothy seed and soon had a large part of 900 acres devoted almost exclusively to this
crop. The seed brought considerable better prices in New York than did eastern seed on account of its
quality and supposed freedom from weeds. He also raised large quantities of mustard for the value of
the seed, canary seed, and popcorn. In 1844, Nathan is reported to have sowed and raised 220 acres of
mustard seed. The crop was a prolific one, yielding 2,250 bushels, and this was all cut with grain
cradles. The mustard crop was gathered and threshed from the gavels, in large wagons, with boxes of
which were constructed for the purpose, and then deposited in a small granary, upon wheels, 14 by 16
feet, which was covered with canvass. Here the seed was cleaned by his son, Sylvanus; then it was
conveyed to a barn and spread until it was dry, when it was put into casks and hauled on wagons to
Peoria, from whence it was shipped down the river, via New Orleans, to New York, and consigned to
parties who failed to dispose of it satisfactorily to Mr. Ferris; and the enterprise not proving financially
sound, he abandoned the production. In 1848, Olmstead was in New York City visiting and met a Mr.
Ekins, newly arrived from Deal, England and persuaded him to come to Galesburg, where Mr. Ekins
engaged at once in the tailoring business, later elected as City Marshall and other appointed political
positions. (See They Broke the Prairies for more information on Nathan and his enterprises, including
his popcorn trip to England.) Nathan, true to his adventurous instincts, was one of the ‘49ers’ who
joined the rush to California in the excitement over the discovery of gold, in 1850. Although he died
in California, the family erected a monument to his memory in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg with the
following sentiment: Some in our native valleys rest One sleeps beneath the glowing
From our cold graves together rise
To meet the Lord within the skies.
His wife, Concurrence, survived him 36 years and died at Galesburg, December 24, 1888, at the home
of her daughter Sally. In its issue for February 1889, the Norway Tidings, published at Norway NY,
printed the following account of her: Died: In Galesburg, Ill., December 24, 1888, Mrs. Nathan
Olmstead Ferris. Currance Ann Winnegar, the last survivor of a family of eleven children, was the
daughter of Samuel and Martha Winnegar, and born at Fort Ann, Washington County, NY, April 15,
1805. She was married to Nathan Olmstead Ferris February 15, 1827, and the union was blessed with
nine children, one of whom died in infancy. Of the remainder, Sylvanus H. is a resident of Riverside,
California; Samuel W., Sally A. (Mrs. L.T. Stone), Martha E. (Mrs. Geo. Runkle), reside in Galesburg,
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Ill., James H. resides in California, and Chauncey G., Nathan O., and Horace F. are deceased. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ferris lived on the farm now owned by Willis Kelly in Norway, until the fall of
1836, when they joined fortunes with the first colonists who emigrated to Galesburg, Ill. The fever of
excitement, which followed the discovery of gold in California in 1849, enrolled Mr. Ferris among the
many who sought to increase their fortunes in the land of the setting sun, and thither he journeyed in
the spring of 1850, never to return. He died as a result of an accident November 19th of the same year,
since which time his wife has lived a quiet and peaceful widowhood. Mrs. Ferris was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, always a consistent and earnest, though unostentatious Christian, contributing of
her means to the support of the gospel, and reputed among all who knew her for her delicate
consideration of all living. Between Mrs. Ferris and Mrs. Sarah Comstock of Norway a warm and
sisterly affection has existed since their early acquaintance". The widow and 2 daughters joined
Silvanus Harvey Ferris on their move to California in 1880. Born to N.O. and Currence were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1) SILVANUS (SYLVANUS) HARVEY FERRIS (Photographs) born January 14,
1828 Norway (Poland?), Herkimer, NY and died January 22, 1902 Riverside CA; funeral services held
from the residence on Magnolia Avenue; buried Olivewood Cemetery. “His death was deeply
regretted, for his sterling character and excellent personal traits had gained for him the esteem and good
will of all who knew him”. He attended Knox College 1847-49; married April 29, 1852 Sabra Boothe
Cline [dau of Robert & Harriet Corintha (Stevens) Cline] born April 1829 and died May 3, 1919
Riverside CA; Sabra attended Knox College 1850-51; Silvanus was 9 years old when he parents moved
to Illinois and he was prominent in the affairs of the Galesburg community until 1881, when he
removed to Riverside, California. S.H. was involved in the founding of Riverside as is noted in the
following biographical sketch from the Riverside County History: “Sylvanus H. Ferris was one of the
pioneers of Riverside, and was a man of great prominence. He established his residence on Magnolia
Avenue, and every bit of wood that went into the construction of the house was hauled from San
Bernardino. His home was the center of much hospitality, which he offered to his Eastern friends, and
he was instrumental in bringing more than one hundred people from Galesburg, Illinois, to Riverside.
He came to this city in 1879, and later brought in trees from Illinois and New York, and scientifically
studied and experimented with reference to the citrus fruit industry. By birth, Mr. Ferris was a New
Yorker, as he born in Herkimer County, that state, January 14, 1828, and was given a public school and
academic education. His parents went to Illinois at a very early day, and he grew up in that state.
Before deciding definitely upon his occupation, Mr. Ferris paid a visit to his uncle, Timothy H. Ferris,
of Herkimer County, New York, who told him that Eastern lands, would depreciate and Western lands
would advance in price, and advised him to return to Illinois. Following this advice he lived in
Galesburg from 1862 to 1881, this town having been the family home from the time it was founded. In
1879, Mr. Ferris came on a visit to California, accompanying O.T. Johnson of Galesburg, and then
went on to Carson City, Nevada, where his uncle, G.W.G. Ferris, was then residing. Later the party
came to Riverside and Sylvanus H. Ferris purchased a ranch on Magnolia Avenue, arranged for the
purchase of an adjoining ranch for Mr. Johnson, and still another at the head of the avenue for his
uncle, G. W. G. Ferris. He permanently settled at Riverside in 1881, and built his residence in 1882,
which has since been one of the substantial homes and is still standing on that avenue. His home ranch
comprised forty-three acres, and on it he raised high-grade oranges. In addition, Mr. Ferris owned
orange properties at Tustin, Orange County, and at Etiwanda, San Bernardino County, California, a
cottage at Laguna Beach, California, and a ranch in San Antonio Canyon, from which Ontario, by
purchase, afterward acquired its water. A very public-spirited man, Mr. Ferris worked hard to secure
the Santa Fe Railroad from Orange to Riverside, and was a director and manager of the Newton
Railroad from Riverside to San Bernardino, which is now owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company. While he was active as a republican, he never sought political recognition. For many years
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was instrumental in founding it on Magnolia Avenue.
In 1852 Mr. Ferris married Sabra Booth Cline, who became especially prominent in church and
W.C.T.U. work, and helped to build up a better sentiment in this locality. She was a philanthropist and
one to whom charitable impulses were a second nature. Her death occurred in 1919, when she was over
ninety years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris had four children, namely: Eva, who is the wife of W.S. Ray;
Robert O., who lives on the old homestead at Woodhull, Illinois; Mrs. Julia Moulton, who is
mentioned at length; and Mrs. Stella Bellows, who lives at Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to their
own children, Mr. and Mrs. Ferris reared two others, whom they took from the Home of Friendless of
New York City. One is Mrs. Della Shieff and the other is George F. Lozier, of Denver, Colorado, both
of whom grew up a credit to their adopted parents, worthy of the love and care given them. In the 1889
Riverside City and County Director, S. H., is listed as a Horticulturist at the corner of Magnolia and
Madison, Riverside. Born to S.H. and Sabra were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.1) EVA CLEMENTINE FERRIS born June 17, 1853 Galesburg IL and died 1953/4
Riverside CA (Los Angeles Co CA); the oldest living Knox alum at her death; graduated with a B.A.,
from Knox College 1875; the founder of the Ray Loan Fund created in 1934 and had its own line item
in Knox College’s annual financial report until 1980 when accounting practices were changes and all
Funds were listed as a single item after that; married March 4, 1880 in Knox Co IL, Walter Selden Ray
born July 3, 1851; Walter attended Knox College 1869-72 and was an orange rancher in Los Angeles
CA; he died 1934; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.1.1) FREDERIC SILVANUS RAY, M.D., born December 18, 1882 Riverside CA;
graduated from the University of California 1904 and John Hopkins 1908; served in the American
Army in France during WWI; married April 21, 1928 Margaret McLean
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.1.2) WALTER HAROLD RAY born July 15, 1884 Riverside CA and died July 1902;
while attempting to climb Mt. Brewer, Calif., he fell 300 feet from a cliff, and was instantly killed. His
companions found his body and carried it some 15 miles to the point where they had left their burro
ponies; then 60 miles by burros and 40 miles by wagon to Fresno CA
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2) ROBERT OLMSTEAD FERRIS born January 17, 1857 Galesburg IL and died May
4, 1950 Orange Co CA; attended Knox College 1869-75; married February 5, 1880 Emma Estelle
Richards born July 23, 1856; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1) JULIA ESTELLE FERRIS (Photos) born September 16, 1880 Woodhull IL and
died August 30, 1963 Orange Co CA; graduated from the Knox Conservatory of Music 1904; Delta
Delta Delta, YWCA, and LMI; also member of swimming club; performed her graduating recital
January 29,1903, a Pianoforte; married June 15, 1904 Albert Wells Borden [who maybe died June 11,
1963 in Orange Co CA at 82y]; 1937 they resided at Hastings NE; 1963 they resided at 885 Manzanita
Dr., Laguna Beach CA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1.1) FERRIS WOODBURY BORDEN born September 13, 1908 Nebraska and died
April 10, 1984 Orange Co CA; graduated from the University of Nebraska 1930; a Ferris W. Borden
authored a paper, The use of surface erosion observations to determine chronological sequence in
artifacts from a Mojave Desert site, Archaeological Survey Association of Southern California, 1971 –
not sure same guy; married January 1, 1931 Helen Adams and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1.1.1) BARBARA JEAN BORDEN born June 5, 1932
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1.2) ROBERT WELLS BORDEN born March 18, 1913 Nebraska and died March 7,
1977 Santa Barbara Co CA; married January 5, 1932 (Anna) Adelaide Peterson - divorced 1947; she
was born January 31, 1912 Aurora and died there September 17, 1888 age 87y; buried Aurora
Cemetery; she graduated from Stephens H.S., Columbus MO; later attended U of Nebraska-Lincoln
where she majored in history; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1.2.1) SAYRE ANN BORDEN (Sari) born July 31, 1933 and preceded her mother in
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
death
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.1.2.2) ROBERT EINER BORDEN resided Escondido CA 1999
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.2) LOUISE NINATA (NINITA) FERRIS (photo) born September 30, 1882
Woodhull IL; graduated from the Knox Conservatory of Music 1904. In the 1905 Gale, she is referred
to Louie several times; also presented a violin recital March 3, 1904; married January 10, 1912 Julian
Raymond Blackman, M.D., a surgeon of Baltimore MD (-1934); 1963 Louise resided at 231 Cypress
Dr., Laguana Beach CA - no offspring
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.2.3) GERTRUDE LUCILE FERRIS born October 19, 1884 Woodhull IL and died
January 27, 1952 Riverside Co CA; attended Knox College 1902-04; listed as the Vice President of
The Academy at Knox College in the 1904 Gale; married October 19, 1905 Charles Edgar Waite of
Riverside CA, where they resided. Is he the Charles E. Waite who born May 4, 1887 at Fort Hill IL son
of Douglas & Fanny M. (Richardson) Waite?
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3) JULIA CAROLINE FERRIS born March 1, 1860 Woodhull IL and died June 10,
1950 Orange Co CA; attended Knox College 1869-70, 1873-81 and graduated with the Class of 1880;
married November 14, 1883 at Riverside CA, Ernest Smith Moulton (Photo) born January 3, 1853 (or
January 5, 1859 Galesburg IL) (one source says he born in Springfield MA) [son of Billings & Harriet
Corintha (Smith) Moulton both of whom were natives of Massachusetts] and died 1916. After the
wedding, they apparently returned to Galesburg, because Mr. Moulton was the ticket agent at the
C.B.& Q.R.R. office in Galesburg, starting around 1880. He received his early education in the public
schools of Galesburg; attended Knox College 1875-1878. After his arrival in California, he was
identified with the packing industry, first handling raisins and then oranges, and at the time of his
withdrawal from that line of activity, he was the oldest orange packer in the state; a member of the
Citrus Protective League of Southern California. Turning his attention to financial matters, he became
the President of the 1st National Bank of Riverside, a position he held for about six years. He was also
president of the Chamber of Commerce and was a director of the Highland Water Company. He was
identified with the Business Men’s Association and was one of the organizers of the Bankers
Association of Riverside County. He was prominent in the state association, of which he was elected
president, and by virtue of that position became one of the vice-presidents of the bankers’ national
organization. An editorial from the Riverside Enterprise, February 4, 1916 reads: It would have been
difficult to find a Riverside man who could more ill be spared from the community than Ernest S.
Moulton who ended his work yesterday after a life of much usefulness, diligent effort and capable
endeavor. In his position at the head of one of the leading banks of Southern California, Mr. Moulton
has for many years taken a prominent part in the activities of this part of the state and has been
identified with practically every enterprise which has given itself to the upbuilding of Riverside for the
past quarter of a century. Calm and dispassionate in his judgements, utterly unbiased and unprejudiced
in his decisions, accurate and dependable in his appraisements, Mr. Moulton has taken a position in the
financial life of this city, which will not easily be filled. Kindly in his generosity, open and frank in his
friendliness, genial and cordial in his daily intercourse with his fellows, he has found a place in the
hearts of his circle of acquaintances, which can never be taken by another. Every man who knew
Ernest Moulton feels a personal loss at his departure. Dignified though he must be at the head of a
prominent financial institution, he was never the coldly, formal financier so common in the world of
business. No matter what your business, Ernest Moulton always had time to listen. Piled though his
desk might be with important papers requiring immediate attention, he could always slip in a minute to
hear your story and no one will ever know the number of intimate secrets he kept tucked away in his
head while he tried to plan out a way to offer the necessary assistance. He was a man-sided individual
- this businessman whose loss is going to be so keenly felt in Riverside. His activities were many and
varied; his sphere of influence embraced every enterprise, which had to do with the public interest and
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
the good of the community, which he always had at heart. Member of the school board, member of the
library board, director of the chamber of commerce, chairman or member of a score of prominent
committees, Mr. Moulton exercised a wonderful influence over a wide field of most diversified
interests. When Riverside wanted a citrus experiment station from the University of California, they
had to have Ernest Moulton on the committee appointed to secure it. When the city wanted to get the
Santa Fe railroad to erect a new station here, the same man must be concerned in the work. There has
not been a truly big event of public benefit in this city in a great many years in which Ernest Moulton
has not been in some way involved. He can ill be spared. Julia took an active part in church work and
was a leader in the activities of the Young Woman’s Christian Association. She served as director of
the old Riverside Hospital and, later, of the Community Hospital. Subsequently for a number of years
she served as president of the Charity Tree, an organization that did a vast amount of good throughout
the community. She was active in the work of the Magnolia Avenue Presbyterian Church. ‘Julia was a
lady of estimable attainments’. Ernest & Julia built a seaside cottage at Laguna Beach in the 1880s and
it stood there until 1970s as remembered by their g-grandson, John Ferris Manning. Born to her and
Ernest were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.1) STELLA FLORENCE MOULTON born September 17, 1884 Galesburg IL and died
May 25, 1887; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2) ARTHUR FERRIS MOULTON born May 3, 1887 Los Angeles CA and died
August 22, 1950 San Francisco Co CA; graduated from the University of California 1909; engaged in
the lumber business in Ukiah, Mendocino Co CA; married August 10, 1910 in Berkeley CA, Chryssa
Hemsworth Fraser [dau of Daniel Malkin & Jane Hemsworth (Mills) Fraser] born March 22, 1887
(1886) Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada and died March 9, 1944 (Ukiah) Mendocino Co CA; and born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.1) FRANCES FRASER MOULTON born February 22, 1913
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.2) JOAN VIRGINIA MOULTON born August 14, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.3) DORIS ANNA MOULTON (Photo) born June 22, 1917 probably in Ukiah CA
(Navarro CA) and died April 15, 2003 Missoula MT; buried Ft. Missoula Cemetery; attended Knox
College 1937-39 graduating with the Class of 1939, B.A.; married May 10, 1941 in Manito IL, Robert
Lee Velde [son of Henry Jacob & Laura Amanda (Himmel) Velde] born December 7, 1918 on farm in
Tazewell County IL and died July 23, 2000 Missoula MT; buried Ft. Missoula Cemetery. Robert
graduated from Knox College, 1940, B.A., commissioned as 2d Lieutenant, US Army July 5, 1940
Galesburg IL; and also attended the U. of Colorado; 1963 he was an Army Lieutenant Colonel serving
as a personnel officer at NATO headquarters; retired with 26 years service 1966. As per Bob’s son,
“Perhaps Bob Velde’s closet brush with death in WWII happened while answering the Call of Nature.
He was with a forward detachment of the Signal Corps in the North African campaign of 1942, and his
unit was setting up HQ in a rundown but once very elegant building, a palace of sorts. The bathrooms
in the place were very especially posh, and using them was a memorable experience, especially after
long weeks of bivouacking out in the Libyan Desert. The commode was one of those ancient ones with
a separate tank, mounted high on the wall. As he went to flush, Bob paused in this admiration of the
setting – something about pulling that chain didn’t exactly feel right. He closed the lid to the throne and
stood on it to inspect that tank – and found a three-grenade booby trap, set to be triggered by the flush
chain. Not all valiant deeds depicted in this ancestry are acts of Arms and Armor.” Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.3.1) WILLIAM VELDE
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.3.2) SUSAN LEE VELDE born May 22, 1949 Kelly AFB, San Antonio TX and died
December 30, 1989 Keizer OR
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.3.3) JILL FERRIS VELDE born November 3, 1957 Lubbock TX and died January
26, 1979 Condon MT
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.2.4) BARBARA MILLS MOULTON born November 19, 1919
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.3) ROBERT HARRISON MOULTON born September 10, 1888 Galesburg IL and
died October 2, 1977 Los Angeles Co CA; graduated from the University of California 1911; head of
the R.H. Moulton Bond Firm of Los Angeles CA; received distinctive recognition during the wartime
sale of Liberty bonds when he was appointed Government manager for the district of southern
California; married October 3, 1914 Florence Wachter born October 22, 1888 OH and died November
10, 1953 Los Angeles Co CA; there was a Robert H Moulton on the Chicago Board of Trade 1936 who
wrote an article, Trading in Grain – same guy?; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.3.1) DONALD WACHTER MOULTON born October 5, 1915 and died July 8, 1985
Santa Clara Co CA
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.3.2) ROBERT HARRISON MOULTON JR., born October 30, 1918; there was a R. H.
Moulton Jr, Associate Director, Division of Administrative Services, Stanford Linear Electron
Accelerator Project, 1960 – not sure if this is the same guy; also a Robert H Moulton Jr, Class of 1940
Stanford, received the Stanford Gold Spike Award in 1978 – there was a Robert H Moulton III who
wrote a letter to the editor of the Rocky Mountain News March 2006 – is this a son
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.3.3) FRANKLIN FERRIS MOULTON born June 6, 1923
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.4) FRANCIS ERNEST MOULTON born January 16, 1892 Riverside CA and died
March 11, 1961 Monterey Co CA; resided King City; graduated from the University of California
1913; partner with his brother in the R.H. Moulton Bond Firm in Los Angeles CA; married March 6,
1915 Gladys Robb born June 24, 1890 and died December 22, 1977 Monterey Co CA; and born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.4.1) JOHN RUSSELL MOULTON born May 31, 1926
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.4.2) ANN MOULTON born April 26, 1928
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.5) FERRIS SYLVANUS MOULTON born February 16, 1895 Riverside CA and died
February 13, 1983 San Mateo Co CA; graduated from the University of California 1917; volunteered
for service in WWI and went into air training, but the armistice was declared pending his being sent
abroad; associated with the R.H. Moulton Bond Firm of Los Angeles CA, as their New York City
representative; married December 8, 1917 Olive Taylor of Riverside [dau of the Rev. William F.
Taylor, pastor the Baptist Church] and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.5.1) CAROLYN SABRA MOULTON born November 28, 1919
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.5.2) FERRIS SYLVANUS MOULTON, JR., born August 22, 1924 – there was a F.S.
Moulton, secretary and manager of Western Helicopter Operations 1953- same guy?
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6) DORIS SABRA HARRIET MOULTON born April 10, 1897 Riverside CA; married
April 9, 1921 William H. Bonnett (born July 11, 1893 OH and died October 23, 1970 Riverside Co
CA), an orange grower in Riverside and city councilman of Riverside for 12 years in the 1950s; Doris
graduated from the University of California and Vassar College. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.1) JULIA DORIS BONNETT born August 17, 1922
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2) WILLIAM HENRY BONNETT JR., born March 5, 1924 Riverside CA; married
June 29, 1946 at Riverside CA, Jacquelyn Cannon born January 20, 1926 Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii; and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.1) WILLIAM HENRY BONNETT III (Photo) born July 1, 1947 Riverside;
graduated U of California-Riverside, 1969, B.A., Political Science; 1993 received UCR Alumni
Community Service Award; William has spent 26+ years in the Kiwanis Club of Riverside; Vice
President 2000-2003 of the Kiwanis California-Nevada-Hawaii Foundation; a two-year stint as
president of the Riverside City and County YMCA and is very active in the football booster club of the
Riverside Polytechnic High School. He is a C.P.A. and resides in Riverside CA; married May 21, 1977
at Riverside, Judith Ann LeVoss born November 22, 1952; William has provided the updated
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
information for this “twig” of the Tree - thanks, William!; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.1.1) WILLIAM HENRY BONNETT IV born April 3, 1979
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.1.2) BRIAN HOWARD BONNETT (twin) born September 16, 1981
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.1.3) CHRISTINA MARIE BONNETT (twin) born September 16, 1981
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.1.4) GREGORY WILSON BONNETT born March 14, 1984
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.2) MARK CANNON BONNETT born March 20, 1950 Riverside; married 1st April
6, 1974 Cheri Lynn Maloney – divorced 1987; married 2d June 23, 1990 Karlene Brandenburg
Weatherway born August 7, 1949; and born to him and Cheri were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.2.1) JANIE LOUISE BONNETT born June 14, 1979 Placerville CA
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.2.2) BRENDEN KEITH BONNETT born 1981 Porterville CA
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.2.3) BRADLEY PHILLIP BONNETT born October 4, 1983 Porterville CA
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.2.3) ROBERT MOULTON BONNETT born March 19, 1955
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.3) LUCY BATES BONNETT born March 31, 1929
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.6.4) MARY MOULTON BONNETT born July 9, 1934
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.3.7) TWIN BOYS MOULTON born and died April 12, 1901
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4) STELLA ABBIE FERRIS born August 31, 1862 at Woodhull IL and died 1956
probably Kansas City MO; attended Knox College 1878-81 and also Mills College; married October
29, 1887 in Knox Co, Dr. George E. Bellows born Galesburg, October 30, 1861 and died 1941. Stella
was 'of Riverside' and he was 'of Kansas City' when they married. Dr. Bellows attended Knox College
1876-81 receiving his B.A. with the Class of 1882; received his M.A. in 1885 from Amherst and his
M.D. (ophthalmology) from Columbia 1885. Dr. Bellows was a Captain in the Army Medical Corps,
inducted September 8, 1917; resided at 3239 Euclid Ave, Kansas City MO; and born to them were:
Galesburg Republican-Register, November 5, 1887: A very pleasant company of near relatives and friends met last
Saturday morning to witness the marriage of Dr. George E Bellows to Miss Stella Ferris, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs
Sylvanus H. Ferris, at their residence, 214 South Academy street. Besides others there were present Mrs. C. A. Ferris, the
venerable mother of the bride’s father, who is now in her 83d year, four of her grandchildren, and three of her greatgrandchildren. The following were present from outside the city: Mr. and Mrs. F. I. Moulton, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. E. W.
Moulton, Kearney Neb; A.B. Moulton, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Moulton and son Arthur, Los Angeles, Cal; Mrs. John
Aberdeen, Riverside, Cal; Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Ferris and two little girls, Woodhull; Miss Farr, Chicago; Mrs. Mattie Runkle
and son; Mrs. Ed Grant, Cromwell, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. SoRelle, Waco, Texas. The Rev. Favel Bascom, D.D., of
Princeton, who performed the ceremony, had thirty-five years and six months previously to a day, united in marriage the
father and mother of the bride. The wedding was a quiet and modest affair. The bride wore a tailor made brown broadcloth
traveling suit and appeared bright and radiant. A wedding breakfast was served to about fifty of the most intimate friends.
The contracting parties took the 10 o’clock train for Kansas City, which is to be their future home, and where Dr. Bellows
has already began his professional career. The groom is a brother of Mr. F.D. Bellows, of the firm of Van Shanck &
Bellows. A company of friends accompanied the twain to the depot and gave them good wishes. In these kind expressions of
future happiness, this paper most heartily joins.
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1) WARREN SYLVANUS BELLOWS born August 15, 1889 Kansas City MO;
married April 14, 1914 Anne Elizabeth Williams
Handbook of Texas Online:
BELLOWS, WARREN SYLVANUS (1889-1967). Warren Sylvanus Bellows, civil engineer, born in Kansas City,
Missouri, on August 15, 1889, to Dr. George E. and Stella (Ferris) Bellows. In 1911 he received his degree in civil
engineering from the University of Kansas and by 1921 had established a general contracting firm in Houston, the W. S.
Bellows Construction Corporation. This firm was responsible for many major constructions in Houston, in addition to
several buildings in other Texas cities and on the campuses of the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Southern
Methodist University, and the University of Houston. The Houston buildings include the Auditorium Hotel, one of the first
of Bellows's constructions, completed in the 1920s, the Humble Headquarters Building, the American General Insurance
Company and Prudential Insurance Regional Headquarters buildings, the First City National Bank, and the Bank of the
Southwest. One of the late Houston constructions was the Alley Theatre. Bellows's firm participated in the building of the
Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi,qv built hotels in Galveston, Fort Worth, and Mobile, Alabama, and constructed the
administration buildings on the campuses of the University of Texas and the University of Houston. Probably his most
famous construction was the San Jacinto Monument, at 570 feet the tallest monument in the world when it was completed in
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
1939 (see San Jacinto monument and museum). Bellows was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
president of the Associated General Contractors of America (1946), chairman of the Houston Port Commission from 1950
to 1954, president of the Houston Chamber of Commerce in 1948-49, member of the board of governors of the University
of Houston, and member of the Texas Board of Corrections (see prison system). He was also an industrial member of the
War Labor Board during World War II, director of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway, and director of the YMCA.
He was a trustee of the M. D. Anderson Foundation, Texas Medical Center, Southwest Research Institute, Southwest Legal
Foundation, and Board of Visitors of the University of Texas Cancer Foundation. Bellows was chairman of the Houston
Symphony Society and belonged to the Philosophical Society of Texas, the Sons of the Republic of Texas (which in 1967
made him a knight of the Order of San Jacinto), and the Sons of the American Revolution, which awarded him the 1955
Good Citizens Award. His several awards include the Royal Order of Vasa from King Gustav VI of Sweden in 1956, the
Distinguished Service Award from the University of Kansas, and the first Annual Meritorious Award of the San Jacinto
Chapter of Texas Professional Engineers. On February 3, 1967, Bellows died in Houston; he was survived by his wife, Anna
(Williams), and four children. Warren found the W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation in 1914 in Canada, but soon
moved the company to Kansas City Mo. In 1920 the company moved to Oklahoma City and won contracts throughout OK,
TX, AR and TN. Bellows moved its office to Houston in 1936 soon after it was awarded the contract for the San Jacinto
Monument.
Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.1) ELIZABETH ANNE BELLOWS born February 6, 1915 and died before 2005
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2) WARREN SYLVANUS BELLOWS, JR., born November 3, 1917. Warren
Sylvanus Bellows, Jr. (BS '39) died in Houston on Sunday, May 19, 1996 at the age of 78. He joined
the W. S. Bellows Construction Corp in 1946, becoming president in 1960. Mr. Bellows was chairman
of the board of the W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation, a position he held since 1979. He was past
president (1973) of the Houston chapter of Associated General Contractors of America, a life member
of ASCE and TSPE, and an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects, Houston (1993).
The College of Engineering at UT Austin honored him in 1978 as a Distinguished Graduate. He also
was presented the Rice Design Alliance Award for Design Excellence in 1994. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Barbara; and his daughter, Elizabeth. He is survived by his sons and daughters-inlaw, Ruth and Warren Bellows III, and Laura and Thomas Bellows; four grandchildren; his brothers
and sisters-in-law, Ann and George Bellows, Sonny and Frank Bellows, and Bevery Crowley James.
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2.1) ELIZABETH BELLOWS
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2.2) WARREN SYLVANUS BELLOWS III, M.D., a surgeon in Houston TX;
married Ruth Carmichael [dau of William R & Marzee (Moore) Carmichael]; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2.2.1) ELIZABETH CARMICHAEL BELLOWS – 2000 a sophomore at Harvard;
Class of 2003, Phi Beta Kappa
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2.2.2) WARREN SYLVANUS BELLOWS IV
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.2.3) THOMAS BELLOWS joined the W. S. Bellows Construction Corp 1978;
became president 1987 and CEO 1996 – Jim – wrote a letter to him in 2005 – no response (is this
Thomas F. Bellows married to Laura Draper who had Jack & Steven?)
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3) FRANK WILLIAMS BELLOWS born July 15, 1922; married Sanny {maiden
name unk}; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.1) FRANKLIN WILLIAMS BELLOWS JR born June 20, 1950 Waco TX and died
April 16, 1999 Houston TX; buried Forest Park Lawndale; graduated with honors from the U of Texas,
B.S. in Mathematics and thereafter earned a M.S. in Statistics from Emory U; pursed his doctorate in
the study of Epidemiology at the U of Texas Health Science Center of Public Health; previously
worked at the Texas Medical Center and at W. S. Bellows Construction Corp; Frank was a brilliant and
gentle person who had many interests; an accomplished photographer, an excellent horticulturist, a
skilled pilot and had a continuing love of learning;
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.2) SARAH BELLOWS married Vidal Martinez; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.2.1) GRANT MARTINEZ
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.2.2) KATE MARTINEZ
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.3) ALICE ANN MELLOWS married Frank Dunlap; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.3.1) MARY FRANCES DUNLAP
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.3.2) SARAH DUNLAP
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.3.3) ANDREW DUNLAP
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.4) VINCE BELLOWS married Elisabeth {maiden name unk}; and born to them
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.4.1) ZACHARY BELLOWS
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.3.4.2) SAM BELLOWS
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.4) GEORGE FERRIS BELLOWS born January 26, 1925 Oklahoma City OK and
died May 30, 2005 Houston TX; moved with his parents and family to Houston 1936; graduated from
Kinkaid School and attended Rice U and the U of Texas, where he received a degree in civil
engineering after serving the USN during WWII; following graduation, he joined his father and
brothers at the W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation as an engineer, eventually becoming President
in 1979. During those years, he was involved with various committees of the Associated General
Contractors of America, also serving as president of the Houston Chapter. One of his prime interests
was his devotion to the Texas Medical Center, where he was a Board member from 1976 to his death;
his particular love was Texas Children’s Hospital; he joined the Board in 1967, serving as president
from 1973-75, and chairman in 1983; served on numerous committees including the Building
Committee from 1971 until his death; married 1st Ann Harris [dau of T Wayne & Madelaine (Blocker)
Harris] born September 26, 1927 San Angelo TX and died February 10, 1998 Houston; buried
Glenwood Cemetery; Ann attended Sweet Brian and the U of Texas; married 2d Lois DuBose Miller;
and born to him and Ann were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.4.1) WAYNE H BELLOWS, M.D, anesthesiologist, Mill Valley CA; married Laura
Fly [dau of William Stoner & Betty (Clements) Fly] – see ‘Net
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.1.4.2) MARILYN BELLOWS married Doug Edmondson
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.2) ELIZABETH BELLOWS born April 27, 1900 and died May 3, 1900
(5.1.1.5.4.2.1.4.3) SABRA JULIA BELLOWS born November 3, 1901 Kansas City MO and died
April 25, 1913
(5.1.1.5.4.2.2) FERRIS born and died 1829, name unk
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3) CHAUNCY (Chauncey) GOODRICH FERRIS born November 11, 1830 Norway
NY and died September 12, 1877 Galesburg IL; buried Hope Cemetery; attended Knox College 184950, 1851-52; not only held large land acreages and farmed them with skill and efficiency, but he was
even more deeply interested in flour milling. He devoted his main attention to this industry and made a
name in it of high repute. He suffered from pulmonary ailments sufficient to cause him, under a
physician’s advice, to spend some time at the Dangberg Ranch in Nevada where he apparently fully
recovered his health. The benefits of his outdoor life proved to be more apparent than genuine for he
did not long survive after his return to business. He had taken his proper places in many phases of
community life and affairs; in politics being a Republican; in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church and a liberal supporter of charitable and humanitarian works. He loved to hunt and fish and
was extremely fond of music and became an accomplished violinist. He married, first, in (February
1851) 1852 in Knox County IL, Dorleska A. Ward who born January 21, 1834 and died 1852 (Jim - I
wonder if she died in childbirth?) [dau of Abner and Huldah (Sykes) Ward of Brockport NY] and born
to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.1) FERRIS died in infancy, name unk
CHAUNCEY married 2d May 27, 1858 Henrietta Viola Jones born May 25, 1838 Richmond
VA and died 1907 Los Angeles CA. Henrietta was a very efficient Southern lady, practical in all her
dealings and an omnivorous reader. She was very poetical and recited much with perfect diction. Born
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.2) HARVEY OLMSTEAD FERRIS born March 4, 1860 and died unmarried August
17, 1932; possessed naturally a quiet, amiable disposition and a well balanced mind; was engaged in
extensive production of citrus fruits in California and owned several ranches of orange groves; owing
to the untimely death of his father, he was the mentor of his three sisters
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3) MARTHA ELLEN FERRIS “Nellie” born March 20, 1865 and died March 26
(February 20), 1925 Los Angeles CA; attended Knox College 1880-81; an artist of marked ability and
studied art under Borglum and William Knight Keith of California; married June 29, 1886 Harley
Erastus Hamilton born 1862 Oneida NY and died May 14, 1934 Los Angeles CA. When Harley arrived
in Los Angeles, c1890, he was already a master musician. He immediately undertook to organize a
symphony orchestra, and founded and was conductor at the first concert of Los Angeles’ first
Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1897, he established the Woman’s Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest
orchestral organizations on the West Coast still active. He was conductor of this group and the
Philharmonic Orchestra for 20 years. At the same time he laid plans for the noted Los Angeles
Symphony Orchestra, which gave its first concert under his direction February 1, 1898. This first
performance was a tribute to Mr. Hamilton’s ability as an arranger and improvisor. He lacked many of
the essential instruments for a scheduled Beethoven work but he so arranged the players he had as to
render a masterful simulation of the composer’s intent. He continued as conductor of the Los Angeles
Symphony Orchestra until overwork caused a breakdown in his health in 1913. After his return from a
period of rest and recuperation in Europe, he continued briefly as the conductor of the Woman’s
Symphony, resigning the post in 1917. He was also the first man to write music to harmonize with the
early motion pictures such as “Birth of a Nation” and “Broken Blossoms”. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1) VIOLA GRACE HAMILTON born March 1, 1892 Los Angeles CA and died
October 3, 1982 Laguana Hills CA; married March 20, 1920 in Los Angeles, Edward Cray Taylor [son
of Frank Wing & Minnie Eliza (Cray) Taylor] born April 5, 1866 Chicago IL and died January 27,
1946 Beverly Hills CA; don’t know if this is the same Edward C Taylor, director and writer in
Hollywood; Viola possessed the violin that belonged to her grandfather, Chauncey. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1.1) EDWARD CRAY TAYLOR JR., (Edward Hamilton Taylor) born February 13,
1921; married January 9, 1944 Nita Sloane and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1.1.1) EDWARD HAMILTON TAYLOR, JR, born November 12, 1947
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1.1.2) BEVERLY GALE TAYLOR born March 1, 1949
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1.2) HARLEY HAMILTON TAYLOR (Harley Cray Taylor) born April 4, 1922;
married November 12, 1948 Sally Lee [dau of Austin]
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.3.1.3) ELEANOR FERRIS TAYLOR born June 13, 1931 Los Angeles CA; married
October 16, 1958 Richard Reid Clarke; resided Olympia WA - provided updated info – Thanks!!
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.4) GRACE ELIZABETH FERRIS born August 7, 1870 and died December 4, 1946;
married December 16, 1897 Seth Wilson Butler born 1860 Michigan and died February 21, 1952 Los
Angeles CA. Seth was trained in the art and profession of architecture and was engaged in that
endeavor in Los Angeles. He played the flute in the Uplifters Club Orchestra, which was conducted by
his brother-in-law. One of his prized possessions was a letter from President Lincoln to his aunt, Miss
Nettie Farnham, inviting her to dinner; on the back of the letter was the original script of the draft of
her reply in which she regrets her inability to accept because the dinner fell on Wednesday Prayer
Meeting night and she played the organ. He took great interest in horticulture, especially in raising
dahlias with stems of strong enough fiber to have flowers stand erect and not droop. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.4.1) EDITH JANETTE BUTLER born October 4, 1900 (1899)
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.5) CHANCIE JANETTE FERRIS born December 20, 1875 Galesburg IL; married
June 21, 1899 Willis Holyoake Booth; he was a New York financier and vice president of Guaranty
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Trust Company. Neither Chancie nor Willis attended Knox College. Chancie was always interested in
music and was an accomplished violinist. She was one of the founders of the Women’s Orchestra of
Los Angeles and of the ‘Lute Quartette’ specializing in chamber music and was a member of the
National Society Colonial Dames in the State of New York and the Colony Club of New York.
Newspaper: Galesburg IL, October 13, **: The Knox College Board of trustees today announced
acceptance of a $300,000 grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation of New York. Terms of the gift call
for the establishment of a permanent endowment fund in support of the newly created Chancie Ferris
Booth distinguished service professorship at the college. The Booth-Ferris Foundation was established
in 1957 under the wills of Willis H. Booth and his wife Chancie Ferris Booth – a search of the Internet
can provide the results of the Foundation and other info; a Willis H. Booth was President of the ICC,
1923-25 – same guy? A Willis H. Booth was 1 of 12 who signed the original Los Angeles County CA
Charter – same guy? Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.3.5.1) FERRIS BOOTH born February 1903; graduated from Columbia University 1924;
and one source says he died 1955 which conflicts with below info; married Lillian {maiden name unk}
who in 2003 gave $2M to the Actor’s Fund for the Actors Fund Nursing Home and Assisted Living
Facility – the Englewood NJ home was renamed for her. In 1957-59 Ferris was Chairperson of The
United Way of the Greater Winona area and in 1961 Ferris was President of the same organization.
There was a Ferris Booth Commons at Columbia U. There is a Katherine Ferris Booth – is she the
daughter of Ferris and Lillian? The Booth Ferris Foundation began with $29 million in assets in 1957
and in the Spring of 2002, the assets were in excess of $200 million and had distributed over $200
million in over 3,400 grants. Is the Ferris Booth who was involved with the United Way after 1955, a
son? The Booth Ferris Foundation was established in 1957 under the wills of Willis H. Booth and his
wife Chancie Ferris Booth. Areas of funding interest include arts and culture, education, and civic and
urban affairs. Generally the foundation focuses on projects in New York City. Visit the foundation's
Web site to find out more about grantmaking priorities and view application procedures and a copy of
the foundation's latest annual report.
Wonder who this guy is: November 25, 1999, Thursday, 7:45 a.m. Stewartsville, VA — Three elementary pupils were
hospitalized yesterday after their school bus driver either fell asleep or passed out while driving the children to school, state
police said. Nine other pupils sustained minor injuries in the Bedford County crash, which happened about 7:45 a.m. when
the driver, Ferris Booth Sr., 55, ran off a cul-de-sac, went down an embankment and hit a tree, Trooper G.R. Snead said.
(5.1.1.5.4.2.4) NATHAN OLMSTEAD FERRIS JR., born January 22, 1833 Norway NY and died
May 19, 1864; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; attended Knox College, 1850-53. (Jim - one of
the old letters (#10), from H.F. mentions Nathan's passing.) Nathan Jr. married March 19, 1864 in
Henry Co IL, Martha Jane ‘Jennie’ Jones, who was a sister of his brother Chauncey's second wife; and
born to Nathan and Martha was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.4.1) BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FERRIS born March 19, 1861 and died March 2, 1926;
married 1st 1883(?), Lavinia/Lavina Allison who died June 23, 1897 Canisto NY; married 2d January
8, 1903 Georgiana Lester. Born to B.F. and Georgiana were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.4.1.1) DOROTHY JEAN FERRIS born March 6, 1904
(5.1.1.5.4.2.4.1.2) NATHAN LESTER FERRIS born August 18, 1908
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5) SAMUEL WINNEGAR FERRIS born October (13) 19, 1835 Norway, Herkimer, NY
and died November 16, 1900 at the Galesburg Hospital of a complication of diseases which had
undermined his health for some time and caused much suffering; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL.
Samuel was two years old when his parents moved to Knox County, near Galesburg, settling on the
C.M. Felt farm where he spent most of the years of his life. At the age of seventeen, young Samuel in
company of others walked and drove an ox team to the state of Oregon, being on the road many weeks
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
and having many thrilling experiences. For six weeks he and his party had nothing to eat but beefsteak
and they had to keep close watch of the Indians. From Oregon he went south into California where he
cast his first Presidential vote in voting for John C. Fremont. To do this, he walked thirty miles in
company with two other men, who are thought to have been Galesburg men. From California he went
by boat south to the Isthmus of South America, across that, and then by boat to Cuba and from there,
back to Galesburg. Soon after his return he made another trip west, this time by boat to Idaho in the
company with his brother Nathan. They attempted to find their father's grave, but did not succeed and
today it is not known where the remains of the father lie. He married, first, November 22, 1859 in
Knox County, Adalaide Rozalie Jones, who died April 17, 1872/3. They lived on his farm, which had
come to him, upon the death of his father. During the later years of his life on the farm he was engaged
in the business of shipping stock. In the 1888 Farmers & Land Owner’s Directory, he is listed as
owning 383 acres in Section 6 of Galesburg. In 1891, he purchased a residence at 534 North West
Street, Galesburg and for the last 15 years of his life, he lived as a retired farmer in town and for a time
he conducted a meat market in the Redfield building on Cherry Street. [Obituary, The Daily
Republican Register, Galesburg IL, November 16, 1900] In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory,
Samuel W. Ferris is listed as retired and residing at 382 N. West. Born to them were (first 2 or 3
children died in infancy names unknown):
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1) DORA I. FERRIS born October 3, 1860 on the family farm near Galesburg and died
March 1, 1923; married March 30, 1886 Charles W. Rogers. She attended Knox College 1876-78,
1880-81 and was living in Los Angeles, CA 1900; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1.1) LORING ROGERS (1887-)
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1.2) HARVEY ROGERS (1889?-)
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1.3) CHARLES A ROGERS born March 15, 1891 CA and died July 15, 1965 San Mateo
Co CA – resided Hillsborough
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1.4) DORA ROGERS (Dora Dale Rogers) born May 31, 1892 CA and died May 11,
1959 Ventura Co CA; married June 21, 1916 Irving Van Aken Augur [son of Edmund F & Ella (Van
Aken) Augur] born October 31, 1886 IA and died February 19, 1930; Goggle search refers to him
involved with the GeoScience World (AAPG Bulletin); and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.1.4.1) IRVING VAN AKEN AUGUR
Samuel married, second, March 28, 1876, Sophia Lucretia Pickerel (Franklin) born September
25, 1855 and died August 8, 1913. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.2) JAMES LEROY FERRIS born June 9, 1878; a moulder in Colton's foundry in
Galesburg; married 1st, September 19, 1914 in Galesburg IL, Mary Jane Hartnett (nee Billings) [dau of
J. T. Hartnett], of Boston MA who died June 30, 1924; married 2d July 8, 1925 Metta Tiedemann (nee
Fetzer)
(5.1.1.5.4.2.5.3) ETHEL LORAINE FERRIS born September 14, 1883 two and a half miles west of
Galesburg, Knox, IL and died October 31, 1904. There was an Ethel Ferris in the Middle Class of the
Galesburg High School in 1899 – don’t know if this is the same one – probably so, because this Ethel
graduated Galesburg High School 1900 – she was employed in the law office of L. H. Jelliff before
leaving because of ill health. Her funeral service was held at the M. E. Church, Galesburg.
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6) HORACE FARR FERRIS
born July 5, 1838 presumably in Knox Co IL (probably the first Ferris born in Knox County IL) and
died October 15, 1882; attended Knox College 1856-58; married January 15, 1868 Margaret C.
Campbell born March 1842 and died May 1, 1932; buried Section J, the Campbell Plot, Angelus
Cemetery, Rosedale, Los Angeles, CA (Jim - H.F. - the writer of several of the old letters; also see
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
separate papers on his Civil War military service.); and born to H.F. and Margaret were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.1) JOHN C. (CAMPBELL?) FERRIS born February 14, 1869 and died March 5, 1869
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.2) HORACE BAYLES FERRIS born December 14, 1871 Missouri and died January
14, 1945 Los Angeles Co CA; married January 1, 1904 Inez Merle Humphrey [mother’s maiden name
was Richmond] born June 6, 1882 Illinois and died November 17, 1961 Los Angeles Co CA; and born
to Horace and Inez were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.2.1) FLORENCE MARGARET FERRIS born December 14, 1906 and died June 18,
1912
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.2.2) HORACE GARFIELD FERRIS born August 3, 1913 CA and died November 6,
1988 Los Angeles Co CA; a Google search turns up a couple of scientific papers that are by a Horace
G. Ferris, from Calif – dates are in the ballpark – not sure this is same guy
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.3) INA MAY FERRIS born May 21, 1876 Corning MO and died May 16, 1911; buried
in Section J, the Campbell Plot, Angelus Cemetery, Rosedale, Los Angeles, CA; married as his 1st
wife, July 8, 1897 Harry E. Thaxter (Harry Clinton Thaxter) [son of George Clinton & M (Davis)
Thaxter] born 1871 Carson City NV (?) and died 1935 – divorced; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.3.1) CLINTON EWART THAXTER born May 17, 1898 Los Angeles CA and died July
1978 Fresno CA; married May 22, 1926/1925 Genevieve McGriffin (McGuffin) [dau of James
Abraham & Helen Faul (Dunn) McGuffin] born April 5/6, 1908 Philippine Islands and died October
1997 Frenso; and they had 4 kids 3 of which were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.3.1.1) BARBARA JEAN THAXTER born January 17, 1928
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.3.1.2) CLINTON EWART THAXTER JR., born October 23, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.2.6.3.1.3) THOMAS HOMER THAXTER, M.D., born April 21, 1935 Fresno CA and died
there January 19, 1996; married Miss Leonardo and they had 3 kids
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7) SALLIE ANN FERRIS born October 4, 1841 on a farm, near Galesburg IL and died
March 27, 1895 at her home, 249 North Academy, Galesburg; attended Knox College 1855-60;
married August 10, 1865 in Knox Co, Lester T. Stone (1837-1911). (Jim - several of the old Civil War
letters are from L.T. Stone.) L.T. was on the Galesburg Board of Education in 1899. Mrs. Stone was
well known throughout the city, and numbered her friends by the score. She was of a genial and happy
disposition; ever ready to do something that would be of benefit to others [The Galesburg Daily Mail,
March 28, 1895.]; both buried in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. Lester is listed in the 1892-93 Galesburg
City Directory as (Stone & Buckley) residing at 247 N. Academy; and born to Sallie and Lester were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.1) CLARA L. STONE born March 24, 1867 and died April 1, 1883; buried Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.2) FRANCES ABBIE STONE born October 1, 1868 and died March 23, 1929; buried
Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; 1895 resided Harvey IL
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3) MARTHA JANE STONE (Photo) born October 17, 1871 Galesburg and died 1957
presumably Riverside CA where she resided; attended Knox College 1889-90, 91-94, graduating with
the Class of 1894, B.S.; 1895 a teacher in the Galesburg Public Schools; married October 11, 1899
Theodore Day Hurd of Riverside CA who died 1933; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1) HARRIET ELIZABETH HURD (Photo) born October 11, 1901 Riverside CA and
died December 8, 1958 Los Angeles Co CA; graduated from Knox College 1922, B.S., Phi Beta
Kappa, Secretary. As per the 1923 Gale: YWCA 1,2,3,4; Council 1,3; General Honors 1,2; Spanish
Honors 3; WSGA Board 4; Student Council 3,4; El Circulo Espanol 2; Le Cercle Francais President 4;
Knox Players Club 1,2,3,4; Class President 2. She married February 12, 1924 William Cary Evans and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1) EVELYN MARTHA EVANS (Photographs) born October 20, 1925 Riverside
CA; attended Knox College 1943-46, 1949-50, graduating with the Class of 1950, B.A; married March
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
22, 1947 Richard G. Stebbins born November 4, 1925 St. Charles IL. Richard attended Knox College
1947-50 graduating with the Class of 1950, B.A. In 1963, Richard was an assistant Vice-President of
the First National Bank, Fresno CA; reside LaQuinta CA; Evelyn has provided updated info and photos
– thanks!!!; and born to Evelyn and Richard were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.1) PHILIP CARY STEBBINS born September 6, 1952; married June 18, 1977
Betsey Anita Cox and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.1.1) GEOFFREY CHARLES STEBBINS born October 23, 1980
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.1.2) KATHERINE MARY LOUISE STEBBINS born March 14, 1982
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.1.3) AMY CAROLYN STEBBINS born January 17, 1985
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.1.4) REBECCA COX STEBBINS born August 7, 1989
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.2) TIMOTHY DAY STEBBINS born June 18, 1955; married September 20, 1988
Leslie Ann Powers and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.2.1) THOMAS RICHARD STEBBINS born September 20, 1991
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.1.2.2) EMMA KATHLEEN STEBBINS born April 1, 1994
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.2) SUZANNE EVANS born May 12, 1929; married April 4, 1953 Marlo E. Jarman
and they adopted (for info only):
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.2.1) WILLIAM EVANS JARMAN born October 4, 1961
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.1.2.2) NANCY LOUISE JARMAN born November 23, 1963
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.2) CHARLES LESTER HURD born June 14, 1902 and died November 1975; married
November 13, 1926 Avis Morgan
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.3.3) THEODORE EDWARD HURD born June 6, 1914/5 and died c1974
(5.1.1.5.4.2.7.4) HARRIET ELIZABETH STONE born September 9, 1873 Galesburg and died
November 15, 1906; Graduate of Knox College, M.L., 1897; married June 29, 1894 Edward R. Drake
(Photo) of Galesburg. Edward was the son of Lyman E. & Lucy Anne (Hyde) Drake. Lucy Anne was a
sister of Martha Edgerton (Hyde) Ferris, wife of George Washington Gale Ferris, Sr. Mr. Drake was a
member of the firm Kellogg, Drake, and Co., dealers in dry goods, cloaks, and carpets. Their large
establishment extended from No. 227 to 235 East Main Street. Edward established the Harriet Stone
Drake scholarship in 1909, in her memory. He was one of the native sons of Galesburg, having been
born there on November 10, 1856 and died September 4, 1934. From The Galesburg Evening Mail,
February 14, 1927: E.R. Drake - Among the highly respected Galesburg business veterans is E.R.
Drake, head of the Kellogg, Drake & Co., department stores. Drake's business experience extends back
to more than 55 years ago when he was a clerk with Len Miller, in a shoe and boot store. He later was
with the O.T. Johnson Company and C.C. Merrill only to end up in organizing the Kellogg, Drake
concern of which is now president. For 39 years, Mr. Drake was efficient member of the board of
Public Library. He was among the early members of the Galesburg club, and occupied both the position
of president at the time when the campaign for raising funds for the new building was in progress. He
always took a keen interest in the Y.M.C.A. and has served it in the capacity of president and director.
In church work, Mr. Drake has been a leading factor, and due to his genial personality, is regarded as
everyone's friend"; held membership in the Baptist Church. During WWI, Edward was Captain, 5th
Liberty Loan; 3d Liberty Loan; United War Work campaign; 1st and 2d YMCA Funds; Red Cross
worker; 1st and 2d Red Cross membership campaigns; County Chairman 1st Red Cross War Fund; a
Four-Minute Man; member War Service League and Council National Defense. Both buried at Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg IL - no offspring
(5.1.1.5.4.2.8) JAMES HARVEY FERRIS born January 28, 1844 presumably in Knox County IL;
attended Knox College 1861-62; married 1st October 26, 1870 in Knox Co IL, Mary Emma Ballon
(1852-1874); buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, and 2d Louise Fitch. Information on this gentleman
and descendants, if any, are scarce. It is purported that he went, with his second wife, to Alaska during
27
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
one of the 'gold rush' expeditions and probably died there
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9) MATTIE (MARTHA) ETT FERRIS born May 3, 1848 (?46) Knox Co and died
December 19, 1922; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. Martha did go to California and lived there for
a time, but returned to Illinois and on February 15, 1871 in Knox Co, she married a farmer, George
Runkle*, who born February 2, 1844 and born to them were (unnamed infant also):
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.1) WILLIAM JONES RUNKLE born 28 April 1874 and died 1944; graduated from
Knox College 1896, B.S., and apparently was a rural mail carrier; married June 21, 1899 Laura Heckler
of Galesburg, who attended Knox College 1894-95. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.1.1) EVERETT H. RUNKLE born April 5, 1900; married April 5, 1931 Esther V.
Pierson born May 17, 1905
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.1.2) WILLIAM CORNELIUS RUNKLE born April 1, 1903 Chicago; attended Knox
College 1923-24; received his B.S. from the U. of Illinois; a cotton buyer and financier with J.G.
Boswell Company and resided 1963 Phoenix AZ; married August 2, 1928 Ethel Lucile McCollum born
Saybrook IL (?). Ethel attended Knox College 1919-22 and received her B.A. from Occidental College
1923. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.1.2.1) BARBARA JEAN RUNKLE born June 10, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.1.2.2) VIRGINIA LEE RUNKLE born April 24, 1933
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.2) CONCURRENCE {Currance} ANN RUNKLE born 7 April 1879; married September
5, 1905 Iver Herschel Phipps [Jim - in the Knox County Records, Currance is listed as the 3d born of
George and Martha - apparently, I am missing the first born child.]
(5.1.1.5.4.2.9.3) EMILY LOUISE RUNKLE born September/October 23, 1881; married April 24, 1915
Walter Bruce McLaughlin (5.1.5.4.6.2.6) [Jim - in the Knox County Records, Emily is listed as the 4th
born of George and Martha - apparently, I am missing the first born child.]
*George Runkle's farm consisted of 100 acres of well-improved land, on which sat a desirable dwelling
house, 24 x 20 feet. He was interested in breeding Holstein and Short-Horn cattle, and had a few sheep
on his farm. During the Civil War, he enlisted in the 100-day service, joining Company D., 139th
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered into service in May and served until October of the
same year; stationed at Cairo. He was a good Republican and warmly espoused the cause of the
government in the Civil War. He was a highly respected member of his community, an industrious
worker and a prominent member of the A.O.U.W. at Galesburg, filling the position of Guide in his
Lodge
(5.1.1.5.4.3) SALLY MARIA FERRIS born 1803 Norway NY and died in infancy; listed in some
references and not in others
(5.1.1.5.4.4) TIMOTHY HARVEY FERRIS born October (20/21?) 30, 1805 Norway, Herkimer, NY
on his father's farm and died June 20, 1891 Norway; here he grew to manhood; married February 18,
1830 Eliza Ann Salisbury (daughter of Nathaniel and Ann Salisbury of Wooster County CT) born
Norway NY June 9 (19), 1809 and died October 14, 1909 (she was living in Friendship, Allegany, NY
1892). Timothy was the only one of the children of Silvanus who, when the latter joined with the Rev.
George W. Gale in organizing a group of pioneers to migrate to Illinois for the purpose of founding a
college there, did not become enamored of the enterprise or tempted by the lure of western prairie land,
and elected to remain behind in Herkimer County, where he passed the rest of his life, and died June
20, 1891. Perhaps it is providential that T.H. did not move to Illinois, for in the R.R. and business
affairs of his Illinois brothers, there came a Black Friday and they were in danger of bankruptcy. He
raised a large amount of money by mortgaging his property and tided them over the difficulty. But
there is no evidence that his failure to join his father in the latter's western venture was marked by other
than friendly differences of opinion, for the two maintained a correspondence, as did Timothy with
some of his brothers, and he handled the settling of his father's affairs, collecting and remitting sums
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
due him in business transactions for some years after Silvanus's migration. In 1837, he moved to his
father's farm in Russia and afterwards sold his Norway farm. He made one visit to his relatives in
Illinois with his wife, apparently in 1845, being present at the time of death of his mother, Silvanus's
first wife, September 6, 1845. Timothy served a term as Town Supervisor, of the town of Russia in
1849, [although he is referred to as Timothy A. Ferris] and was for a long period prominent in the state
militia, receiving first an appointment as adjutant of the 12th Regiment of Rifles, 4th Brigade, 1st
Division of Riflemen, and being then promoted to the office of Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel
of the same regiment. He was commonly known for the remainder of his life as Colonel Ferris. In a
sketch of him, which appeared in the History of Oneida County, it is stated "Colonel Ferris received his
education in the district schools of his neighborhood and worked on his father's farm till twenty-one
years of age. After marriage he settled on a farm in Norway, sold to him by his father at about its
original cost. His father dealt by each of his sons in the same manner, making it a rule to settle them on
a farm when they were married; not before. He remained seven years in Norway, where he was elected
as a highway commissioner in 1833; then purchased a farm in Russia Township, where he remained
from 1837 to 1878". In 1877/78 he moved to Prospect, Oneida County NY. A letter written to his
brother Henry at Galesburg, Ill., from Prospect NY, under date of December 30, 1879, relative chiefly
to some business matters pending between them, he closed with the personal comment: The 18th of the
coming Feb. makes a half century of married life with us the children are anxious some of them that we
should celebrate. But I think we shall not do much unless you & Elizabeth will come and help it off (or
on). Suppose you try it. I should like to see your faces once more and if I do it will have to be done
soon for old age is creeping on at rapid rate being in 75th year. Two years ago I made a list of names
of persons that were at our wedding and marked opposite each name Living or Dead as case might be
at that time and believe that none have died since and out of the 36 which was the whole number
present 23 were marked dead and 13 living. Such is life. Where has it gone? Our winter is mild so
far. A Happy New Year to all.
T.H.Ferris
Timothy's seven children were probably all born on the old home farm in Herkimer County, and all of
them remained and brought up families in New York State. None of this branch of the family appear to
have possessed the nomadic traits of the other descendants of Silvanus, many of whom, after tarrying a
generation or so in Illinois, removed still further west, chiefly to California. Born to Timothy and Eliza
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1) SALLY (SARAH) MARIA FERRIS born November 29, 1830 Norway NY and died
March 1, 1919; married February 14, 1850 William Avery Morgan born May 16, 1824 and died
January 22, 1910. William kept a general store and was postmaster for many years at Trenton Falls,
Oneida Co NY. Born to Sally and William were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1) WILLIAM CHARLES MORGAN born December 4, 1850 and died January 13, 1910;
married October 3, 1877 Laura A. Andrews who died December 18, 1911; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.1) GRACE SOPHIA MORGAN born August 12, 1886; married November 24, 1914
Cornelius S. Daily; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.1.1) KATHERINE AGNES DAILY born September 28, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.1.2) RICHARD MORGAN DAILY born July 4, 1918
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.1.3) BRUCE ANDREW DAILY born October 22, 1924
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.1.4) NANCY ELLEN DAILY born June 26, 1926
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.1.2) AGNES MARIA MORGAN born December 3, 1887; married September 3, 1919 P
Newell Hamlin who died September 25, 1925
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.2) ISRAEL FITCH MORGAN born October 30, 1852 and died October 6, 1874
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.3) AUSTIN AVERY MORGAN born November 1, 1854 and died May 23, 1878
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.4) HARVEY FERRIS MORGAN born November 30, 1856 and died May 18, 1935
Lyndon, Cattaraugus, NY; buried Franklinville Cemetery; married 1st September 19, 1883 Helen R.
Burt who died December 21, 1896. Born to Harvey and Helen was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.4.1) HELEN MORGAN born December 23, 1892 and married a Mr. Wood
Harvey married 2d October 4, 1899 Abigail Hogue and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.4.2) WILLIAM GEORGE MORGAN born July 12, 1902; married August 17, 1929 Mary
Kate Ledbetter; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.4.2.1) GEORGE GALE MORGAN born September 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.4.2.2) MARY ELLEN MORGAN born September 3, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.5) ELIZABETH BREWSTER MORGAN born November 17, 1858
(5.1.1.5.4.4.1.6) BELA BREWSTER MORGAN born November 18, 1861
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2) JAMES HARVEY FERRIS born May 17, 1833 Norway NY and died January 12,
1885 Franklinville (Farmersville?) NY; educated in the public schools of Fairfield NY where he lived
until 1869 when he went to Cattaraugus Co NY, settling in the town of Farmersville; a farmer and a
man well esteemed; a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Republican; married November 9, 1856
Frances Matilda Terry born August 20, 1835 and died January 5, 1885; both buried Mt Prospect
Cemetery, Franklinville NY; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.1) WILLIAM HENRY FERRIS (Photo) born May 11, 1858 Coldbrook, Herkimer,
NY; moved with his parents to Franklinville NY 1869 and they bought the farm of 450 acres that was
known as the Ferris farm, one mile north of Franklinville; worked on the farm until 1877 when at the
age of 19y began clerking for Ely & Smith, then proprietors of the corner drug store. William bought
our Mr. Smith’s interest in the Franklinville Drug Store known as Ely & Smith, a 2-story brick building
on the southwest corner of the intersection of South Main and Elm Streets; for years this firm was
known as Ely & Ferris. Their contribution to the improvement of the business was the installation of a
marble soda fountain with ebony and silver trimmings. In 1896, Mr. Ely sold his interest to William’s
brother, George and then the firm was known as Ferris & Ferris. By 1910, the business had become
Ferris & Reimann, with Edward Reimann, owning a third interest. This ownership continued until
1913, when Reimann sold his interest to George. In the field of invention, William had three patents to
his credit: the “A.B.C.” and the “Ferris” shot gun cleaners, and a celluloid compass rule for school and
draughtsmen’s use – they are clever contrivances and have been a worth-while success. He was a livewire in the hunting and fishing fields, and was never quite so happy as when indulging in these favorite
sports. He knew every haunt of the wary trout and grouse, as he camped the Adirondacks, the Rockies,
the Canadian wilds, Keuka lake, Colorado and Florida; member of the First Presbyterian Church,
which he served as trustee and President of the Judge Spring Bible Class; had an interest in the
Franklinville Canning Co, the Empire Maufacturing Co and was in the Franklinville Improvement Co
while it was in existence; owns several residences about town including his fine home on Chestnut
Street. He married November 22, 1883 Cora M Robley (1861-) of Sardina NY - both killed in an
automobile accident June 17, 1926/27; both buried Mt Prospect Cemetery, Franklinville NY
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.2) FRANCES MAY FERRIS born May 9, 1864 and died December 24, 1896; married
October 17, 1889 Edward McNall (McWall?) and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.2.1) JAMES HAROLD MCNALL born June 12, 1890 and died March 18, 1893
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.2.2) FRANCES TERRY MCNALL born July 17, 1892
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.2.3) MARJORIE MCNALL born December 18, 1895
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.3) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE FERRIS (Photo) born September 29, 1871 on
the Ferris farm, Farmersville, Cattaraugus, NY and died there 1956; educated in the public school and
Ten Broeck Academy; he went to NYC 1889 and took a 3y course in the College of Pharmacy of New
York, receiving his degree in 1892. The succeeding 4y he practiced his profession with Hegeman & Co
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
of New York, the returned to Franklinville, where in association with his brother, William H., he
purchased the drug store and carried on business under the firm name of Ferris & Ferris (see above). In
1904 he purchased the mill property of G.C. Ames and organized the Empire Manufacturing Company,
of which he was secretary and treasurer. He also organized the Franklinville Electric Light Company;
Secretary-Treasurer, general manager of the Empire Electric Co; elected secretary of the Franklinville
Canning Co, 1914; was vice-president and director of the Union National Bank and a trustee of the
Duer Canning Company. He was a trustee of the village corporation of Franklinville and in 1907, was
chosen treasurer of Cattaraugus County; reelected for a second term in 1910 for three more years. He
was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church; a member of Lodge No. 636, Free and Accepted
Masons; a Republican. He is both a hunter and a fisherman and captured some big game, including elk,
deer, and antelope in the far west and mounted several fine specimens; for several years he held the
championship for brook trout. George married May 27, 1896 Helen E. Robley (1872-1973) a sister to
William H.'s wife; both buried Mt Prospect Cemetery, Franklinville NY
(5.1.1.5.4.4.2.4) HERMAN ROBBINS FERRIS born May 9/10, 1878 and died October 18/25, 1907;
he lived in Colorado ten years prior to his death; buried Mt Prospect Cemetery, Franklinville NY –
listed as Herman Robens Ferris
(5.1.1.5.4.4.3) HARRIET NEWELL FERRIS “Hattie” born November 10, 1835 Norway NY and
died November 12, 1900; married 1st September 20, 1869 Alexander Gray [a farmer in Rome, Oneida,
NY] who died March 7, 1889; married 2d May 28, 1891 Clinton Abner Moon [son of Abner & Emily
(Millington) Moon] born November 8, 1827 Russia NY and died May 11, 1892; and married 3d as his
3d wife, May 11, 1892 Hiram Ralston born August 27, 1830 NY and died September 21, 1918
Martinsburg NY. It is believed that Hattie, Hiram and his other 2 wives are buried in the Martinsburg
Cemetery, Lewis Co
(5.1.1.5.4.4.4) FRANCES MATILDA FERRIS born June 24, 1838 Norway NY and died August 18,
1930; married, February 20, 1860/65 (1880?) Lyman Howard Buck [son of William & Susan
(Millington)] born January 2, 1837 Russia, Herkimer, NY and died March 31, 1934; both buried
Poland Cemetery, Russia, Herkimer, NY. Lyman was educated in Fairfield Seminary; and in
connection with farming taught school several terms; afterwards followed farming, exclusively on the
old homestead. In the 1869-70 Herkimer County Business Directory he is listed as a dairyman and
farmer leasing land from his father near Cold Brook. He also was a part owner for a number of years,
the Poland cheese factory, which manufactured large quantities of cheese. He owned land in Herkimer
County and also quite extensively in several of the western states. He was one of the stockholders and
president of the Union Store in Poland. He was a Republican and paid a substitute in the Civil War. He
always supported the Baptist Church. Born to Frances and Lyman was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.4.1) HARRIET GUDRIDA BUCK born April 21, 1881; married 1st September 12, 1907
Eric Greenfield and 2d Walter Cook; and born to Harriet and Eric was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.4.1.1) LYMAN GREENFIELD born August 19, 1911; legally changed his name to Lyman
Howard Buck Olmsted (Christian(?))
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5) CHARLES SILVANUS FERRIS born November 28, 1840 Russia, Herkimer, NY and
died March 2, 1895; a farmer; married September 5, 1864 Gertrude Terry [dau of Harry] born April 27,
1846 and died January 29, 1935; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.1) LOUISE TERRY FERRIS born March 12, 1868 Russia NY; married August 29,
1893 Nicholas Edward White born August 1, 1868; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.1.1) WILLIAM CHARLES WHITE born December 19, 1894; married May 27, 1919 M
Beatrice Pritchard and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.1.1.1) EDWARD PRITCHARD WHITE born April 19, 1920
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.1.1.2) DONALD FERRIS WHITE born April 5, 1926
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.1.2) HARVEY FERRIS WHITE born February 9, 1896(98?); married December 20,
1920 Marion Harkness
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2) TIMOTHY HARVEY FERRIS born September 4, 1871 Russia, Herkimer, NY;
educated at the district school in Russia and at Prospect village school, but at the age of 14 he was
compelled to give up his studies on account of ill health, and worked on his father’s farm for a time.
During the winter of 1888-89 he took a course in banking and bookkeeping at the Utica Business
College; taught the district school at Russia for 2 terms in 1889; January 1890 commenced the study of
law in the office of Charles G. Irish, where he remained for a year and half, during a portion of which
time he acted as assistant secretary of the Merchants’ & Manufacturers’ Exchange; afterward pursued
his legal studies with Dunmore & Sholes, and was admitted as an attorney and counselor in February
1893. The following March, he was taken in as partner, and the firm became Dunmore, Sholes &
Ferris; September 1, 1895 he organized the N.E. White Company, Utica NY wholesaler grocers, feed,
grain, and produce dealers, with a capital stock of $25,000, and was made its president. After his
father’s death, he managed the farm at Russia. Timothy married March 11, 1897 Elizabeth Beebe born
March 12, 1876. Timothy took a keen interest in politics and was a member of the Democratic County
Committee of 1894; was a member of the New York State Senate, 1911-12; delegate to Democratic
National Convention from NY, 1916. In the 1939 Farm Directory of Herkimer, a T. Harvey Ferris is
listed as having a farm at Barneveld. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.1) CHARLES SYLVANUS FERRIS born January 24, 1898 and died June 24, 1898
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.2) LEONARD WHITE FERRIS born April 30, 1899; married March 13, 1929
Christina Brennan Holworth; Christina's second marriage and she brought with her a child Marion,
which Leonard adopted. Marion born July 14, 1919
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.3) GEORGE FRANCIS FERRIS born October 4, 1902/3; married September 1, 1925
Grace Coll; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.3.1) PATRICIA ANN FERRIS born April 4, 1927
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.3.2) ELIZABETH FERRIS born November 15, 1929
(5.1.1.5.4.4.5.2.3.3) TIMOTHY HARVEY FERRIS born January 24, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6) STELLA ELIZA FERRIS born August 3, 1843 Norway NY; married September 9,
1862 Herman Harvey Rice [son of Josiah & Sophronia (Tuttle) Rice] born June 28, 1837 Salisbury,
Herkimer, NY and died May 29, 1894; a merchant in Friendship, Alleghany, NY; and Supervisor of
Rice 1882-83; Secretary of the Allegany Co Farmers’ Co-operative Insurance Co; on the organizing
committee of the Allegany Co Historical Society and elected Treasurer; on the organizing committee
for the Fire Department; one of the first directors and first vice president of the Citizens’ National Bank
of Friendship; 1880 merchant listing shows Morse, Cross & Rice as having a hardware store on Main
Street. In the fertile county of his birth, Herman attained his majority as a wide-awake, progressive
farmer, making agriculture not only his occupation but a scientific pursuit. He loved the fields, the outof-door life, the comfort of the large herds of cattle under his care, and when he and his young wife
made their home in Cuba in 1867, it was to apply his cultivated intelligence in the demonstration of
what an agriculturist might and could accomplish on Allegany soil. He purchased the John Cole farm,
in a few years made his home in Friendship, and, as his increasing needs demanded, added farm after
farm to his possessions, until his accession of broad acres made him the largest landowner of the town.
These farms were conducted by him with unvarying annual success, and he so educated his tenants that
many of them became successful farmers on their own lands. He was one of the few agriculturists who
possessed the secret of successful tenant farming. He was not merely a farmer but also a keen business
man. His farms were conducted on business principles, and in all departments of industry he left the
impress of a mind of more than usual perception and sagacity. During the first few years of his
residence here he made weekly trips throughout this section to purchase cheese, and became
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
thoroughly conversant with the county, its resources and its people. Perhaps no other resident of the
county had so wide an acquaintance. When Cuba became an established weekly cheese market, Mr.
Rice was regularly in attendance as the selling agent of several factories. From his wide acquaintance
with the various sections of Allegany Co, no one was better acquainted with its resources and their
possibilities of development, and he frequently stated that its natural conditions of soil, water, and
climate fitted it to become the equal of the rich dairying section of Herkimer County. The truth of this
he demonstrated in his own success. He was a leader in other business fields. Among the first to profit
by the discovery of oil in the Allegany oil field, his sagacious power of forecasting events led him to
sell his holdings when prices were at their highest. He had a natural and intuitive grasp of the principles
underlying financial success and would have acquired an assured position in the front ranks of
operators on Wall street had circumstances located him in their midst. He was an active, busy man, was
twice Supervisor of Friendship, served on the village board of education from its organization, was one
of the organizers and president of the Farmers’ Co-operative Insurance Company for many years, and
was director and vice president of the Citizens’ National Bank of Friendship from its organization. He
was among the founders and one of the first vice presidents of the Allegany County Historical Society,
was greatly interested in preserving all things appertaining to the pioneer period, and had a large store
of historical reminiscences of early Mohawk Valley. He was an extensive reader of good literature and
a discerning critic of merit in authors. He possessed fine personality, courteous and winning manners
and a host of friends. He was conservative, careful and of sound judgment, had a fine legal and judicial
mind, weighing values and possibilities with an accurate mentality, and, as a result, was rarely the
victim of a poor investment. When he died, the town and county lost one of its ablest citizens. Born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.1) JOSEPH FERRIS RICE born March 17, 1865 Manheim, Herkimer, NY and died
November 28, 1933; educated at Friendship and at Riverview Academy, Poughkeepsie, where he took
a year’s course in engineering; read law with Judge Norton; admitted to the bar November 4, 1889 and
practiced in Friendship; member of Allegany Lodge, F. & A. M.; married June 27, 1889 Laura Belle
Bradley [dau of Alfred Brownson & Mary Elizabeth (Kellogg) Bradley] born October 1866 NY; and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.1.1) HERMAN RICE born April 15, 1894 and died November 14, 1903
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.1.2) CATHERINE FERRIS RICE (Catherine Schyler Rice) born September 29, 1904;
married September 11, 1934 Thomas Herbert Johnson [son of Herbert & Myra (Burbeck) Johnson]
born April 27, 1902 and died January 3, 1985; he studied English at both Williams College (A.B.
1926) and Harvard U (A.M. 1929, Ph.D. 1934) before beginning his career as an educator; his first
teaching position was at Rutgers U (1928-29); returned to his undergraduate alma mater the following
year (1929-30); then taught at Hackley School (Tarrytown NY) (1931-37) before moving to
Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville NY) where he would teach until 1972 as well as serve as English
department chair (1944-67); served as a guest lecturer at many institutions including Chautauqua,
Columbia U, Harvard U, U of Copenhagen, U of Pennsylvania, and NYU; a renowned scholar of
Emily Dickinson; wrote and edited numerous books – see ‘Net; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.1.2.1) LAURA BRADLEY JOHNSON
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.1.2.2) THOMAS JOHNSON
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.2) CHARLES JOSIAH RICE born June 7, 1870; director of The Citizens’ National Bank
of Friendship; married October 16, 1895 Minnie Cramer and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.2.1) STELLA RICE born May 23, 1899; married June 23, 1923 Milton Curry Drake and
born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.6.2.1.1) DOROTHY ANN DRAKE born December 1, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.4.7) FRANKLIN (FRANKLYN) STANTON FERRIS born August 26, 1846 (August 22,
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
1847) Norway NY and died February 12, 1907 (August 12, 1907); attended Fairfield Seminary for a
time then farmed several years, and about 1892, retired and moved to Prospect NY, where he died;
resided on the homestead in Norway; married December 2, 1874 Ida Rosalia Brayton [dau of Almon
Adoran & Caroline (Schermerhorn)] born April 5, 1855 and died 1926. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.4.7.1) STELLA IRENE FERRIS born January 20, 1877; married October 12, 1914 Charles
Thomas born May 3, 1869
(5.1.1.5.4.4.7.2) HARRIET HAZEL FERRIS born April 20, 1891 and died August 24, 1895
(5.1.1.5.4.5) WILLIAM MEAD FERRIS born November 26, 1807 Norway, Herkimer, NY on his
father's farm and died October 18, 1883; buried with his wife at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; married
March 30, 1830 Mary J. Crandall born August 3, 1810 Norway NY and died July 5, 1905 Galesburg IL
(tombstone at Hope Cemetery says July 7, 1905) [dau of John and Mary (Browning), who were among
the first settlers of Herkimer Co to which they migrated from Rhode Island probably in the 1790s.) He
occupied the homestead farm after his father left town. He sold his farm to Charles Hemingway.
William, like all his brothers except Timothy, became interested in his father's project for removing to
Illinois and was Silvanus's only son to actually accompany his father when the latter set out in June
1837, with his wife and household goods. William, being accompanied by his wife and their two small
children, his sister Harriet Newell and husband, Dr. James Bunce and their infant son James. They
arrived at Log City, now Galesburg, probably about the middle of July, covering the distance
apparently in about five or six weeks. William took with him, or probably had shipped via the lake
route, a saw mill purchased at Utica for $500.00 which was doubtless at once set up at Log City and
kept busy in cutting lumber for more livable, though simple enough, dwellings, which as soon as
possible supplanted the first log cabins, and for the first houses erected in the town of Galesburg.
[There were 3 mills in this area and doubtless all three were needed to meet the demands; another
source says there were six mills within six miles of each other.] When his and Olmstead's steam saw
mill was erected, in 1838, the event was evidently made the occasion of a jubilation, at which,
notwithstanding the reputed aversion of the settlers to strong drink, the use of liquor was in evidence to
such a degree that it was a source of scandal and of subsequent investigation by the elders of the
church; indeed, one brother, Parish Richardson by name, appears to have got drunk and otherwise
behaved very badly. The church records of the time contained the following entries: Dec.1, 1838:
Resolved that the moderator be directed to cite Brother Richardson to meet the session on the 29th
instant to answer the following charges: 1. Making use of intoxicating liquor generally, and once in
particular at Mr. Ferris’ mill. Witness, Wm. Ferris. 2. Endeavoring to quarrel & threatening & making
use of abusive language to different individuals. Witnesses, Mr. Hoskins, Geo. Ferris, & Wm. Ferris.
Jan'y12, 1839: "Wm. M. Ferris sworn, who testified to the following facts: 1st, that he had seen
Richardson quite disguised with liquor at the raising of Ferris' mill, though he, the said Ferris, did not
furnish any liquor, yet through the help of someone Richardson had procured some & was quite
disguised therewith & used profane language & threatened to knock him, the said Ferris, down. 2d,
had seen him since raising under the influence of liquor on the evening after Alfred Brown's raising.
Also he had not seen said Parish Richardson at meeting for a year past.
But William was himself brought before the church two years later to answer a charge of
different character. On Jan. 3, 1838, the church authorities had Resolved that this session consider the
practice of taking timber from lands belonging to Congress, non-residents, or others, highly
dishonorable to religion, and they feel it to be their solemn duty to pursue the course of discipline
pointed out in the gospel against offenses of this kind". And that William Ferris was a transgressor in
this respect appears from the following minutes: "Feb.6, 1941: Brother Wm. M. Ferris with whom a
committee had been appointed appeared before the church and Session and made a statement of his
case which was not satisfactory. Brothers Marsh and Martin were appointed a committee to enquire
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
more particularly into the case and to labor with him and to report the case to the Session if they should
find cause of charging against him. March 5, 1841: Brethren Marsh and Martin, a committee to
converse with Brother Wm. Ferris reported that they had done so, and that he Denied the charge in part,
but admitted he had Purchased saw logs knowing they were stolen but as it was after they were in the
mill yard thinks he is not encouraging the trade yet if it grieves the Brethren will Do so no more.
William apparently lived on at the Log City settlement for a while as shown by correspondence,
from his father, addressed to him at Henderson Grove (Log City) dated in 1845.
William's home property in Galesburg consisted of what was called a '10-acre lot', extending on
Academy from West Main Street, northerly to North Street. This may have been included in a tract of
four so-called 10-acre lots containing in all 37 acres more or less, which he had bought of the college in
1845 for $894. (See separate paper on the deed, which is interesting as reflecting the uncompromising
hostility of the early settlers to the use of intoxicating liquors.)
William was a man of varied occupations and a character, which made him a well-known figure
to everybody in town, so that he acquired the familiar sobriquet of Uncle Billy. He not only made wine
for sale, and cheese, but it is a matter of tradition that he was the first 'milk man' in Galesburg, i.e., the
first - - after the town began to outgrow the period when each family kept its own cow, - - to organize a
milk route and to deliver at the customer's door milk, cream, and cheese. Also he harvested ice from a
pond north of the town and was the first to deliver that commodity to the more affluent in the
community who had graduated from the old time practice of keeping provisions in tin buckets
suspended by a rope in the cool covered wells and cisterns. And he somewhere got hold of a recipe for
making a marvelous gastronomic novelty that had a wonderful delicious appeal in the cultivation of an
appetite for cooling sweets in the hot summer months, the popularity of which, once established, has
never waned with the American public; and thereupon the store windows of all the restaurants and
eating places in town were adorned with glass painted signs, - blue letters on a yellow background, admonishing everybody to EAT UNCLE BILLY’S ICE CREAM. In these various manners he made
apparently his chief living. It is purported he did not ever personally farm the section of land given to
him by his father, nor obtained any substantial return from it, though he speculated quite actively in
Military Tract land warrants, but, like, most speculators, whether in land or grain or stocks on the
exchanges, he had in the end nothing to show for these activities, and when he died, his material
possessions, measured in terms of money value, were negligible. (Jim - this conflicts with the
information contained from another source and discussed in a separate paper on William and the
Military Tract Land.)
William was an ardent anti-slavery man, who, had many times secreted fugitive slaves in the
hay mows of the old barn on his home place (reputed to have been the largest barn in the county), and
Galesburg being a well-known 'station' on the Underground Railway between the south and Canada;
and at night he would place the Negro runaways under straw in a box-wagon and send them along to
the next station at Princeton, northeasterly from Galesburg, whence they would be forwarded by other
sympathetic conspirators until finally they got out of the country. But ten years after the close of the
Civil War he was to welcome into his family a rosy-cheeked girl of 19, Sally Estill, from the blue-grass
state, whose father had been the owner of a large plantation and many slaves before the war, as the
bride of his son and namesake, William Jr.: but the sectional feelings and prejudices which were then
still rife throughout the North and South were quickly dissipated in the case of this particular Kentucky
belle, who speedily found a warm place in the hearts of all the Ferrises, and, for that matter, all the
other Galesburg abolitionists. She was cherished by all for her innate charm and genuine goodness of
character, and referred to as Aunt Goodie.
Although William, was at one with all the other pioneers who settled in Galesburg in their
antipathy to slavery which was, indeed a part of their religious creed, and was a nominal supporter of
35
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
the old union first church, he was not, an especially pious man, and was a rather indifferent attendant at
church service. As to this, indeed, there is indisputable evidence in a letter (see separate paper) written
to him by the Rev. Jonathan Blanchard, pastor of the church, under the date of March 14, 1848, at three
o'clock in the morning, when the worthy preacher was, it would appear, pacing the floor in his nightshirt, and between sentences endeavoring at the same time to pacify a restless infant as well as the soul
of the good consort of William Mead Ferris by pouring out upon the latter vitriol’s of honest wrath for
not communing with this wife of his bosom oftener in holy worship.
William lived on in the old home on North Academy Street until the autumn of 1883, when on,
October 19, he passed away, and was buried in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. He was nearly 76, but his
wife, born August 3, 1810, survived him nearly twenty-two years, and died at the age of nearly 95, on
July 7, 1905. In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory Mrs. Mary C. Ferris (widow of W.M.) resided
at 208 N. Academy. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.1) LAURA MARIA FERRIS born December 27, 1831 Norway NY and died June 22,
1855 probably from childbirth complications; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; attended Knox
College 1846-51; married December 27, 1853 in Knox Co IL, Nathan Caswell (1833-); and born to
them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.1.1) IDA LILLIAN CASWELL born April 7, 1855 and died July 28, 1855; buried Hope
Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.5.2) JOHN CRANDALL FERRIS born January 24, 1834 Norway NY and died March 3,
1873 Memphis TN; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; attended Knox College 1847-49(46-53)
(5.1.1.5.4.5.3) MARY ELLEN FERRIS born July 8, 1839 Log City [Henderson Grove] near
Galesburg and died February 29, 1908 at her home, 246 North Academy Street; buried Hope Cemetery,
Galesburg IL. The first years of her childhood was passed at home, at Henderson Grove, under the
surveillance of her parents. There was scarcely a book at her command, and the day of daily
newspapers had not dawned in Galesburg. In 1847, the family moved to Galesburg. She first attended
a private school and afterwards entered the public schools; with this preparatory training she became a
student in Knox Academy. She attended Knox College, 1854-57, graduating with distinction, with the
Class of 1857. The first year after leaving college was spent in the study of music and French. In the
spring of 1858 she taught the children of the neighborhood, and in April 1859, she went from home to
teach in the schools of Henderson County. Mary was on the Knox Faculty, 1860-64. She was a teacher
in Canton, Kewanee, Freeport, Galesburg, Monmouth, and Chicago and then became Principal of
Galesburg High School, 1876-1895, when the schools and the school system having grown to such
proportions that the responsibilities were too great to be longer carried by a woman, she resigned, and
accepted the less onerous position of assistant principal, from which she retired in 1901. She was an
author and contributor to the Journal of Education, 1905-06. Mary married, September 21, 1865,
Robert Hood Gettemy (1825-1891) and they lived in Monmouth IL, until their removal to Chicago in
May 1867, where Robert was engaged in the lumber business. In 1869 fire destroyed the accumulation
of years, blackening his prospects for the future. His health becoming impaired, they returned to
Monmouth in November 1873. In April 1875, Robert returned to Chicago, but his physical condition
gave no promise for permanent business pursuits, and Mary Ellen again entered the schoolroom as a
teacher, and took the principalship of the High School in Galesburg in 1876. To the cares of the
schoolroom was added the care of an invalid husband; after many years of ill health, Robert was at last
compelled to give up entirely the active labors of life. He came to Galesburg in 1886, where for five
years, he was confined to his home. In 1897, Knox College conferred the Degree of Master of
Literature upon her. [Obituary, The Republican Register, Galesburg IL, March 2, 1908.] Born to them
was a son:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.3.1) CHARLES FERRIS GETTEMY born March 12, 1868 Chicago IL and died 1939;
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
graduated from Galesburg High School 1885; attended Knox College 1885-90, receiving his B.A. in
1890; M.A., 1893; A.B., Harvard, 1891. He was the political editor Boston Advertiser, Washington
correspondent 1891-99; political editor Boston Herald, 1899-1905; author of The True Story of Paul
Revere and author of A Memoir of Silvanus Ferris 1773-1861, from which much of this information
comes from. [Thanks, Charles!] His working papers are in the Knox College Library in the Archives
area. Charles also wrote numerous magazine articles, official reports and documents. He was
secretary to Curtis Guild, Jr., the Governor of Massachusetts, 1906-07; Director of Massachusetts
Bureau of Statistics, 1907-19; Director of Military Enrollment for Massachusetts, 1917-18, under
commission of the Governor, in which capacity he directed the draft of 360,000 men sent by that State
to WWI; Assistant Federal Reserve Agent, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston starting in 1919. Charles
married, first, December 28, 1897, Hattie Brockway [dau of Francis F. & Catherine J. (Trickle)
Brockway] born Wyoming IL, September 16, 1870 and died 1930, probably in Dorchester MA] of
Cedar Rapids IA, and he married, second, in 1932, Bertha R. Cheney of Boston. Hattie attended Knox
College, 1886-89 graduating with the Class of 1889. Charles is listed in Who's Who. Born to Charles
and Hattie was:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.3.1.1) CATHERINE ELLEN GETTEMY born December 20, 1901; graduated Vassar
College 1924; married October 4, 1924 Charles O. Richardson and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.3.1.1.1) NANCY FERRIS RICHARDSON born July 10, 1927
(5.1.1.5.4.5.3.1.1.2) CHARLES BROCKWAY RICHARDSON born August 1, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.5.4) GEORGE BENEDICT FERRIS born 1839 probably Knox Co IL [not listed by
Charles Ferris Gettemy or Chaplain Ferris]
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5)WILLIAM MEAD FERRIS, JR born November 9/11, 1845 Log City near Galesburg
IL and died August 20, 1924; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; attended Knox College 1862-64;
married at Richmond KY, September 1, 1875 Sallie Courtney Estill (1855-1940) born Glasgow MO
and buried Hope Cemetery; her DAR # is 70537; descended from a Captain Robert Rodes who served
in the Revolutionary War. A typed letter in the Ferris Files, Henry M. Seymour Library, Knox College,
from William’s granddaughter, Sallie Welsh VanArsdale, notes that William joined the Union Army
when he was 17y and because of his youth was sent to Colorado to serve throughout the War
{interesting – being 17y didn’t stop many others from being sent to the front lines of battle!} Knox
College is in the possession of William’s leather bound flask that he purportedly carried during this
Civil War service. The couple lived in St. Louis MO, Ann Arbor MI, and after 1904 Galesburg, where
he died. Born to William and Sallie were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1) JOHN ESTILL FERRIS born September 21, 1877 St. Louis MO; graduated from the
U. Of Michigan 1900; U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Investigation 1917-18; resident in charge
Military Intelligence, General Staff, U.S. Army at Milwaukee WI, February-November 1918;
commissioned Major, Military Police, US Army Reserve, 1923; served with the 306th Military Reserve
Battalion, 1923-28; there was a John E. Ferris who ran for Governor of Wisconsin, 1924, IndependentRepublican candidate – not sure this is same guy; married September 11, 1901 Katherine Elizabeth
Wylie born October 17, 1877 at Saginaw MI and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.1) JAMES WYLIE FERRIS born March 1, 1903
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.2) SALLIE ELIZABETH FERRIS born July 7, 1904; graduated from Milwaukee
Downer College 1925; married November 24, 1928 Melvin H. Neils and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.2.1) PATRICIA ANN NEILS born February 12, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.2.2) SHIRLEY JEAN NEILS born November 6, 1933
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.2.3) BARBARA JOAN NEILS born December 3, 1934
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.3) JOHN ESTILL FERRIS, JR., born January 6, 1910; graduated from the U. of
Wisconsin 1924
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.1.4) ROBERT RODES FERRIS born January 20, 1917
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.2) MARY ELLEN (ELLA) FERRIS born June 23, 1879 St. Louis MO; graduated from
the U. of Michigan, A.B., 1902; married June 19, 1902 Percy Seaman Peck and they resided in Grand
Rapids MI. A Percy S. Peck belonged to the York Lodge #140, F. & A. M. in Grand Rapids MI in
1922; a Mrs. Percy Peck was a member of The Women’s University Club of Grand Rapids and listed
as residing at 90 Jefferson Avenue. Born to them were: [Ella's DAR # is 68167.]
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.2.1) CATHERINE ELIZABETH PECK born May 9, 1904; married January 18, 1928
George Mortimer Roberts and born to them was (resided in Grand Rapids MI):
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.2.1.1) ROSEMARY PECK ROBERTS born April 1, 1929
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.2.2) VIRGINIA MARY PECK born March 23, 1906; married January 22, 1930 Durfee
Bradford Apted and they resided in Grand Rapids MI
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.2.3) FLORENCE ESTILL PECK born April 18, 1908; married June 19, 1933 Howard
Vincent Watson - divorced - resided in Grand Rapids MI
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.3) ETOLIA MOORE FERRIS born October 21, 1881 St Louis MO and died 1956;
buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; unmarried; 1927 she resided at 246 North Academy Street,
Galesburg.
COMPLAINT IN CHANCERY
Plaintiff ETOLIA M. FERRIS, of the County of Knox and State of Illinois, respectfully
represents unto the Court as follows:
1. That she is a resident of the County of Knox and State of Illinois; that on or about September
26, 1924, Percy S. Peck and Ella F. Peck, his wife, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, executed,
acknowledged and delivered their certain warranty deed conveying to the Peoples Trust and Savings
Bank of Galesburg, Illinois, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Illinois, as Trustee of the following described real estate:
Bounded by a line beginning at a point on the West line of Academy Street, Twelve (12)
rods south of the Northeast corner of Ten-acre lot Seven (7) in the City of Galesburg, County of Knox,
and State of Illinois, running thence West Twelve (12) rods, thence South Six (6) rods, thence East
Twelve (12) rods, to the West line of Academy Street to the point of beginning, being known as the
Mary E. Gettemy homestead, situated in the County of Knox and State of Illinois.
2. That the said Deed in Trust was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Knox
County, Illinois, September 26, 1924, in Volume 241, page 431; that a full, true and correct copy of
said Deed in Trust in attached hereto and made a part hereof as Plaintiff's Exhibit 'A'.
3. That the said Sa
and that the said Sallie E. Ferris died April 2, 1940; that the said Catharine Peck mentioned in said
Deed in Trust is now married to G. Mortimer Roberts, both of whom reside in Grand Rapids,
Michigan; that the said Virginia Peck mentioned in said Deed in Trust is now married to Bradford
Apted, both of whom reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan; that the said Florence Peck mentioned in said
Deed in Trust is now known as Florence Peck Watson and is divorced and not remarried and resides in
Grand Rapids, Michigan; that the said Catharine Peck Roberts, Virginia Peck Apted and Florence Peck
Watson are the daughters of the said Percy S. Peck and Ella F. Peck, grantors of said Deed in Trust.
4. That the said Percy S. Peck, one of the grantors in the said Deed in Trust, is now deceased
but was the husband of Ella F. Peck, sister of the Plaintiff and daughter of the said Sallie E. Ferris; that
the property involved in this proceeding consists of a residence located at 240 North Academy Street,
Galesburg, Illinois, and that the purpose of the said Deed in Trust and of the conveyance thereby was to
provide a home for the said Sallie E. Ferris and for this Plaintiff during their respective lifetimes, or in
the event said property could not be maintained as a home, that this Plaintiff receive the income
therefrom or from the proceeds thereof during her lifetime.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
5. That this Plaintiff is a spinster sixty-eight years of age; that the said Sallie E. Ferris and this
Plaintiff resided in the said property until the death of the said Sallie E. Ferris in April, 1940, and that
this Plaintiff continued to reside in said property until June 1, 1949; that this Plaintiff is in poor health,
unable to care for herself or to maintain and keep the said property in safe and habitable condition; that
furthermore this Plaintiff has ******** the taxes and assessments levied against the said property; that
since June 1, 1949, this Plaintiff has been a patient at the Knox County Home and Hospital at
Knoxville, Illinois, and will continue as a patient in said hospital; that this Plaintiff has no issue and
can and will have no issue.
6. That the said residence, while structurally sound, is not modern in design or equipment, is in
need of substantial and extensive repairs which this Plaintiff is unable to make and that the said
residence has been vacant since approximately June 1, 1949, and is in process of marked deterioration.
7. That the said Peoples Trust and Savings Bank of Galesburg, Illinois, grantee in the said
liabilities) in 1929 and the assets of the said bank were transferred and set over to First Galesburg
National Bank and Trust Company, a national banking association, and that the charter of said Peoples
Trust and Savings Bank was surrendered in 1935; that no Successor-Trustee under the said Deed in
reserve the Trust property or
its proceeds for the benefit of this Plaintiff and the Defendants herein, such successor should now be
appointed.
8. That, in order to carry out the fundamental purpose of the Trust, the said property should be
sold and the net proceeds of such sale, after payment of any necessary expense, should be deposited
with and held by the Successor-Trustee, the said funds invested and the income derived therefrom from
time to time paid to or for the benefit of this Plaintiff so long as she shall live; that upon her death, the
said Trust shall thereupon terminate and the principal of the said Trust fund should be distributed to the
said Catharine Peck Roberts, Virginia Peck Apted, and Florence Peck Watson as prescribed in the said
Exhib
that said property be sold, the proceeds thereof invested and the income therefrom paid to this Plaintiff
during her lifetime.
FORASMUCH, THEREFORE, as this Plaintiff is without relief save in a court of equity, this
Plaintiff files her complaint herein and makes as parties defendant thereto the said above named
Catharine Peck Roberts and G. Mortimer Roberts her husband, Virginia Peck Apted and Bradford
Apted her husband, and Florence Peck Watson, and respectfully requests the Court as follows:
(a) That Summons is issued by the Clerk of the Court against the said above named
Defendants, requiring them to appear in this cause and answer this Complaint.
(b) That the First Galesburg National Bank and Trust Company, a national banking
association, by order of this Court, be appointed as Successor-Trustee to the Peoples Trust and Savings
Bank and that said Successor-Trustee, when appointed, be vested with all of the power and authority of
the grantee in the said Deed in Trust from Percy S. Peck and Ella F. Peck his wife.
(c.) That the Court find and determine that the purpose of the said Trust was to provide
a home for the Plaintiff during her lifetime or so long as she was able to live in and maintain such
home and that, in the event of her illness and inability to maintain the said property, then said property
should be sold, the net proceeds thereof invested and the income arising therefrom paid to or for the
benefit of this Plaintiff during her lifetime and upon, her death, the said Trust should terminate and the
principal thereof be distributed as provided in the said Deed in Trust.
(d) That, upon the terms and conditions to be approved by the parties hereto and by this
Court, the said Successor-Trustee be authorized and empowered to sell ands by its Trustee's Deed to
convey the said property to the purchaser thereof.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(e) That this Plaintiff has such other and further relief as equity may require and to this
Court shall seem meet.
ETOLIA M. FERRIS,
By Kirkland, Fleming, Green, Martin & Ellis
Her Attorneys.
STATE OF ILLINOIS)
) SS.
COUNTY OF COOK)
VERNON M. WELSH, first being duly sworn, thereby makes affidavit and says that he is the
duly authorized agent of Etolia M. Ferris, Plaintiff **********
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.4) WILMA CORRINE LAWSON FERRIS born April 10, 1890 St Louis MO and died
April 6, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.5) WILLIAM MEAD FERRIS III (photographs) born April (5) 15, 1892 St. Louis MO
and died September 26, 1918 Blois, France of disease contacted (from mustard gas) in the service of
the American Army in WWI; entered service April 7, 1917 at Fort Sheridan IL; sent to France in
December 1917; also trained 3 months and became an artillery observer in France and at French
Officer’s Camp, Domremy; three days before taking St. Mihiel he was wounded, being struck by a gas
bomb, and gassed to unconsciousness on September 26, 1918. He was a 2d Lieutenant, 2d Division,
15th Field Artillery, performing liaison duty in the front line with the Marines at the Battles of Belleau
Wood and Chateau Thierry, and was also at St. Michel. He was buried first in the American plot of the
French Catholic Cemetery at Blois, his body being afterward brought back to the U.S. and interred in
the National Cemetery at Arlington VA. General Bundy spoken of Bill’s excellent service in an article
in Everybody’s Magazine. Bill attended Knox College, 1911-14 and was a member of the Knox
football team. From the 1914 Gale: William Ferris, Left Guard: This was 'Bill's' first year on the
Varsity and his showing was very creditable. He is strong and aggressive. His defensive work was very
good. He has two more years and should improve greatly. From the 1915 Gale: William Ferris, Left
Tackle: Ferris did most of the punting last season. Shifted from guard to tackle, he played his new
position with credit. Bill's defensive driving was disastrous to stop. He will undoubtedly be one of the
bulwarks in next year's line. He weighed 170 pounds, the 3d heaviest guy on the team. (See
photograph) Bill did not complete his senior year; he entered the Army instead.
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.6) FANITA CRANDALL FERRIS (Photo) born May 22, 1896 St. Louis MO and died
age 90y Evanston IL; attended Knox College 1916-18, graduating with the Class of 1918, B.S.; also
attended Sweet Briar College and the U. of Wisconsin; married May 30, 1916 (1918?) Vernon
McCullough Welsh [son of John Douglas & Ella C. (McCullough) Welsh] born August 15, 1891
Galesburg and died 1969; Vernon graduated from Knox College in 1913, B.A.; LL.B. Harvard, 1916.
They moved to Winnetka IL where she lived before moving to Westminister Presbyterian Home in
Evanston IL. Fanita was a member of Winnetka Congregational Church and served for many years on
the boards of Gads Hill Center and Northwestern University Settlement, both in Evanston. He was a
trustee of Knox College from 1939 through at least 1963 and Chairman of the Board, from 1950 to
1969; and Winnetka Village President, 1960-64; a memorial was placed in his honor in Centennial
Park 1970. After his death in 1969, Fanita was designated an honorary trustee of the college. Vernon
served as a Lieutenant during World War I. He was past president of the Knox Alumni Association and
the speaker at the 119th Knox Founder's Day convocation. He was a lawyer and senior partner in
Kirland, Ellis, Hodson, Chaffetz, and Masters, Prudential Plaza, Suite 2900, Chicago IL. In 1963, they
resided at 1180 Westmoor Road, Winnetka IL (Photo). Both Fanita and Vernon had Scholarship Funds
at Knox College in their names.
House of the Season: "The 1928 Vernon Welsh Home" By Joan Evanich
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
"What a great party house!" This statement was heard over and over again at the Society's annual Gala graciously hosted by
Bruce and Kristin Koepfgen. The Southern Colonial style home at 1180 Westmoor (formerly Fig Street) was originally built
in 1928 for the Vernon and Fanita Welsh family. Architect Russell Smith Walcott began designs for the Vernon Welsh
house in 1926. Born in Chicago in 1889, Mr. Walcott was a graduate of Princeton University. He studied architecture in
Europe and formed a partnership with his older brother, Chester Walcott, from 1919-1920. He designed this home under his
own name and later partnered with renowned architect, Robert Work, from 1928 until his retirement. The design is
reminiscent of a large plantation. It is constructed of cement over metal lath and has a great deal of interior masonry. Large,
white stylized Ionic pillars support the half-circle portico which mirrors the circular drive. Third-floor fan lights and multipaned double-hung windows complete the Southern Colonial design. Both Mr. and Mrs. Welsh personally oversaw every
aspect of the design and construction of the house, including minute details such as the type of plaster and the construction
of the window sills and doorplates. They installed an oil-burning furnace, an avant-garde decision for 1928. Mrs. Welsh was
a bit concerned about the safety of this innovation. To protect against fire or explosion, thick cement floors were installed
on the ground floor above the furnace. Vernon Welsh was born in 1891 in Galesburg, Illinois. A graduate of Knox College
and Harvard Law (1916), Mr. Welsh was a lawyer with the firm now known as Kirkland & Ellis. He was a valuable citizen
of Winnetka and served as Village President from 1960-64. He passed away in 1969. A memorial was placed in his honor at
Centennial Park in 1970. Fanita Ferris Welsh (1896-1986) was the great granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Ferris,
founders of Knox College. Mrs. Welsh was also active in the community and served on the Winnetka boards of Gads Hill
Center and Northwestern University Settlement. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh had two daughters. In 1941, the Welsh's daughter
Sallie (Van Arsdale) was debuted from the home. At the time, she was a sophomore at Vassar College. Sallie went on to
graduate from Navy Supply Corps School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Now residing in
Florida, she was a long-time resident of Winnetka and is a good friend of the Historical Society. Sallie's younger sister
Rosanna was always known as Posey. She graduated from Mills College in 1948 and lived oversees, working for the
Marshall Plan in Paris. She married C. Bateman Ewart in 1951. They both worked for the United Nations in various
locations around the world. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, and still makes frequent visits to France. The Welsh
family sold their home in 1965. The second owners, Ferdinand and Eleanor Nadherny, enclosed the porch and enlarged the
breakfast area. They raised five children in the home. Perhaps this was the reason that Mrs. Nadherny added a laundry on
the second floor. The current owners, Bruce and Kristin Koepfgen, added a wing on the east side, balancing the house
architecturally and increasing its floor space by about a third. They also completed extensive interior renovations and
formalized the gardens. The care taken by the original, previous and current owners is evident in the way the home has
withstood the test of time.
Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.6.1) SALLIE ELLEN WELSH born July 7, 1922; married 1st a Mr. Coolidge and 2d a
Mr. VanArsdale; attended Vassar College; graduated from Navy Supply Corps School and served in
the USN during WWII; long time resident of Winnetka IL; retired to FL
“Each Memorial Day the names of Winnetka servicemen who lost their lives during this nation's armed conflicts are read
during a moving ceremony. But aside from Memorial Day, few people take the time to examine the lists of names and the
art on Winnetka's war memorial, a cenotaph on the Village Green. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 1927, to recognize the 10 men
who died during World War I, the 81 men and one woman (Millicent Yates) who did not return from service during World
War II, the two who died in the Korean conflict and the six who were lost in the Vietnam conflict. Although there has been
no comprehensive research tracing the lives of those listed on the cenotaph, longtime Winnetka residents recall how their
own lives touched some of the names. When the name of Richards P. Washburne is intoned, it revives a poignant memory
for Sallie Van Arsdale. Mrs. Van Arsdale grew up on Westmoor Road in Winnetka as Sallie Ellen Welsh, a graduate of The
Skokie School and North Shore Country Day School, class of 1940. A classmate had a brother, "Dick" Washburne. At the
time of the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941, Richards P. Washburne was a junior at Williams College in
Massachusetts. (Mrs. Van Arsdale says that he is no relation to the namesake of Washburne School.) He volunteered the
next year and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. By then, he and Sallie Welsh had talked of marriage after the war.
Washburne was a co-pilot on a B17 bomber that was shot down on July 30, 1942, over Kassel, Germany. His death
officially reached Winnetka in the fall of 1942. Mrs. Van Arsdale was wearing his Air Corps wings. But the story doesn't
end here. On graduation from Vassar in 1944, Sallie Welsh, no longer waiting for a loved one to return, debated how to get
involved with the war effort. She settled on the Navy auxiliary called the WAVES, "Women Accepted for Voluntary
Emergency Service." "Being a member of the WAVES was an enormous change in atmosphere and routine. We were all
motivated to help, "Mrs. Van Arsdale remembers, "It was assumed, because I had been an economics major, that I could
best help out in the supply corps. You felt that you were in the mainstream even if our work was not terribly significant. And
we did replace men." She was separated from service in June, 1946, and returned to Winnetka while continuing to serve in
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
the Reserves for a few years. Sallie knew other war casualties, one of whom, Claude Reebie, was killed during the Korean
conflict. His brother Earl Reebie is also listed on the cenotaph. An Air Corps flyer, he was killed during World War II. One
man's name appears twice on the cenotaph. On the Village Green façade a quotation etched into the marble reads, "It is an
investment not a loss when a man dies for his country." Dinsmore Ely wrote these words in a letter home during World War
I. His name also appears as one of the casualties of the war. The Winnetka Historical Society is in possession of the letter.
In April, eighth-graders in Stephanie Welter's class at Washburne School will undertake a project to research the World War
II names on the cenotaph. The Winnetka Historical Society will assist by providing names of friends or family members. If
you were acquainted or related to someone who is listed on the cenotaph, please contact the Historical Society at 5016025.”
(5.1.1.5.4.5.5.6.2) ROSANNA EMILIE WELSH (Posey) born August 4, 1926; graduated Mills College
1948; lived overseas, working for the Marshall Plan in Paris; married 1951 C Bateman Ewart Jr and
they both worked for the UN in various locations around the world and they resided in Wilmington NC
– both donated funds to the U of North Carolina-Wilmington – believe he was a graduate of Dartmouth
College 1942 – donated funds to Dartmouth also
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6) EDWIN SPENCER FERRIS born January 9, 1851 and died July 30, 1878; buried
Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL; married January 19, 1875 in Knox Co IL, Harriet Thompson (18541925) - there was a Mrs. Harriet T. Ferris who married a James T. Rowcliff in Knox County - since
Edwin died so young, would assume this is his widow remarrying - particularly since her daughter
named a child Rowcliff below. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1) BERTHA MAY FERRIS born May 27, 1878; married September 10, 1900 Hiram
Eugene Todd – is the same Hiram E. Todd, born Peoria Co IL, delegate to Illinois State Constitution
Convention 1920-22?; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.1) SARAH GERALD TODD (Sally) born July 25, 1905; married April 23, 1927
William Connell and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.1.1) SARAH CONNELL (Sally) born February 11, 1928; married a Mr. Bradwin and
born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.1.1.1) JANET BRADWIN married a Mr. Hogan and has provided current info on this
Twig of the Tree- thanks Janet!
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.1.2) NANCY CONNELL (twin) born July 28, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.1.3) WILLIAM ROBERT CONNELL (twin) born July 28, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.2) HARRIET TODD born July 25, 1908
(5.1.1.5.4.5.6.1.3) JAMES ROWCLIFFE TODD born November 4, 1917
(5.1.1.5.4.6) HENRY FERRIS born October 18, 1809 Norway, Herkimer, NY (the sixth child in order
of birth) and died April 5/15/25?, 1891 Galesburg IL; buried Hope Cemetery with his wife; born and
brought up on the farm in Herkimer Co and at the district schools acquired the rudiments of an English
education, with one year at Oneida Institute in New York, one year in an academy, where he studied
languages, and one year at Marion College, Marion Co, Missouri. He was apparently not a sturdy
youth, and so at age of 24, in the 1833, he decided to go west in search of renewed health and
emigrated to Missouri. He lived in Missouri for two years, attending Marion College, which he left, it
is said, because of the local feeling against him on account of his abolition principles. About this time
he made a trip to Galena, Illinois, by way of Quincy, and wrote to his old home in Herkimer County,
letters descriptive of the beauty and fertility of the Military Tract section of Illinois, which may have
been an effective influence in shaping the decision of the first exploring party that went to Illinois in
the summer of 1835 on behalf of Rev. Dr. George W. Gale's enterprise. Henry moved to Knox County
IL in 1835 where he entered into farming on the land purchased by his father. Upon the grounds now
occupied by the Female Department of Knox College, and south beyond the present depot grounds,
Henry first broke the prairie. Henry spent his first year (winter of 1835-36) in Knox County in a
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
dugout. On August 31, 1836, in a little log cabin, at Henderson Grove, Henry Ferris and Elizabeth
Hudson (1816-1896) (Photo) were the first couple to be married in the Galesburg Colony. Miss
Hudson was a native of New Hampshire and came west with Nehemiah West's family as a
schoolteacher. Elizabeth was a granddaughter of General Israel Putnam, who first commanded the
patriot troops in the Revolutionary War, serving at Bunker Hill until George Washington arrived on the
scene. Henry and Elizabeth were members of the "Old First Church", the Congregational, although he
did have his problems with the church (see separate paper.) In 1854, he had his foot ground from his
leg by stepping on the joint of the tumbling shaft of the threshing machine and slipping. His foot and
ankle were drawn into the joint and crushed. His foot was separated from the leg, all but the heel cord
and the main artery. Dr. Bunce was called and he bound the foot in place. It was years before it was
entirely healed, and hundreds of pieces of bone were taken out for months after the daily dressings.
The ankle joint was always still but he thought his crippled foot was better than no foot at all. He
always made his own shoes after that, as he had special lasts and a set of shoemaker's tools. He quit
the vocation of agriculture in 1857, and engaged in the lumber business, which he followed for a few
years only, and then returned again to his old occupation of farming. It is on record that he tried his
hand awhile at mercantile business, but for a short time only, as he found it unprofitable. Farming
appears to have been his favorite pursuit, and at this he was extremely successful. [Jim - April 17,
1866, a H. Ferris was issued a patent, #53,963 for a hedge-plant grab - I am assuming this is the H.
Ferris.] He was one of the first men to agitate the instruction on what took form as the Military Tract
Railroad, and to it subscribed the first $1,000.00 soon after increasing his subscription to $10,000.00;
and his father and brother-in-law each took $10,000.00 subscriptions, making in all $30,000.00 in the
family. A source stated that Henry had in his possession one of the first Certificates of Stock issued by
the company and thinking it was likely the only one left in existence, described it as such: "It is a
printed form, written in with pen and ink, upon a piece of common writing paper 2 x 4 3/4 inches in
size: 'Central Military Tract Railroad Company, Galesburg, April 12, 1851. This is to certify that
Henry Ferris is the holder of ten Shares to the Capital Stock of Central Military Tract Railroad
Company and that Ten dollars of each has been paid. Signed W. A. Wood, Sec, No. 26 - This
Certificate transferable on books of the Company." (Jim - see the separate paper on the Central
Military Tract Railroad Company.) Mr. Ferris was possessed of wisdom and foresight enough to hold
onto all the railroad stock that came into his hands, and the large revenue derived therefrom had much
to do in making him one of the wealthiest men in the community. During his life, Henry never held or
sought public office. He boasted of having voted for every abolition candidate for the Presidency from
Birney down to Blaine. He was an Abolitionist in the early days and a Republican when that party
born, and remained identified with it until his death. Mr. Ferris was a just and exact man. He was true
to what he believed was right. In his dealings between man and man, he saw that each received his
due. It is related of him that although importuned to do so, he refused, at a financial loss, to rent a
storeroom of his Prairie street building for saloon purposes. He was always a pronounced temperance
advocate. In addition to his farming activities in Knox County, Henry at one time owned considerable
land in Iowa, several business properties in Galesburg, and was a substantial stockholder in the
C.B.&Q Railroad. His home for many years was on Simmons Street where the Fire Department
Building, in 1934, stood. His death was due to pneumonia. The illness was of a week's duration. He
was conscious to within a short time of death, giving evidence of that strong will power characteristic
of him. At the time of his death, he had four living children and twenty-one grandchildren. He and his
wife, who outlived him 5 years and 5 months, were buried at Hope Cemetery in Galesburg. In the
1892-93 Galesburg City Directory, Mrs. Henry Ferris (widow) is listed as residing at 106 S. Cedar. She
died September 10, 1896 in Galesburg. Born to Henry and Elizabeth were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.1) ALFRED GARRET FERRIS born November 17, 1837 Knox Co IL where he grew to
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
manhood; attended Knox College 1856-57 and emigrated to Nevada c1861; was in Virginia City or
Carson City, Nevada for three or four years, married, and started home with his wife and six other men
about 1865. They were never heard of afterwards. It was reported that a white horse he had with him
returned to Virginia City in a day or two after he left and it was supposed the whole party was killed by
Indians or Mormons. There is a headstone at the Hope Cemetery, Galesburg for Alfred Garret, with the
dates 1837-1865; the family may have had him declared dead.
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2) HARRIET 'Hattie' MARIE (?C.)FERRIS born December 1(11?), 1839 Galesburg IL
and died August 23, 1923; attended Knox College 1853-55, 1856-63, graduating with the Class of
1863; married 1st November 24, 1864 in Knox Co IL, Edwin Johnson Crandall (1836-1869) [son of
Robert H]; both buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.1) MARRION/MARION JESSIE CRANDALL (Photo) born September 14, 1865
Galesburg and died October 9, 1955 Los Angeles Co CA; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg; attended
Knox College 1877-79, 1881-86, graduating with the Class of 1886, B.L; was on the Knox Faculty
1896-99, instructor in Drawing and Painting. Marion was an artist, designer and exhibitor at the Los
Angeles Museum of Art.
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.2) GEORGE ALFRED CRANDALL born December 28, 1866 and died October 9, 1964
Los Angeles Co CA; attended Knox College 1881-82, 1883-86, 1889-90; married November 1, 1905
Gerta Dean Hatch born March 10, 1874 NV and died July 15, 1955 Los Angeles Co CA. George was
the Superintendent of the American Fruit Growers of Fullerton CA and Vice-President of Randolph
Fruit Company; 1963 resided Los Angeles CA. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.2.1) MABELLE DEAN CRANDALL born October 28, 1908
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.3) STELLA ELIZABETH CRANDALL born October 1, 1868 and died November 27,
1873; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
Harriet married, second, after the death of her first husband, Charles A. McLaughlin (18531910) on December 16, 1875 and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4) ELLA BLANCHE MCLAUGHLIN (Photo) born May 20, 1877 Galesburg and died
February 12, 1924; graduate of the Knox Conservatory 1898; married October 23, 1901 John James
Tunnicliff, Jr., [son of John James & his second wife, Margaretta Willoughby (Duffield) Tunnicliff]
born in Galesburg, April 22, 1879 and died 1950; John attended Knox College 1894-98 and graduated
from the U. of Illinois Law School. John married, second, in 1937, Alta Sharp. He was a lawyer in the
Galesburg area for 50 years; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4.1) JOHN JAMES TUNNICLIFF, JR., born February 22, 1904; married June 3, 1928
Beatrice Brewer and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4.1.1) JOHN JAMES TUNNICLIFF III born July 26, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4.1.2) ANN DUFFIELD TUNNICLIFF born September 11, 1932
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4.2) HARRIET FERRIS TUNNICLIFF born July 19, 1908; married August 26, 1927 Lee
Wutherow [may have married, second to a Mr. Covington?] and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.4.2.1) BARBARA WUTHEROW born September 27, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.5) LILLIAN MCLAUGHLIN (Photo) born January 8, 1879 and died June 27, 1966 Los
Angeles Co CA; graduate of the Knox Conservatory 1900; married June 11, 1907 Royal M. Boothe, of
Los Angeles CA; born May 17, 1881 IA and died June 22, 1957, Los Angeles Co CA; resided in Los
Angeles. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.5.1) PERRY MATTESON BOOTHE born August 27, 1909 – is this the Perry M.
Boothe, CalTech Class of 1932, USN Captain who served on General Westmoreland’s staff in
Vietnam?
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.5.2) RAYMOND HUDSON FERRIS BOOTHE born April 10, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.6.2.6) WALTER BRUCE MCLAUGHLIN born December 28, 1885; married April 24, 1915
44
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Emily Louise Runkle, a second cousin (5.1.1.5.4.2.9.3)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3) ELLA GIFFORD FERRIS (Photos) born November 29, 1842 Galesburg IL and died
August 7, 1929 at her home, 1593 North Broad Street, Galesburg. [Note - her obituary in The Daily
Register Mail, August 7, 1929, identifies her as Ella Hudson (Ferris) Arnold.]; attended Knox College
1856-63 graduating with the Class of 1863; baptized May 1858 at the First Church of Christ in
Galesburg; attended the 75th Anniversary celebration of Knox College, 1912; married, May 26, 1864,
on the family farm, Benjamin Franklin Arnold [son of Horace & Harriet (Hine) Arnold] born July
22/26, 1833 Fergusonville, Otsego (Delaware), NY and died Galesburg, February 19, 1920. (See
Letter#21 from L.T. Stone, which mentions this marriage.) Mr. Arnold spent the greater part of his
youthful days upon a farm in Delaware County NY, pursuing his education in one of the old-time log
schoolhouses, where the curriculum was limited, yet thorough instruction was given in the fundamental
studies. Later he became a clerk in a hotel, following that pursuit in the winter months, while the
summer seasons were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He came to Illinois in 1854 where during the
winter he took up the profession of teaching but later turned his attention to the real-estate business and
while thus engaged began studying law. In May 1862, he was admitted to the bar and for about fifteen
years continued in the practice of law. His business often took him to Springfield, where he made the
office of Abraham Lincoln his headquarters, in 1857-58. In 1860, he attended the Democratic National
Convention at Baltimore. He laid out twelve additions to the City of Galesburg and erected over two
hundred homes, selling them on monthly payments. He also carried on farming on an extensive scale,
cultivating not less than a section of land for over forty years. Mr. Arnold was a prominent citizen of
Galesburg; he served fifteen successive years as an alderman and he served one term as Mayor (elected
in 1880) and was a trustee of Knox College, 1899-1920. Ella was President of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union, 1892-1906; charter member of L.M.I. (Knox's women's literary society); founder
of the B.F. and Ella Ferris Arnold Scholarship Fund, 1922. They resided at 759 East Main Street in
Galesburg. Both buried at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL. [See separate paper by Ella, at the end of this
chapter.] Note: It is noteworthy that all 9 of their kids graduated from Knox College, a truly remarkable
family collegiate record. Born to Ella and B. F. Arnold were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1) ELLA MAY ARNOLD born February 20, 1865 Galesburg and died there, or possibly,
Grand Junction CO, June (May?) 24, 1900; attended Knox College 1877-89, 1890-91, graduating with
the Class of 1887 when she received her B.A.; was on the Knox Faculty, 1888-89; married June 25,
1891 at Galesburg, Edwin Nash Williams born May 20, 1866 Galesburg and died there March 19,
1902; Edwin attended Knox College 1880-87, graduating with the Class of 1886, receiving his B.A.;
M.A. from Columbia, 1888-89; a lawyer and they resided in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Grand
Junction CO. Both buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1) DOROTHY MAY WILLIAMS born November 2, 1892 Galesburg and died April
17, 1982 St. Louis MO; married May 29, 1926 (1925?) at Galesburg, William Burke born February 16,
1894 Sterling CO and died February 11, 1957 St. Louis MO. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1) RICHARD WILLIAMS BURKE born March 22, 1928 Chicago IL; married April
9, 1951 at St. Louis MO Patricia Diane Kendall born May 27, 1924 and died January 27, 1978. After
the death of Patricia, Richard married Gisela Wolff born August 31, 1930 Germany. Born to Richard
and Patricia was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.1) JOHN KENDALL BURKE born December 3, 1951 Chicago IL; is this the same
guy? “After holding the superintendency almost 10 years with the Neodesha, Kan., public schools,
John Burke has moved into the top post in Haysville, Kan. Burke also held the superintendency in
Marion, Kan. He was a 2002 Kansas Superintendent of the Year finalist and served as an elementary
and middle school principal in Melvern, Kan”; married in January, 1982 at Topeka KS 1st Diane Marie
Metsch and born to them was:
45
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.1.1) CAITLIN CORBIN BURKE born December 7, 1983 Topeka KS
John Kendall Burke, married, second, December 19, 1987, at Marion KS, Shari Slinkman and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.1.2) ANNE JEANETTE BURKE born September 26, 1988 Marion KS
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.1.3) PATRICIA ZOE BURKE born January 19, 1990 Marion KS
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.2) ROBERT STUART BURKE born December 1, 1953 St. Louis MO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.3) SUSAN WILLIAMS BURKE born January 8, 1957 St. Louis MO; married
October 8, 1983 at St. Louis, Kevin Michael Ryan born January 8, 1953 St Louis. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.3.1) RACHEL MARIE RYAN born January 20, 1991 St. Louis MO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.1.4) ELIZABETH CORBIN BURKE born August 3, 1961 St. Louis MO; married
April 18, 1981 John Michael Cunningham born October 7, 1960
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2) WILLIAM CORBIN BURKE born July 17, 1932 St. Louis MO; married
November 17, 1962 at St. Louis, Lynn Bland born February 3, 1938. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.1) CATHERINE LYNNE BURKE born July 23, 1963; married October 17, 1987
Gary Harbison and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.1.1) WESLEY BURKE HARBISON born December 21, 1990
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.1.2) REBECCA EVELYN HARBISON born June 11, 1992
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.2) REBECCA BLAND BURKE born September 25, 1967
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.3) WILLIAM CORBIN BURKE, JR., born July 23, 1974
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.1.2.4) EDGAR SHELTON BURKE (twin) born July 23, 1974
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.1.2) EDWIN LAWRENCE WILLIAMS born December 20 (30?), 1896 Galesburg and
died there July 23, 1915; buried Hope Cemetery
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.2) LAURA BELLE ARNOLD born September 13, 1866 Galesburg and died October 11,
1922; attended Knox College 1884-88, 1891-92, graduating with the Class of 1888; married as his 2d
wife June 7, 1899 at Galesburg, George A. Felt [son of Edward A. & Rebecca (Hoover) Felt] born
March 1, 1857 Galesburg (Cherry Grove, Warren County (?)) and died February 20, 1940; George
attended Knox College 1873-75. [Jim - George first married, March 15, 1888, in Ontario Township,
Virginia E. Varies of Oneida IL and born to them were: Edward and Winifred I.; Virginia died
November 16, 1892.] Both buried in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born to Laura and George were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.2.1) ELEANOR MARY FELT (Photo) born April 30, 1900 Galesburg; graduated from
Knox College 1922, B.A. From the 1923 Gale: YWCA 1,2,3,4; WSGA Board 3,4; English Club; Le
Cercle Francais, Secretary 3; Knox Players Club 2,3,4; President 4. She married August 8, 1935 at
Galesburg as his 2d wife John H. Bolton born October 1, 1898 Ten Mile, WVA and died July 14, 1967
Ames, IA; he was an editor and a publisher; apparently there was no offspring from this marriage; 1963
resided at 2048 Cessna Street, Ames IA
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.2.2) REBECCA FRANCES FELT (Photo) born February 26, 1907 Galesburg; graduated
from Knox College 1929, B.A.; married August 15, 1931 at Galesburg, Edwin N. Nash, Jr., born there
December 15, 1905 and died March 24, 1982 Mt. Dora FL. Edwin was as an accountant and office
manager of Beatrice Creamery Co.; 1937 they resided on North Cherry St., Galesburg; 1963 they
resided at 203 E. Winter Ave., Danville IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.2.2.1) GEORGE EDWIN NASH born May 15, 1934 Galesburg; married June 3, 1967
Ann Bradshaw
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.2.2.2) REBECCA L. NASH (1938-) married a Mr. Black
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3) HENRY FERRIS ARNOLD born June 30, 1868 Galesburg and died February 8, 1927;
graduated from Galesburg High School 1885 and attended Knox College 1885-90, graduating with the
Class of 1890, B.A.; attended the 75th Anniversary celebration of Knox College, 1912; the initial year
of his business experience was spent in the general offices of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
46
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Railroad at Galesburg and for five years thereafter he was connected with the Galesburg Electric Motor
& Power Company as secretary-treasurer. He became involved in the insurance business in Galesburg
in 1897. Henry married April 27, 1893 Anna P. Ward (Photo) [dau of Henry & Pauline (Roth) Ward]
of Springfield, born October 2, 1869 Berry IN and died 1936. Anna was a Knox graduate with the class
of 1891, B.S. Both Henry and Anna were members of the Central Congregational Church and were
allied with many movements that contributed to the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of
the community. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican party and as city
assessor for three years, he proved himself a capable official, individual interests being at all times
made subservient to the general good. During WWI, Anna did Red Cross work in the Galesburg shop,
800 hours, principally in canteen; surgical dressings, knitting; and solicited in 3d and 4th Liberty Loans.
Both buried at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.1) ESTHER PAULINE ARNOLD (known as Pauline or Polly) (Photo) born May 17,
1894 Galesburg and died 1980; graduate Knox Conservatory 1915; married October 2,
1927(1928/1931?) as his 2d wife, Percival White, an author, who died 1959. Esther served with the
Y.M.C.A, with the Army, in France and Germany, 1918-20. She was a writer and publisher of nonfiction books, pamphlets and articles; a music teacher; founder of Arnold Research Service; Market
Research Corporation of America, 1934-51; 1963 Esther resided at Shad Road, Pound Ridge NY
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2) HENRY FERRIS ARNOLD, JR., (Photo) born January 2, 1902 Galesburg and died
December 16, 1963 Orange Co CA; attended Knox College 1919-24, graduating with the Class of
1923, B.S.; during the summers, he was involved with the U.S. boundary commission, which fixed the
boundary line between Canada and USA in the Glacier Park region; served in the Army during WWII;
married March 27, 1924 Margaret Ives born August 25, 1903; they divorced. He was involved in
advertising and publicity; 1963 resided at Dana Point (Placentia) CA. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1) MARJORIE ANN ARNOLD born May 17, 1925; married September 13, 1947
Tom Rosser born September 7, 1925; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.1) RANDOLPH ROSSER born July 12, 1947; married 1977 Evalani Komomua;
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.1.1) KAHEALANI ROSSER born April 19, 1978
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.1.2) TOMAS TOKI ROSSER born February 4, 1981
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.1.3) JACKSON K. ROSSER born June 22, 1982
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.2) REBECCA ROSSER born March 12, 1951
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.3) DORRILL ANN ROSSER born December 21, 1954; married January 8, 1977
Douglas Charles Eldon born September 22, 1954; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.3.1) ERIC ROSSER ELDON born April 28, 1981
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.3.2) JONATHAN CHARLES ELDON born April 29, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.3.2.1.3.3) MARYANN (ANNIE) ELDON born May 10, 1987
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4) WILFRED ARNOLD (Photos) born June 24, 1871 Galesburg and died there
September 30, 1943; graduate of Galesburg High School 1889; graduate of Knox College 1894, B.S.;
M.S., 1897; Harvard Law School, 1895-96; admitted to the bar 1896; a member of the Illinois General
Assembly 1903-05; member of the law firm, Arnold & Arnold, in Galesburg and practiced in the courts
in Illinois; married October 18, 1899 at Monmouth IL, Nina May Lahann [dau of Riemer & Katherine
(Fongart) Lahann] born there May 17, 1874 and died April 1953 Freeport IL. Wilfred was a member of
the Central Congregational Church and Nina held membership in the Episcopal Church. He belonged
to the B.P.O. of Elks and gave his political support to the Republican Party. Wilfred represented his
district in the Illinois State Legislature, serving in the forty-third and forty-fourth general assemblies.
During WWI, he was the Chairman of the Four Minute Men; Speaker’s Committee; Liberty Loan
Campaigns; member Executive Committee War Service League; and Chairman of the Patriotic
47
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Meeting Committee Red Cross. Both buried at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1) KATHERINE FERRIS ARNOLD (Photo) born October 29, 1900 Galesburg and
died April 16, 1986 Sarasota FL; graduate Knox College, 1922, B.S. From the 1923 Gale: Student
Council 3; Vice President 4; Gale Board 1922; LMI 4; YWCA 1,2,3; English Club; YWCA Council 2;
PanHellenic 3,4. She married August 6, 1927 at Galesburg, Robert M. Seeley born March 3, 1895 at
Freeport IL and died June 16, 1980 Sarasota FL. He was an insurance executive; 1963 they resided at
66 North Stewart, Freeport IL and they apparently moved to Sarasota FL after that; and born to them
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.1) ROBERT ARNOLD SEELEY (Photo) born April 30, 1929 Freeport IL; graduated
from Knox College 1951 B.A; married November 25, 1954 at Monrovia CA, Nancy Ferguson born
July 26, 1928 Freeport IL. He was employed by Economy Fire and Casualty Company, Freeport; 1963
they resided at 1528 W. Logan, Freeport IL. The estate of Robert endowed the Robert A & Katherine
M Seeley Distinguished Service Professorship in Theatre to Knox College, named in memory of his
parents. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.1.1) LYNNE ANN SEELEY (adopted) born June 17, 1957 Ames IA; married
September 1, 1985 at Hammond NY, Peter S. Lee born May 23, 1958; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.1.1.1) SPENCER ROBERT LEE born October 21, 1989 Portland ME
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.1.2) RONALD FERGUSON SEELEY born February 3, 1962 Indianapolis IN;
married May 31, 1986 Judy Hoser born March 5, 1963
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.1.3) DANA GALE SEELEY born January 8, 1963 Freeport IL; married April 15,
1989 at Portola Valley CA Thomas Marshall Hayse born May 27, 1963
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.2) CYNTHIA SEELEY born October 1, 1941; married December 24, 1962 Richard
Hiteman born July 9, 1941; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.2.1) KATHLEEN LISA HITEMAN born June 23, 1963; married June 15, 1991 at
Madison WI, Joseph H. Marty
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.1.2.2) KRISTIN MICHELLE HITEMAN born June 10, 1968
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.2) WILFRED ARNOLD, JR., (Colonel) (Photo) born November 20, 1912 Galesburg;
graduate of Knox College 1934, B.A.; served in the Army - in 1963 was at Fort Knox as a Lieutenant
Colonel and listed his home address as Mount Dora FL; married January 9, 1937 at Chicago IL,
Kathryn Bennett born there November 12, 1913/4. Kathryn graduated from Knox College, 1936, B.A.;
1937 resided on North Broad St., Galesburg. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.4.2.1) KATHERINE B. ARNOLD born February 29, 1940 St. Louis MO; married 1st
May 25, 1963 Eldon B. Oakley born October 22, 1932 and died May 6, 1969; married 2d August 3,
1991 at Maitland FL, Robert G. Frazer born September 4, 1930 and died in September 1984
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.5) BERTHA FRANCES ARNOLD (Photo) born September 16, 1873 Galesburg and died
1962; attended Knox College 1890-99, graduating with the Class of 1895, B.A.; M.A. from Wellesley,
1900; on the faculty of Galesburg High School 1899; married June 28, 1910 Frederick C. Woods of
Galesburg. Bertha was the President of the Knox Alumni Association. During WWI, Frances was
involved in Red Cross work in the Galesburg Shop; 800 hours in Home Service department; took
course in home care of the sick. Fred was the manager of the Intra-State Telephone Co; 1937 they
resided on North Cherry St., Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6) LOUIS EARLE ARNOLD (Photo) born October 11, 1875 Galesburg and died
September 25, 1952 Salt Lake City UT; graduate Knox College, B.S., 1897; D.D.S, Chicago College of
Dental Surgery, 1900; a dentist in Salt Lake City UT and President and Manager of Waterworks
Equipment Company, and President, Arnold Machinery Company, Salt Lake City; 1929 opened the
doors of Stannard-Arnold Machinery, a company (Arnold Machinery) that is still in operation and
much larger today (2005); married October 11, 1906 at Galesburg, Marie Helen Raymond born there
48
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
April 8, 1878 and died September 12, 1969 Salt Lake City. Marie attended Knox College 1894-98.
They resided at 1874 Michigan Ave., Salt Lake City UT. Louis went by automobile from Salt Lake
City with a party of men to look at some land out some distance, and noticed an automobile ahead of
them on the mountain side that stuck in the snow. Naturally without thought of any serious
consequences the Arnold machine slowed up and it was the purpose of those aboard to make inquiry
and if necessary to give assistance. As the Arnold machine came to a stop, several men about the other
machine opened fire on them and did not cease their volleys until twelve shots had been fired; the
chauffeur of the Arnold auto was killed but the rest of the party bent low and managed to keep out of
the range of the bullets. The would-be robbers took off on foot leaving their auto behind. The Arnold
party turned back and notified the authorities who later captured the robbers. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.1) RAYMOND LOUIS ARNOLD (Photos) born August 18, 1907 Salt Lake City and
died there May 9, 1986; graduated from Knox College 1929, B.S.; 1930 and through 1963 he was
involved with the Arnold Machinery Company - President 1945-68; became senior vice president of
Waterworks Equipment Company 1950; married January 1(2?), 1933 Isabelle Loren Wilson born
October 8, 1909 Galesburg. Isabelle attended Knox College 1926-30, 1931-32, graduating with the
Class of 1932, B.S.; 1963 they resided at 1948 Claremont Way, Salt Lake City; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.1.1) SUSAN MARIE ARNOLD born January 20, 1935 Salt Lake City UT; married
June 24, 1960 at Palo Alto CA George William Mitchell, Jr., born April 1, 1932 Sudbury, Ontario,
Canada; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.1.1.1) MARK DAVID MITCHELL born June 28, 1962 Palo Alto CA; married July 3,
1993 in Colorado, Lisa Lynette Fransen born November 12, 1963 Grosse Pointe MI
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.1.1.2) KATHERINE ANN MITCHELL born December 8, 1964 Palo Alto CA
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.1.2) ROBERT CLARK ARNOLD born April 4, 1942 Salt Lake City UT; married 1st
March 18, 1967 at Salt Lake City, Karen South and 2d April 7, 1984 at Salt Lake City, Kathleen
Hughes Berger born September 12, 1936
(5.1.1.5.4.56.3.6.1.3) JOHN RAYMOND ARNOLD born May 31, 1945 Salt Lake City
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.2) FRANKLIN ARNOLD born November 30, 1911 Salt Lake City UT and died there
November 17, 1953; attended Knox College, 1931-32; graduated from the U. of Utah, 1936. Vice
President Waterworks Equipment Company, Salt Lake City. He married November 30, 1936 Mary
Louise Twelves born May 17, 1915 and died October 19, 1976 Salt Lake City. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.2.1) LOUIS FRANKLIN ARNOLD born May 4, 1947; married 1st Kathleen Cooper
and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.2.1.1) MARY ARNOLD born January 18, 1973
Louis Arnold married 2d August 28, 1981 at Salt Lake City, Helen Elizabeth Forsberg born
May 2, 1951
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3) ROBERT GEORGE ARNOLD born August 7, 1916 Salt Lake City UT; President
Arnold Machinery 1968-84; married November 9, 1940 at Glendale CA, Margaret Ava Quigley born
November 21, 1913 Ava MO. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3.1) MARGARET ELLEN ARNOLD born June 21, 1942 Salt Lake City
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3.2) ROBERT LEWIS ARNOLD born October 13, 1944 Salt Lake City; married
October 13, 1973 at Brighton UT, Susan Karrick Riser born October 11, 1951 Salt Lake City. Born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3.2.1) BENJAMIN ROBERT ARNOLD born March 30, 1978 Denver CO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3.2.2) CHRISTOPHER KARRICK ARNOLD born April 22, 1981 Denver CO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.6.3.3) WILLIAM ANDREWS ARNOLD born September 6, 1953 Salt Lake City UT
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7) RAY MORTIMER ARNOLD (Photos) born January 30, 1880 Galesburg and died
there June 28, 1957; death was attributed to a severe asthma attack from which he had been a chronic
49
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
sufferer. He distinguished himself at Knox College, 1895-1902, graduating with the Class of 1902,
B.A., as a debater and an athlete, setting a college record for the mile-run which stood for many years;
Graduate Knox College, 1902. He gave an oration, “Ideals of Government”, during the Invocation at
the 1902 Commencement. Following graduation from Knox, he attended Harvard Law School where
he completed the three year course in two years and subsequently passed the Illinois Bar examinations
1904. During a temporary emergency at Knox College, he taught economics and history from 1906-10;
according to the 1908 Gale, he was the first Athletic Director of Knox College. He was a prominent
lawyer and civic leader in Galesburg and also owned large tracts of land in the Galesburg area. In the
early 1900s, he also became interested in Canada lands and acquired extensive holdings in
Saskatchewan and spent much time developing his property there and his Galesburg farm, which was a
part of the land, bought by his grandfather. He was a candidate for the state Senate in 1918. The last
few years of his life, he chief interests centered about his farm, Knox College, and Hope Cemetery,
serving as President of the cemetery association. He married June 5, 1915 at Blue Island, IL, Helen
Massey Rudd (Photos) born April 2, 1889 Blue Island and died April 17, 1977 Galesburg. Helen was
on the Knox Faculty, 1911-14, 1918-19, 1935-42, (1938 was Assistant Professor of French) and 194647. The Ray M. Arnold prize fund at Knox College was endowed in his memory. During WWI, Ray
was involved with the 2d and 4th Liberty Loans; Captain fifth Liberty Loan and Armenian-Syrian Relief
Fund; War Camp Community Recreation and United War Work campaigns; National YMCA Fund;
First Red Cross membership campaign; first and second Red Cross War Fund; War Savings Stamps;
Boys Scouts; Smileage Books; Legal Advisory Board; Fatherless Children of France; Exemption
Board; War Service League; and a Four-Minute Man. During WWI, Helen was Chairman of the Knox
County committee Fatherless Children of France. Both buried at Hope Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born
to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1) DAVID RUDD ARNOLD (Photo) born June 26, 1916 Galesburg; graduated from
Knox College, 1937, B.A., and trustee of that institution since 1969. The 1938 Gale lists his Knox
activities as: Beta Theta Pi; French Club 1,2; General Honors 1,2; Gale Staff 1,2; Business Manager 3;
Intramurals 1,2,3,4; K Council 2,3,4; Varsity Swimming 2,3; Varsity Track 2; Varsity Football 2,
Freshman Football; Freshman Track; Theatre Group 2,4; College Marshall; Key Club; Friars; German
Club 3; Board of Publications 4; Phi Beta Kappa; M.B.A., Harvard, 1939, Phi Beta Kappa; C.P.A.
(New York and Illinois); Price Waterhouse and Co.; Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co.; A.T. Kearney
and Co.; Gardner Board and Carton Co.; Vice President Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad;
Continental Can Company and retired from that organization as the Vice President of Finance 1980;
resides Darien CT; married May 2, 1942 at New York City, Jean Babbitt Gebhart born there May 4,
1916. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.1) STEVEN FERRIS ARNOLD (Photo) born March 8, 1944 Milwaukee WI;
graduate Knox College, 1966; Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at Pennsylvania State University
at College Station PA; married December 21, 1966 at Chicago, Rana McMurray born there January 10,
1944. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.1.1) TIMOTHY GEBHART ARNOLD born October 16, 1970 Appleton WI;
graduated Knox College 1994 - the 7th generation of the Arnold family to attend Knox College;
married August 9, 1992 at Alton IL, Julie Howell (1970-)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.1.2) CHRISTOPHER MCDONOUGH ARNOLD born October 15, 1975 State
College PA
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.2) NANCY BABBITT ARNOLD born March 3, 1946 Chicago IL; married 1969 at
Greenwich CT, Thomas French - divorced 1971; married 2d January 1996, Grady Wilson
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.3) JUDITH MASSEY ARNOLD born October 20, 1948 Chicago IL; married 1971 at
Princeton IL, Jerry Douglas Conner born there March 5, 1948; Mr. Conner is a private consultant with 29 years prior
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
experience as an account manager for some of the world’s best-known brands in retail, service and packaged goods. He has numerous
long-term relationships with senior marketing management, presidents, CEO’s and chairmen based on his career with two of the world’s
leading advertising/marketing agencies. Most recently, Mr. Conner was Executive Vice President and Group Account Director at Foote,
Cone & Belding, managing marketing responsibilities for nine clients ($150 million billings). Clients included Applebee’s International,
Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Company and IBP, Inc. During his 25-year tenure at Leo Burnett Company, Mr. Conner’s responsibilities included
serving as Executive Vice President and Worldwide Account Head of McDonald’s, responsible for the lead global agency for
McDonald’s covering the U.S. and 19 other countries. Earlier he served as Vice President and Account Director for Nestle, and Account
Executive and Account Supervisor of Swift & Co. and Starkist Corp.
They currently reside in Winnetka IL. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.3.1) JENNIFER FERRIS CONNER born January 30, 1979 Chicago
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.3.2) CAROLYN GEBHART CONNER born May 15, 1981 Chicago
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.3.3) KATHRYN MASSEY CONNER born June 21, 1983 Chicago
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.1.4) SCOTT GEBHART ARNOLD born March 5, 1952 Hamilton OH and died in
1980 Greenwich CT
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.2) PHILIP VALENTINE ARNOLD born October 10, 1919 Galesburg and died there
December 5, 1919
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3) HUGH HUDSON ARNOLD (Photo) born November 17, 1924 Galesburg IL;
attended Loomis Prep School in Connecticut; attended Amherst College for a year before serving with
the US Army Air Corps for 3 years during WWII; attended Knox College 1945-47 and graduated from
the U. of Colorado, 1948, B.A.; LL.B. Colorado U., 1951; from 1951-63, he was an attorney with the
First National Bank in Greeley; served as Judge in Greeley, 1963-93; now retired in Greeley. He
married at Galesburg September 7, 1947 Phyllis Short (Photo) [dau of William L] born July 29, 1925
Peoria IL. Phyllis graduated from Knox College with the Class of 1947, B.A. In 1963, they resided in
Greeley CO. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3.1) LAURIE ELIZABETH ARNOLD born August 14, 1951; married 1st November
28, 1974 Kellogg Speed Booth; is this the same Kellogg Speed Booth, PhD, 1975 UC-Berkley?; and 2d
June 25, 1982 Steve Struthers born January 3, 1948; and born to Laurie and Steve were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3.1.1) CAMERON ARNOLD STRUTHERS born March 25, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3.1.2) MACLEAN ROSS STRUTHERS born September 12, 1986
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3.2) CLARK HUDSON ARNOLD born October 11, 1954 and died March 4, 1972
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.7.3.3) ALLISON ARNOLD born August 17, 1959
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8) ELIZABETH HUDSON ARNOLD (photo) born January 15 (February 17?), 1882
Galesburg and died August 11, 1968 Los Angeles CA; attended Knox College, 1899-1904, graduating
with the Class of 1904, B.A. According to the 1905 Gale she was a member of the Senior Dramatic
Club. She married December 28, 1909 at Galesburg, Dr. Charles LeRoy Lowman of Los Angeles CA,
born December 25, 1879 Park Ridge IL and died April 17, 1977 Los Angeles; an orthopedic surgeon;
1963 resided at 7121 Senalda Road, Los Angeles CA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.1) ARNOLD LOWMAN born November 23, 1912 Los Angeles CA; married 1940 at
Los Angeles Dorothy Marie Shepard/Shepherd born March 30, 1909 Anoka MN and died May 13,
1985 Edina MN [dau of William Bledsoe & Clara A (Crandall) Shepherd]; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.1.1) BRENT LOWMAN born July 1, 1946 and died October 1976; married lady's
name unk but born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.1.1.1) DAVID LOWMAN died before 1986
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2) ELIZABETH HUDSON LOWMAN born January 15, 1917 Los Angeles CA;
married there July 28, 1938 H.L. Waldthausen born January 5, 1915 Newark NJ and died March 21,
1982 Las Vegas NV. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.1) DARREL WALDTHAUSEN born June 15, 1942 Sacramento CA; married
October 15, 1973 Nancy Richardson born 1944; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.1.1) ANA JALEH WALDTHAUSEN born April 9, 1976 Coban, Guatemala
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.1.2) SONJA ELIZABETH WALDTHAUSEN born January 7, 1981 Coban,
Guatemala
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.1.3) CLIFFORD ALEXANDER WALDTHAUSEN born October 23, 1987 Coban,
Guatemala
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.2) RONALD WALDTHAUSEN born November 12, 1942/3 Oakland CA; married
January 16, 1971 at Pueblo CO, Georgia Wasserman born May 23, 1945; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.2.1) CRIS WALDTHAUSEN born October 25, 1974 Pueblo CO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.2.2) MARC WALDTHAUSEN born February 2, 1976 Pueblo CO
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.3) JANICE WALDTHAUSEN born February 8, 1951 Las Vegas NV; married 1st
Dusty Mills; married 2d Ronald Gerrity; and born to her and Dusty was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.8.2.3.1) TOM MILLS born December 11, 1970 Las Vegas NV
(5.1.1.5.4.6.3.9) HARRIETT BEATRICE ARNOLD (Photo) born August 27, 1884 Galesburg and died
September 6, 1940 Burlingame CA; graduate Knox College 1906. During WWI, she was involved in
Red Cross work in the Galesburg shop; supervisor of Surgical dressings; took course in surgical
dressings; Council National Defense; Victory Girls; Girls’ Patriotic League; Food and Conversation.
She married July 12, 1921 Alfred Stickney
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4) TIMOTHY HUDSON (HARVEY) FERRIS born August 27, 1845 Galesburg and
died March 14, 1919 St. Mary's Hospital, Galesburg; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. [Note:
Timothy's obituary identifies his as Timothy Henry.] Mr. Ferris was a prominent farmer and stock
raiser and feeder, and was well known and respected by many friends. He is listed in the 1888 Farmers
& Land Owner’s Directory as owning 320 acres in Section 34 and 413 acres in Section 3-4-10 of
Galesburg. He is listed in the 1917 Prairie Farmer’s Reliable Directory of Farmer’s and Breeders of
Knox County; R3 Galesburg, Cedar Township, Section 2, owning 409 acres. Though not affiliated
with any church, he gave his financial help to the Congregational Church, it being the home and church
of his family and parents. Mr. Ferris was a moral, upright citizen, highly respected for his integrity
attained by his faith in God and he was sustained by Christian hope. The sons of the founders of
Galesburg are now few but the records of their lives are written in the development and character of
our city. [Galesburg Evening Mail, March 15, 1919.] He attended Knox College, 1861-63 and married,
May 13, 1868, at the home of Mrs. B. F. Arnold in Galesburg, Mary L. (S.?) Drew who born December
13, 1843, Howe MI and died March 14, 1916 at her home, 269 West Berrien Street, Galesburg. Mary
came to Illinois when a young girl of fifteen years and lived with her uncle at Wataga for several years
before marrying Timothy. For twenty years, Mary was a member of the Christian Science Church. She
found her greatest happiness in doing for loved ones in the home it is said and it was in her home that
she found her greatest peace [Galesburg Evening Mail, March 14, 1916.]; 1892-93 Galesburg City
Directory, Timothy H. Ferris is listed as a farmer and residing at 237 W. Berrien. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1) ARTHUR TIMOTHY FERRIS born September 4, 1869 Galesburg and died June
15, 1941 Los Angeles Co CA where he resided; attended Knox College 1887-93 and the University of
Illinois 1894-95; farmer; married June 10, 1902 Ina McGlinsey [mother’s maiden name was Morrow]
born November 15, 1882 Galesburg and died July 2, 1963 Los Angeles Co CA. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1) LELAND ARTHUR FERRIS born January 7, 1909 Galesburg IL and died August
16, 1988 Lancaster CA; married September 18, 1938 in Orange Co CA, Maude Evangelyn Polk [a
descendant of President Polk] born April 9, 1915 Orono ME and died February 22, 2000 Quartz Hill
CA. Born to him and his wife were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.1) MARJORIE JEAN FERRIS born February 24, 1940; married April 29, 1962 in
Burbank CA, Clarence Albert Rottman and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.1.1) BARBARA JEAN ROTTMAN born December 21, 1963; married 1992 Kirk
Leavens
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.1.2) CHERYL MARIE ROTTMAN born June 5, 1967; married 1994 Kyle Barry
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2) PATRICIA FERRIS (1944-) married Richard Lee Rottman (brother to Clarence);
a USMC veteran (1960-64); in the well drilling business; reside in Quartz Hill CA; Patricia is the
provided of the updated information in this twig - thanks, Patricia. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2.1) RICHARD LEE ROTTMAN II (1964-) married 1st 1984 Kristi Mumaw divorced; married 2d Sheri {maiden name unk}; Rick is an electronics engineer and resides in
Maryland. Born to Richard and Krisit was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2.1.1) WHITNEY DAWN ROTTMAN (c1987-)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2.2) TIMOTHY LELAND ROTTMAN (1967-) married 1992 Janel Marie Nimigean;
Tim has his own medical courier business in Lancaster CA and Janel is a schoolteacher. Born to them
was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2.2.1) HANNAH LEE ROTTMAN born June 1988
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.1.2.2.2) CHLOE LYNNE ROTTMAN born February 18, 2001
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.2) DONALD HARVEY FERRIS born March 16, 1915 and died February 22, 2000;
buried Forest Lawn Cemetery with full military honors; WWII Veteran with service in Italy; never
married and lived in Los Angeles CA
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.3) EVERETT RAYMOND FERRIS born July 19, 1916 and died c1988; born to him
and his wife were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.3.1) LYNNE INA FERRIS in her 40's and lives in Glendale CA (2000)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.1.3.2) ROXANNE FERRIS in her 40's and lives in Glendale CA (2000)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.2) HARRIET LOUISE FERRIS ‘Hattie’ born November 25, 1871 on the family farm
three and half miles south of Galesburg and died January 18, 1899 Chicago IL; buried Hope Cemetery,
Galesburg; graduate Knox College 1893, B.L. When she was 4 years old, the family moved to
Galesburg; she studied music at the conservatory and also had a skill of painter of china; member of
Central Congregational Church. Harriet had been studying German and French at Lewis Institute in
Chicago with the idea of securing a job as a teacher. While she was attending school her father went to
Chicago and on January 5th went with his daughter to Union stockyards – she had a cold, which
progressed to pneumonia and she died – her remains were returned to Galesburg via railroad and taken
to the home on West Berrien.
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.3) (HARRY) DREW FERRIS born January 21, 1876 and died 1949; attended Knox
College 1894-95, 1896-97; listed in the 1917 Prairie Farmer’s Reliable Directory of Farmers and
Breeders of Knox County; R4 Galesburg, Galesburg Township, Section 34, owning 320 acres; married
January 18, 1906 Anne Rose Murphy born November 4, 1875 and died 1937; both buried in Linwood
Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.3.1) HENRY STEWART (STUART) FERRIS born July 6, 1908/10 Galesburg;
attended Knox College 1930-32 and also Brown's Business College in Galesburg; 1963 resided at 1193
Spruce St., Galesburg; married name unk and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.3.1.1) SON FERRIS (1954-)
(5.1.1.5.4.6.4.4) MARY FERRIS born June 11, 1880; may have been called Mamie
(5.1.1.5.4.6.5) HENRY BLANCHARD FERRIS born September 29, 1848 and died from jaundice
following ague February 9, 1853; buried on the corner south of the house; buried at Hope Cemetery,
Galesburg. ‘He was a beautiful black-eyed boy, the gem of the family’.
(5.1.1.5.4.6.6) CAROLINE ELIZABETH FERRIS 'Cala' born June 18, 1851 and died September
1854 by falling into a pail of hot water and being scalded; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7) LILLY (LILLIE) CORNELIA FERRIS born April 13, 1856 and died June 22, 1942
Los Angeles Co CA; DAR ID # 36653; married April 20, 1882 in Knox County IL, George
Washington Prince of Galesburg [son of Myron & Anna Barbara (Fast) Prince] born March 4, 1854
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Tazewell Co IL and died September 26, 1939; buried Inglewood Cemetery, Inglewood CA. Lilly
attended Knox College 1870-73, 1874-75; George attended Knox College 1872-78 graduating with the
Class of 1878, receiving his B.A. He was a lawyer; admitted to the bar in 1880 and started his practice
in Galesburg; Galesburg City Attorney, 1881-83; chairman of the Republican country central
committee of Knox County, 1884; member of State house of representatives in 1888; reelected in
1890; unsuccessful candidate for attorney general of Illinois in 1892; elected as a republican to the
Fifty-Fourth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Philip Sidney Post; reelected to the
Fifty-Fifth and the seven succeeding Congresses and served from December 2, 1895 to March 3, 1913;
moved to Los Angeles in 1913 and continued the practice of law; retired from active business pursuits
in 1917 and resided in Los Angeles; in Who's Who. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.1) FREDERIC ALMYRON PRINCE born July 25, 1883 Galesburg and died September
3, 1951 Los Angeles Co CA; attended Knox College 1898-1901, 1902-03 and attended West Point;
Served in WWI as Lieutenant Colonel with the field artillery; in Regular Army from 1908 through
1930; retired as a Colonel; married November 2, 1908 Guyla Seaton (Gyla Fern Seaton) of Zielienople,
PA born May 12, 1887 and died February 2, 1970 Los Angeles Co CA. In 1963, they resided in Los
Angeles CA. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.1.1) FREDERICK SEATON PRINCE born December 11, 1910 CA and died November
1, 1991 Riverside Co CA
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.1.2) FREDERICK S. PRINCE born 1911 [listed in the Knox Alumnus Directory, but not
in C.F. Gettemy's book.] This may be a duplicate entry – probably Frederick Seaton Prince.
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.1.3) ROBERT FERRIS PRINCE born July 1, 1916
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.2) GEORGE WASHINGTON PRINCE, JR., (Photos) “Dub” born October 9, 1887
Galesburg IL and died September 10, 1971 Los Angeles Co CA; graduated Knox College 1908, A.B.;
LL.B. Harvard, 1911; George Washington U., 1905-06; Trustee of Knox College, 1958-64; lawyer,
senior partner of Overton, Lyman & Plumb, Los Angeles CA. From the 1909 Gale: “Father wants me
to read law, but I think I’ll teach oratory.” He married, May 13, 1913, Alice Kingsbury Lewis who born
November 29, 1884, Galesburg IL and died March 21, 1964 in Los Angeles County CA. She attended
Knox College, 1899-1906; 1963 resided in L.A.; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.2.1) MARY PRINCE born December 7, 1914
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.2.2) CHARLES LEWIS PRINCE born November 13, 1917
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.3) HENRY FERRIS PRINCE (photo) born December 3, 1889 Galesburg IL and died
October 23, 1970 Los Angeles Co CA; attended Knox College 1907-09, 1910-11 graduating with the
Class of 1911, B.S.; LL.B. Harvard, 1914 – a lawyer and senior partner, Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher,
634 S. Spring St., Los Angeles CA. Member of the 1909 Knox College football team: listed as 18 years
of age, 6-foot and 137 pounds; played right end; also on Knox Basketball team as the center. In 1963,
they resided at 753 S. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles. He married, May 1, 1915, Marie Smith born February
20, 1892 Galesburg; attended Knox College 1910-11
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.4) IRVING HUDSON PRINCE born December 17, 1892 Galesburg and died March 20,
1957 Los Angeles Co CA; served overseas during WWI as a Captain with the 347th F.A., or Battery E,
346th F.A.; entered the service May 14, 1917 at San Francisco CA; overseas, AEF France, from June
29, 1918 to January 15, 1919; discharged February 8, 1919; graduated Knox College 1914, B.S.; LL.B.
Harvard, 1917; on the legal staff of the State Department and a lawyer with Overton, Lyman and
Prince, Los Angeles CA; married August 25, 1917 Mary Potter (Photo) born November 22, 1891
Toulon IL and died May 26, 1957 Los Angeles Co CA; she graduated from Knox College 1913, B.A;
he was Sophomore Class President and she was Junior Class President at Knox, the same year. Born to
them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.4.1) PHILIP HUDSON PRINCE born August 16, 1923 – is this the same guy that
54
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
graduated from Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles CA 1941?
(5.1.1.5.4.6.7.5) JAMES CORBIN PRINCE (Jamie) born October 13, 1896 and died December 2,
1896; buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.7) LAURA FERRIS born December 4, 1811 Norway NY and died February 25, 1831;
before the move to Illinois; buried Gravesville Cemetery, Russia, Herkimer, NY; unmarried
(5.1.1.5.4.8) HARRIET NEWELL (NEVIL) FERRIS born June 23, 1816 Norway NY on her
father's farm and died December 12, 1851, two months after the birth of her last child; buried with her
husband at Hope Cemetery; married March 10, 1836 James Bunce (Photo) , a young physician born
May 25, 1805 Newton, Lower Falls, MA and died December 3, 1862 Galesburg. James was the son of
James Bunce, owner of a paper mill in Newton Lower Falls MA; a lineal descendant of William Hagar,
one of the first freemen to take the oath in America. In early life, James was compelled to earn his own
living in various capacities, as opportunities offered, his father having died, leaving a large family.
Young James finally, however, found himself well enough advanced to matriculate at Jefferson
Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he received his medical degree. With him and their infant
son James migrated to Knox County with her father in June 1837. Dr. Bunce was the first physician in
the pioneer settlement at Log City and the only one for several years in Galesburg, where he was held
in the highest esteem both for his professional ability and for his high character and personal qualities.
He was present at the death of Silvanus Ferris. Early in 1841, when Galesburg was organized as a
town or village, Dr. Bunce was in the first election ever held in the town and made a member of the
village board and on April 22 of that year, he was appointed a member of the committee to prepare a
set of by-laws, which the committee did and reported back to the board for adoption. In 1844, Dr.
Bunce was elected as a member of the Board of Trust of Knox College and served in that capacity until
his death in 1862. In 1849, the village board created a board of health, of which Dr. Bunce was a
member, together with Dr. Babcock and Dr. White. An epidemic of cholera was sweeping through the
land, and the appointment of this board meant that every precaution should be taken to prevent its
spread into the town. In 1853, Dr. Bunce was re-elected a member of the village board and was made
its president, as was he again, he 1854. As editor of the News-Letter, he acquired considerable
reputation in journalism, while as a citizen he took an active part in the building of the CB&Q railroad
line. He was for many years Attending Surgeon of that road, and a member of the Board of Directors.
He was Medical Examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and also served for
some years as County Physician. Harriet was prominent in all the social and religious activities of the
town and college. After Harriet's death, James remarried, in October 1854, Mary Ann Davis of LeRoy
NY and born to them was a son. Born to Harriet and James were:
(5.1.1.5.4.8.1) JAMES FERRIS BUNCE born January 3, 1837 Norway NY and died May 12, 1849
Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.8.2) FRANCES MARIA BUNCE born March 31, 1839 Galesburg and died August 3, 1867;
attended Knox College 1851-55 and was on the Faculty, 1859-59
(5.1.1.5.4.8.3) CAROLINE ELIZABETH BUNCE born September 27, 1841 Galesburg and died
February 1, 1876; attended Knox College 1853-56, 1863, 1870-71
(5.1.1.5.4.8.4) SARAH OLMSTEAD BUNCE born May 17, 1844 Galesburg and died November 2,
1911; attended Knox College 1857-63 graduating with the Class of 1863; married November 13, 1867
Dr. Maximilian Gustaf Raefle born at Salem in the province of Baden, Germany. He came to this
country, studied medicine at the Humboldt College, St. Louis MO. He was commissioned Surgeon in
the US Navy, and served under Admirals Farragut and Porter. He was a member of the La Fayette Post,
Grand Army of the Republic. They removed to New York City. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.8.4.1) MAXIMILIAN BUNCE RAEFLE born January 13, 1870 and died July 17, 1870
(5.1.1.5.4.8.4.2) VERONA BEATRICE RAEFLE born October 18, 1878
55
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.8.5) GEORGE HARVEY BUNCE born January 14, 1847 and died February 26, 1848
(5.1.1.5.4.8.6) HARRIET NEWELL BUNCE born October 26, 1851 Galesburg; attended Knox
College, 1870-71
[In the 1837-1963 Knox Directory, a Charles Bunce is listed as a son of Dr. James and Harriet (Ferris)
Bunce. The information from the Directory is listed here for further reference: He born at Westford,
MA, October 13, 1835. {this info does not track with the above} He attended Knox College 1851-57
graduating with the Class of 1857 receiving his B.A.; M.A. 1860; M.D. Rush, 1861. He married, in
1871, Amanda Olsen who died in 1905. Born to them were: Caroline E., 1872; Charles O., (18741876); William O., (1877-1899); Grace, 1883. Charles was a physician and a surgeon. He served on
the staffs of Generals Willich and Post during the Civil War.]
GREAT-GREAT GRANDPARENTS
(5.1.1.5.4.9) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE FERRIS, Sr. born May 14, 1818 Norway,
Herkimer, NY on his father's farm, the youngest son of Silvanus, and died April 20, 1895 Riverside
CA; G.W.G was named for the Rev. G. W. Gale, the Presbyterian clergyman with whom Silvanus
formed a lifelong friendship that led to the founding of Knox College. He spent his first ten years in
Norway and his next six in Russia. G.W.G went out to the new country in the fall of 1836, and there
he remained awaiting the final arrival of his parents and family members that came in the summer of
1837. He married, September 3, 1840 in Knox Co, Martha Edgerton Hyde born October 24, 1820/21
Plattsburg NY and died March 23, 1897 [dau of Jabez Perkins and Martha (Edgerton) Hyde] [adopted
dau of Henry Willcox]; she had come to Galesburg in the fall of 1836 with a party of Vermonters who
had heard of Dr. Gale's plan for founding a college and were attracted to it by the opportunity of
exchanging their lot among the Green Mountains to the broad fertile prairies of Illinois. After their
marriage, they immediately began farming on the land given by his father, owning at one time, some
1,200 acres, so he added greatly to the original gift of 640 acres from his father, on which he ran a dairy
with 115 cows. In the 1850 census, Martha is credited with $10,000 of real estate. In the 1860 census,
he is listed as a farmer with $40,000 in real estate and $4,863 in personal property. But in 1864, he
became a victim of the 'western fever', which seemed to run in the Ferris blood, and he set out by
wagon for Carson City NV, [this move is discussed in Letter #3 to Frederick]{“In 1864 I went to
Nevada and settled in Carson City, having sold my farm. I lost $10,000 to $12,000.00 by the change.
The money that I realized from the sale of my property here (in Galesburg) was in greenbacks, but in
Carson City gold was used and as that was at a market premium, I lost heavily in exchanging the
greenbacks for gold”. Galesburg IL Newspaper, 1887} He made the trip with his wife and eight of his
ten children, being nearly five months on the way. Here he lived until 1880, when he moved onto
California, settling in Riverside, as one of the early settlers and founders. The trip to Nevada was
made when G.W.G. Jr., was five years old and daughter Mary was three years old. Carson City was
only six years old when G.W.G. and his family arrived. The city had been settled in 1858 as trading
post and named in honor of Kit Carson, the American frontiersman. When Nevada was made a state in
1864, Carson City was named the capitol and it was G. W .G. Ferris who planted the trees around the
state capitol grounds; they were still standing in 1946 and may still be there. [1996 visit - there are old
trees on the capitol grounds – see photos.] During their first six years in Nevada, the Ferris family
lived in a fertile valley a few miles south of Carson City. Their ranch was not far from where Billie
Cradlebaugh had built a bridge across the Carson River, and near the present town of Minden. The
family later moved to Carson City, where they built a home, in 1869, at 311 South Division Street. It
was known as the Ardery House, named after Alexander M. Ardery, G.W.G.'s son-in-law. It was
restored in 1978 and placed on the National Register of Historical Places in February 1979. It is now
called the Ferris Mansion. [Jim - it was a very special experience to be able to go into this house and
56
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
walk where G.W.G. had walked; 1996] [The home has been renamed the “Sears-Ferris House”, since it
has been determined that the home was actually built by Gregory Sears; July 27, 2000.] “A prominent
feature of the agriculture of 1871-72 was the attempt, or the beginning of planting and raising shade,
ornamental and forest trees. The most prominent man in connection with this was G.W.G. Ferris, who
imported a great number of eastern forest trees, such as hickory, black walnut, butter-nut, chestnut,
hard and soft maple and many other varieties”. In Ormsby County were 125 walnut trees, 125 elms,
300 box-elders, 1,000 white maples, presumably the property of G.W.G. Ferris, who had manifested a
commendable enterprise in the planting. In the 1875 Carson City directory, he is listed as 'farmer and
horticulturist'. From the Las Vegas Review-Journal, September 20, 1999: When George Washington
Gale Ferris secured the contract to plant trees around the state capitol in the 1870s, he mainly chose
elms, trees that he knew. Seedlings from Illinois were sent by train to Carson City. Ferris did the
landscaping for all of Carson City. The trees he planted give the Capitol its distinction.” G.W.G. made
four trips across the country after settling in California, by railroad; subsequent to 1869, when the
transcontinental railroad was completed. He visited his old home in Illinois twice, one in 1887, on
which occasion he was in the disastrous wreck of a Niagara Falls excursion train at Chatsworth IL
which occurred on August 10 of that year, when 85 persons were killed and 215 were injured; he
escaped without serious injuries and assisted numerous of the victims through the car windows. His
last trip east was in 1893, when, at the World's Fair in Chicago, he shared with paternal pride the great
engineering triumph of his son and namesake, the inventor of the Ferris Wheel. On the occasion of this
visit to Illinois, he attended, with his wife, at Galesburg on September 5, a great picnic reunion of the
Ferris family at Lake George, east of the city, attended by some 60 members of the clan. (Jim - I am
not sure of the birth order of G.W.G.'s sons, so I am putting them in the following order until research
proves otherwise.) In the 1889 Riverside City and County Directory, GWG is listed as a horticulturist
at the corner of Magnolia and Madison, Riverside. His obituary from the Galesburg Republican
Register, April 22, 1895 reads as follows: Ferris, G. W. - a telegram received yesterday afternoon told
of the death of the father of Fred Ferris. G. W. was 77 years old and died at his home in Riverside
California Saturday night. The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Ferris and came to his
country with his parents at an early age. He assisted the Rev. George Gale in founding Galesburg. He
remained here until 1864 when he disposed of his farm he owned west of the city and in company with
a number of others he started by wagon across the plains for Carson City, Nevada where he remained
for sometime finally going to southern California. He was a Christian in every since of the word and
since coming to Galesburg helped to establish the Brick Congregational Church. He married Martha
Hyde in Galesburg, she survived him. Also surviving were children: Fred of Galesburg, Benjamin of
Riverside, George W. G. of Wheel fame, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Maggie Danburg of Carson
City, Nevada, Mrs. Callie Barber of Riverside, Mrs. Mattie Shultz and Mrs. Mary Ardway of Carson
City. Born to George and Martha were: (48 grandkids)
GREAT GRANDPARENTS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1) FREDERICK HYDE FERRIS
born May 13, 1843
Galesburg, Knox, IL and died September 17,1925 at the Galesburg Cottage Hospital; (residence at
death as per death certificate was 145 E. Main St, Galesburg; death certificate lists him as Fred H.
Ferris) (cause of death senility and arterio-sclerosis) buried at Hope Cemetery; attended Knox College
1859-61; married September 26,1865 in Knox Co IL, Elizabeth Adelaide Sherman [dau of Samuel &
Azuhab (Green) Sherman] born 1843 NY and died in 1888(?85/95?) (April 9, 1881). Elizabeth, her
parents, and siblings are all found in the 1850 census as being in Knox County, so her family must
57
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
have moved to Knox County 1843-50. The old letters we have are this gentleman's (see other papers
regards his Civil War service and pension papers.) In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory, F. H.
Ferris is listed as a traveling salesman and residing at 517 N. Academy. He is listed in the 1880 census
as a salesman. Obit: “Fred H. Ferris, 145 East Main Street, a native of Galesburg, died at Galesburg
Cottage Hospital Thursday evening, September 17, 1925 after a long illness of three years. Born in
Galesburg May 15, 1843 where he resided all his life. Enlisted for service in the civil war and served 1
½ years 33d Illinois Infantry. Towards the end of the war he was a Lieutenant stationed with colored
Regiment. Married September 26, 1865 Elizabeth Sherman. Mrs. Ferris died 1896. Of a family of 13
children, 8 survive him, George Ferris, Roseville, Calif; Mrs. Margaret Bakewell, Los Angeles, Calif;
L. C. Ferris, Galesburg; E. R. Ferris, Fairview; Grant Ferris, J. C. Ferris of Chicago; Mrs. Mayme
Schultz, Carson City, Nev.; Mrs. Margaret Dangberg, Berkley, Calif; Mrs. Callie Barber, Long Beach,
Calif; Mr. Ferris of Riverside, Calif; 50 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. Internment in family lot
in Hope Cemetery.” (Civil War info is not totally correct.) Born to Fred and Elizabeth were
(presumably all born in Knox County IL):
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1) GEORGE FREDERICK FERRIS born May 23, 1866 Illinois, presumably Knox
Co, and died March 15, 1948 Placer Co CA; married June 18, 1889 in Knox Co IL, Carrie L. Allbaugh
(Albaugh) (Albragh) (she is listed as 41y in 1910) who died 1932 (there is a Carrie L Ferris born
August 5, 1875 and died Los Angeles Co CA, May 11, 1962 – not sure this is correct one.] (Caroline
Nevada Albaugh born May 2, 1868); in the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory, George F. Ferris is
listed as a brakeman and residing at 413 Lombard; this family is listed in the 1910 Clark Co NV (Las
Vegas) census, in which he is listed as a railroad conductor; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1) GRACE ELEANOR FERRIS (Grace Elnora) born (March 10, 1889) March 10,
1890 IL and died February 23, 1955 Placer Co CA; she was living with her parents in Las Vegas in
1910; married 1st, January 12, 1911 Frank Malone - divorced - born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1.1) JOHN FERRIS MALONE (Jack?) born August 12, 1912
Grace married 2d Eugene Vaughn and born to them were (It appears, the order of marriages
may be reversed here – if that is true, then Grace would have had 3 kids before she married for the 2d
time, at age 20y (if the dates are correct), so obviously confusion abounds with this twig) (as pointed
out by John Price, the same given names and last surnames is too much of a coincidence – believe this
info on the following Frank, Martha, and Frederic is incorrect, but will leave until further clarification):
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1.2) FRANK ALLBAUGH VAUGHN married Alcesta Marion Goodrich
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1.3) MARTHA CATLIN VAUGHN married Ralph H. Gilliland
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1.4) FREDERIC HYDE VAUGHN married December 13, 1930 Gertrude Bailey
(possible error in that another Gertrude Bailey was married in 1930 to his Uncle Frederick below) and
born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.1.4.1) GEORGE FREDERIC VOUGH born February 15, 1932
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.2) FRANK ALLBAUGH FERRIS born (October 2, 1890) October 2, 1891 IL and
died November 27, 1975 Los Angeles Co CA; living with his parents in Las Vegas 1910 as a caller on
the railroad; married (Elsie) Alcosta Marion Goodrich
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.3) MARTHA CATLIN FERRIS born May 3/4, 1898 IL; living with her parents in
Las Vegas 1910; married 1st Ralph Gilliland and they had a son; married 2d Glen Warren
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.4) FREDERICK HYDE FERRIS born February 20, 1910 NV; married 1930
Gertrude Bailey; the wills of Fred H & Gertrude F Ferris were filed in Las Vegas March 30, 1995,
presume same folks; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.4.1) GEORGE FREDERICK FERRIS (Photo)
Obituary: Funeral services for George Frederick Ferris, 73, who died Thursday, November 24, 2005,
will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 4, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave. Interment
58
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
folloing at Palm Memorial Park, 6701 N. Jones Blvd. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Lobaugh, pastor of the
Summerlin Presbyterian Church will conduct the services. George was a U.S. Navy veteran of the
Korean War. He was born February 15, 1932, in Fallon, and retired chief of electrical services for the
City of Las Vegas after 34 years. George was a 73 year resident of Las Vegas and was an elder in the
First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Las Vegas High School and attended the University of
Southern California. From a pioneer Nevada family George’s great-great uncle George W. G. Ferris
invented the Ferris wheel, his great-great grandfather built the Ferris mansion, now a historical site in
Carson City, and in 1907, his grandfather, Claude Bailey was one of the first Union Pacific Engineers
in Las Vegas. George is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pauline; son, Dr. Jeffrey Ferris of Lake
Tahoe; daughter, Cynthia Diana Ferris-Bennett of Henderson; grandchildren, Connor Ferris, Kendal
Ferris and Joey Byne; step grandchildren, Nathan Bennett, Carey Fizet and Kathryn Bennett, all of
California; and three great-grandchildren.
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.4.1.1) JEFFREY FERRIS, M.D
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.4.1.2) CYNTHIA DIANA FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.1.4.2) RICHARD FRANKLIN FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2) MARGARET BLANCHE FERRIS born October 13,1867/8; married July 4, 1889 at
Riverside CA, Thomas Bakewell [son of Thomas & Josephine Alden (Maitland)] born February 28,
1862 PA and died August 7, 1949 Riverside Co CA; she was living in Los Angeles CA when Fred, her
father, died. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.1) ALDEN STEVENSON BAKEWELL born June 4 (26), 1890 and died November
21, 1890
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.2) HARDING FERRIS BAKEWELL (Photo) born August 4, 1891 CA and died
February 16, 1968 San Diego Co CA; married April 25, 1926 Louise Harrison {there was a Louise
Hanson Bakewell born April 6, 1901 Iowa and died March 17, 1979 Monterey Co CA – not sure this is
the same person.}. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.2.1) KATHERINE BLAIR BAKEWELL born March 25, 1928
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.2.2) LOUISE ALDEN BAKEWELL born November 27, 1930
Bakewell v. Bakewell (1942) 21 C2d 224
[L. A. 18422
Cal Sup Ct
Nov., 9, 1942]
G. G. BAKEWELL, Respondent, v. HARDING F. BAKEWELL, Appellant.
COUNSEL
C. E. Spencer, E. R. Young and E. L. Searle for Respondent.
George R. Larwill, Frank S. Balthis, Jr., Michael F. Shannon and Thomas A. Wood for Appellant.
OPINION
SHENK, J.
This is a petition by the defendant for the writ of supersedeas to stay the effect of a judgment pending his
appeal. The judgment is entitled "JUDGMENT (Interlocutory)." If it is, in truth, an interlocutory judgment, an
appeal therefrom does not lie and the petitioner is not entitled to the writ.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
In May, 1942, after a partial hearing, the court made findings of fact and conclusions of law, and rendered a
judgment {Page 21 Cal.2d 225} which, as stated, was called an interlocutory judgment. The conclusions of law and
judgment include intermingled statements of fact and conclusions of law, but the following clearly appears:
The plaintiff G. G. Bakewell and the defendant Harding F. Bakewell were partners engaged in the manufacture
of airplane parts and machine tools under the name of "Bakewell Manufacturing Company."
In July, 1941, the plaintiff commenced an action to dissolve the partnership and wind up the partnership
affairs. On August 6, 1941, a receiver was appointed who has since been operating the business.
The trial court determined the existence of the partnership and the plaintiff's right to a dissolution; that during
the existence of the partnership the defendant had obtained title to six letters-patent covering a mechanical device
known as the Bakewell Precision Tapping Machine, and that the defendant holds the same in trust for plaintiff
and himself as copartners; that plaintiff is entitled to the repayment of $10,895.88, as an advancement beyond his
agreed contribution, and that certain other charges and credits should be made in each partner's account. The
judgment provided that a division be made of the cash, accounts receivable and securities in kind, and that the
remainder of the assets and the good will of the business be sold; that the physical assets of the partnership plant
were being used exclusively for the manufacture of machines necessary for the defense of the United States in the
present world conflict; that the conduct of the business could not be stopped without interfering with the war
efforts of the United States, and that the partnership should be wound up as soon as it could be done without
interrupting those activities.
The judgment ordered the defendant to deliver to the receiver the original letters-patent and the official receipts
for applications within fifteen days after entry of the judgment, and to execute and deliver to the receiver certain
assignments in respect to the patents, which the receiver was directed to record. It also ordered other acts to be
done and reports to be made by the receiver, and granted certain injunctive relief against wrongful assignment by
the defendant or any interference with the receiver's conduct and management of the business. It decreed the
plaintiff's right to money due him from the partnership, but left the amount thereof, and {Page 21 Cal.2d 226} the
proper distribution of sums derived from the operation of the business and the sale of the assets for ascertainment
by the court for incorporation in the final judgment. It was found, however, that in August, 1937, the plaintiff
advanced $10,895.88 to and for the benefit of the partnership beyond his agreed contribution and that he is
entitled to immediate repayment of that sum. The judgment ordered "that said receiver shall immediately pay said
sum to plaintiff from the funds of the partnership in his possession."
The judgment further provided "that final judgment herein shall provide for payment of the sums due plaintiff,
and for the payment of all costs, expenses, charges and accounts of said receiver, and payment of all claims
against the partnership and said receiver, and for distribution of the sums derived from the operation of said
business and the sale of said assets in accordance with the findings and conclusions of law heretofore filed herein,
and shall also provide that this court shall retain jurisdiction in this matter to enable it to determine the validity of
all claims against the partnership and its assets, receive and settle all accounts of said receiver, fix and determine
all fees and charges of said receiver and his attorneys, make all orders necessary in connection with the conduct
of said receivership, make from time to time all orders necessary to complete the windup of the partnership
between plaintiff and said defendant Harding F. Bakewell, on termination of the receivership to declare the
partnership fully terminated and wound-up, and make all orders necessary to carry the judgment into effect."
With conceivable justification the defendant became apprehensive that the judgment was not truly
interlocutory as denominated, and filed his notice of appeal on May 20, 1942. On June 9, 1942, the receiver filed
a report pursuant to the directions contained in the judgment, and sought instructions from the court upon the
taking of the appeal and the refusal of the defendant to comply with the order for delivery of original letterspatent and assignments. The plaintiff moved for orders based on the receiver's report. Before the hearing on the
motion the defendant commenced the present proceeding to stay the effect of the judgment pending the appeal.
This court issued an order to show cause coupled with a limited temporary stay to the end that the conduct and
management of the partnership by the receiver be not interrupted.
An appeal lies only from a final judgment unless an appeal {Page 21 Cal.2d 227} from an interlocutory decree or
judgment is expressly authorized by law. (Johnson v. Solomons, 124 Cal.App. 43 [12 P.2d 140]; People's Ditch
Co. v. Foothill Irrigation District, 103 Cal.App. 321 [284 P. 514]; see § 963, Code Civ. Proc.) The defendant
does not contend that his appeal is based on any provision of law save the provision of said section 963 which
allows an appeal from a final judgment.
60
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
[1] The general test for determining whether the judgment is final is "that where no issue is left for future
consideration except the fact of compliance or noncompliance with the terms of the first decree, that decree is
final, but where anything further in the nature of judicial action on the part of the court is essential to a final
determination of the rights of the parties, the decree is interlocutory." (Lyon v. Goss, 19 Cal.2d 659 [123 P.2d
11].)
[2] A consideration of the issues and of the terms of the judgment discloses that further judicial action on the
part of the trial court must be had before all the rights of the parties can be finally determined. Further audit of the
partnership books is required and the receiver is directed to report thereon in order that the court may ascertain
the amounts due as between the partners. (Compare Gunder v. Gunder, 208 Cal. 559 [282 P. 794]; Middleton v.
Finney, 214 Cal. 523 [6 P.2d 938, 78 A.L.R. 1104].) The court did not finally determine the relative rights of the
partners in the partnership assets. Those rights have yet to be ascertained. The judgment did not assume to
establish the proportional rights by the use of percentages. (Compare Zappettini v. Buckles, 167 Cal. 27 [138 P.
696].) Notwithstanding the declared effect of the judgment that the receiver "shall immediately pay" to the
plaintiff the sum of $10,895.88 out of the assets of the estate, the subsequent provisions of the judgment make it
reasonably clear that the payment is directed to be made upon the entry of the final judgment thereafter to be
rendered.
On appeal from the final judgment the rulings and decision of the court on all the issues are reviewable. (Code
Civ. Proc., § 956.) Only one final judgment may be entered in an action. (Middleton v. Finney, supra; Doudell v.
Shoo, 159 Cal. 448 [114 P. 579].) The fact that the court in the judgment before us assumed improperly to
establish certain rights of the parties and to make orders therein effective immediately is not alone sufficient to
render it a final judgment. This fact may have served as justification for the {Page 21 Cal.2d 228} present
application, but upon a declaration by this court that the judgment is in effect interlocutory it will not be assumed
that the trial court will attempt to enforce those provisions of the judgment which are improperly declared to be
immediately effective.
Since the petition fails to present a case where no further questions can come before the trial court except such
as are necessary to carry the judgment into effect, the petitioner is not at this time entitled to the writ of
supersedeas. But since the judgment contains provisions which taken alone were improperly incorporated in an
interlocutory judgment and are therefore subject to the objections noted, the denial of the application should be
without prejudice.
The cases of Perry v. West Coast Bond & Mortgage Co., 136 Cal.App. 557 [29 P.2d 279]; Sondergard v.
Breaum, 83 Cal.App. 352 [256 P. 580], and People's Ditch Co. v. Foothill Irrigation District, supra, relied upon
by the defendant, are not controlling. In those cases it appeared that the judgment determined all of the issues.
The order to show cause is discharged and the petition is denied without prejudice.
Gibson, C.J., Curtis, J., Edmonds, J., Carter, J., Traynor, J., and Spence, J. pro tem., concurred.
Jim – this is Harding Ferris Bakewell vs his brother?
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.3) SHERMAN PAGE BAKEWELL born November 13, 1892 CA and died November
18, 1971 Los Angeles Co CA; served on a destroyer in the Irish Sea during WWI; married July 21,
1922 Maude Elsie Forte (Jones)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.4) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE BAKEWELL born March 6, 1894; served in
WWI; was a Lieutenant and reached the front lines two days before the Armistice; married September
9, 1919 Eleanor Carman and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.4.1)THEODORE ALLEN BAKEWELL born February 10, 1932
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.2.5) DALE MAITLAND BAKEWELL born August 10, 1895 CA and died February 22,
1984 San Diego Co CA; served in WWI as a Lieutenant, stationed at Mare Island, San Diego; then on
the east coast and subsequently, back at San Diego; married September 14, 1929 Edna Stone born April
30, 1897 PA and died September 3, 1984 San Diego Co CA; last residence was Rancho Santa Fe, San
Diego
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3) LORENTUS CONGER FERRIS ‘Uncle Bess’ born January 14, 1869 Galesburg,
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Knox, IL and died there April 4, 1958 at the Harvey Nursing Home; (residence at death was 1257 N.
Broad St., Galesburg) (cause of death acute coronary occlusion and hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart
disease) married July 1, 1891 in Warren County IL, Ida M. Morgan [dau of Peter & Catharine (Harris)
Morgan] (1873-1948). Born buried in Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. The first six years in L.C.s life
were passed on the farm where he born, thence, he resided in Galesburg. He attended the public
schools until he was old enough to make his own way in the world and engaged in lathing for two
years. At the expiration of that time he gave up this trade and for three years thereafter drove a dray,
continuing at home until he attained his maturity. In 1925, he was the proprietor of L. C. Ferris
Furniture, Piano, and Baggage Transfer at 132 S. Prairie St., Galesburg. (see separate paper on L.C.)
From The Galesburg Evening Mail, February 14, 1927: ‘The L.C. Ferris Transfer line was established
in Galesburg more than 13 years ago and has done considerable to bring more families to Galesburg
through its long distance hauling. The company has offices at 132 South Prairie street and is fully
equipped for any kind of hauling, transportation, or moving jobs’. They resided at 198 Cedar Avenue
in Galesburg. Ida and her daughters held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and took a
helpful interest in the work of its various organizations. According to Jim F VanGieson, L. C. was
called “Best Boy” by his mother and this became “Bess”. Born to L.C. and Ida were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1) ETHEL MORGAN FERRIS (Photos) born August 8, 1892 Galesburg, Knox, IL;
attended Knox College 1916-18; married June 29, 1920 Earl Marcellus Van Gieson (1891-1969) who
operated a furniture store; 1963 they resided at 1259 N. Broad St., Galesburg; both buried Memorial
Park Cemetery, Galesburg IL. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1) JAMES FERRIS VAN GIESON (Photos) (born Earl Marcellus Van Gieson Jr but
name was changed) born June 23, 1921 Galesburg, Knox, IL [named after James C. Ferris
(5.1.5.4.9.1.5)]; graduated from Knox College 1943, B.A. [from the 1944 Gale: Beta Theta Pi; Pre-Law
Club 1,2,3; Vice-Pres. 2; K Council; R.O.T.C. 1,2,3,4; Spanish Club 1,2,3; Sec. 2; Theater Group, 1,2;
Swimming 2,3; Intramurals 1,2,3.]; a partner Ferris Moving and Storage Company and owner of Ferris
Furniture, 465 Mulberry Street, Galesburg; 1963 they resided at 3056 Lincoln Park Drive, Galesburg;
married 1950 Frances Cere Grothe born August 22, 1928 Washington, D.C – divorced. She graduated
from Knox College 1950 with a degree in Music Education – resides Galesburg IL; from the 1951 The
Gale: Delta Zeta; Honor Scholar, 2; Panhellenic Council, 2,3,4; secretary-treasurer, 4; Whiting Hall
Council, 2,3,4,; treasurer, 3; president, 4; YWCA, 1,2; chaplain, 2; Sigma Alpha Iota, 2,3,4,; treasurer,
4; Choir, 1,2,3,4. James resides at Bainbridge Island WA and graciously provided information and
photos – thanks Jim! Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.1) JULIE ELIZABETH VAN GIESON born April 14, 1953 - resides St. Charles IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.2) PETER GROTHE VAN GIESON born August 4, 1954; married July 6, 1986
Jeanne Shire - resides Springfield IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.2.1) SHELBY FERRIS VAN GIESON born March 22, 1987
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.2.2) KELSEY SHIRE VAN GIESON born October 21, 1989
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.3) JOHN FERRIS VAN GIESON born December 8, 1956 - resides Indianola WA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.4) KRISTOPHER JAMES VAN GIESON born June 25, 1960; married September
4, 1987 Kathryn McCarthy - resides Bainbridge Island WA; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.4.1) KIRA GREENLEAF MCGIESON (?) born July 26, 1990
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.1.4.2) ISAK J. FERRIS MCGIESON (?) born July 8, 1994
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2) ELIZABETH ANN VAN GIESON born January 11, 1923 Galesburg, Knox, IL
and died between 1975-80; attended Knox College 1942-43 and Iowa State College; married 1946
John Henry Scharnberg; 1963 they resided at 3049 Jasmine Street, Denver CO. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1) MICHAEL VAN SCHARNBERG born January 14, 1948; married 1968 Enid
Christensen - resides Seattle WA. Born to them were:
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1.1) EMMY VAN SCHARNBERG born March 18, 1969
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1.2) CLAIRE VAN SCHARNBERG born February 10, 1973
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1.3) JOHN HENRY VAN SCHARNBERG born June 21, 1976
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1.4) ALEXANDER VAN SCHARNBERG born March 25, 1983
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.1.2.1.5) SOPHIA ELIZABETH VAN SCHARNBERG born December 15, 1991
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.3.2) BESSIE (BESS MARIE) FERRIS (Photo) born April 4, 1894; married May 12,
1914 Ralph Philip Lee
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4) OLMSTEAD (UMSTEAD) F. FERRIS born April 12, 1870; 1957 resided Rock
Island IL. In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory, there is an Olmstead Ferris listed as a lather, Winn
Brothers and residing at 141 W. Ferris; married December 14, 1892 in Knox Co IL, Cora Edith Taylor
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.1) LESTER OTIS FERRIS born October 18, 1893; married April 15, 1913 Alice
Cozad - divorced 1923. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.1.1) LESTER OTIS FERRIS, JR., born September 9, 1916
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.2) WILLARD OLMSTEAD FERRIS born August 9, 1897 and died September 2,
1933
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.3) MYNARD FRANKLIN FERRIS born May 11, 1901; married September 25, 1920
Mabel Osborn and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.3.1) MYNARD FRANKLIN FERRIS Jr, (Photo) born July 31, 1922
From the May 30, 2004 Skagit Valley Herald
Regular Guys who did Amazing things
By DICK CLEVER City Editor
Bullets snapped into the sand around him. The small swale was all that was keeping him alive. The
Germans were pouring it on from the cliffs above them. Welcome to Omaha Beach, Normandy, DDay, June 6, 1944. Mynard Ferris, onetime lath and plaster man, was pressed against the swale, a small
outcropping carved by wave action at high tide. It was just past sunrise and he could see some of his
dead comrades crumpled in the sand nearby. His memories are like short film clips, somewhat
disjointed. But he remembers this very well. There was a half-track personnel carrier stopped on the
beach. The driver was draped over the side, the top of his head blown off. Looking at the dead man's
dangling arm Ferris noticed that he still had a watch on his wrist. "I thought, 'here he is, dead, and time
gets going on,'" said Ferris. And get going it did. Fast forward 60 years. Ferris and his wife, Lorraine,
are in their Sedro-Woolley home, packing their bags. They are to attend this weekend's dedication
ceremonies in Washington, D.C., of the long-awaited World War II memorial. Ferris groans at the idea
of a five-hour plane ride, the hassles at the airport, having to take off his shoes at the security check
points. "This is the last time I'm doing this," he said, sounding quite resolute. At 82, Ferris is a trim,
handsome man still with most of his hair and a moustache snowy white. He is congenial, but must be
coaxed to recall some of his wartime experiences. He doesn't consider himself any kind of hero, he
says, not like those riflemen on the front line. Ferris sees himself simply as a regular guy. Dropped out
of high school in the 10th grade and went to work as a lather with his dad. Got drafted in his hometown
of Rock Island, Ill. Went to war. Did what was asked of him. Somehow survived without a scratch
(except for the brush with the boils) and came home to work and grow a family. Nothing special.
Except that Ferris and millions like him were exceptional because of their ordinariness. Regular people
doing the extraordinary, like saving the world. "They were all heroes," said Lorraine, his wife of 58
years, correcting him with a smile. Mynard Ferris' war memorabilia details his journey through World
War II. But Ferris sticks to his view with a stubborn modesty. He trained as a rifleman and carried one
throughout the war, but never shot anybody with it. He was in an anti-tank unit that never went up
against an enemy tank. Despite many close calls, he went through it all without getting shot or blown
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
up. He was lucky that way. "I'm pretty fortunate to be here talking to you," he said. Not that he wasn't
constantly in harm's way. Ferris hit the beach on D-Day at Normandy as part of the Big Red One,
which is what they called the 1st Infantry Division. Big Red took the brunt of casualties that day, with
thousands killed or wounded. It seemed that the naval guns and aerial bombardment had little effect on
German defenses along that 3-mile stretch of beach the division was to attack. The Germans, with
dozens of machine gun nests, thousands of riflemen and numerous mortars and other artillery, were
raining death down on the beach. "I saw some sights there," Ferris said. "I saw guys all around me
getting killed." There was a sergeant. Nice guy. He was the most outspoken Christian in camp. He was
one of the first who "got it" coming out of the landing vessel. Then there was the half-track driver with
the watch. And there was the full-bird colonel who plopped down beside Ferris on the beach behind the
life-saving swale. He apparently didn't like the way Ferris was wielding his weapon. "'Hey, soldier,' he
said, 'you got that rifle on safety?'" Ferris recalled. Ferris was 22 when Big Red One landed at
Normandy. He had trained at Fort Benning, Ga, and in England during the several months' buildup for
the invasion. But Normandy was his first combat experience and one of the toughest. He had been
transferred to the 1st Infantry Division as a replacement. The division had seen some fierce combat
against the Germans in North Africa and had many battle-hardened troops. One of those experienced
soldiers saved Ferris' life. They had been moving through the Normandy hedgerows after finally taking
control of the cliffs. Their squad leader signaled for a brief rest stop. "I was about to sit down on this
mound of grass and the guy next to me pushed me over," Ferris said. "'I said, 'what did you do that
for?'" The other soldier peeled back the grass to reveal a box. "It was a shoe-box mine," said Ferris.
"When you press on the lid it triggers a little round pin and detonates the box." Another veteran of the
African theater showed Ferris the wisdom of digging a shallow trench in the ground when the squad
was holed up somewhere. Ferris had one dug "about halfway" when a mortar round landed at the head
of his trench, but luckily failed to detonate. It was incentive to dig much faster. His luck continued in
that same vein through the war. In a town on the French-German border, some of the troops looked for
empty houses where they might lay down and get some sleep. Some of Ferris' comrades found an
empty basement in an apartment building and invited him to join them. But Ferris already had found
another place across the street where he could get some shut-eye. Sometime in the night a bomb
leveled the apartment building and Ferris' buddies were killed by the falling rubble. The troops later
learned that the bomb had been dropped by an American plane. The pilot had been returning from a
bombing run over Germany and had the one bomb left -- a 2,000-pounder. He dropped it on what he
had thought was an enemy target. More dumb luck. Ferris' part in the war had lasted not quite a year.
But he was there at the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle of the war. The Germans that winter
launched a massive counteroffensive through the Ardennes Forest at the borders of Germany,
Luxembourg and Belgium. The Allied lines were stretched thin at one point and the Germans tried to
break through. But while the Allies' line "bulged," it didn't break and the German war machine never
recovered. V-E Day came on May 12, 1945. Ferris came home from the war in Europe in October of
1945 and rarely looked back. Didn't join the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars. Didn't
look up old Army buddies.
Like millions of his fellow veterans, he wanted to get started with rebuilding his life. He married
Lorraine, the pretty girl whose picture he carried with him through two of his three years in the Army.
He joined his dad in the lathing and plastering business in Southern California. Eventually, Ferris had
his own company and at one time had as many as 40 employees. But by the mid-1960s, drywall became
the cheaper and more preferred interior wall covering. Ferris quit the business and the couple moved to
Bellevue, where he went into real estate. A couple more moves brought them to Sedro-Woolley and
retirement. They grew a sizable family -- four children, 10 grandchildren and nine (going on 10) greatgrandchildren. Some of their loved ones live nearby. Their daughter, who runs a tour business in
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Chicago, is the one who organized the tour for WWII vets that the Ferrises are joining this weekend. In
the dining room of the Ferris home in Sedro-Woolley an old uniform jacket with its staff sergeant
stripes hung on a hanger at the back of a chair. A framed display had been brought out of storage.
There were pictures of Ferris taken during the war with some buddies. An old Army pay record, some
dog tags, his sergeant's stripes and the shoulder patch of the Big Red One -- the 1st Infantry Division.
Mynard shrugs at the title "Greatest Generation" that Tom Brokaw conferred on his age group. Not
easily impressed, he continues to downplay his role in the war. But then Lorraine held up an old
newspaper clipping from his hometown paper in Rock Island. "Local man awarded bronze star." That's
the medal for valor. Ferris is searching his memory again. Oh, what was that all about? "Oh, yeah," he
thinks he has it. He and another soldier were on patrol when they thought they spotted something down
the hill by a tree. They went down to investigate and found two German soldiers, one of them not more
than 15 years of age, lying face down trying not to be noticed. "HŠnde hoch!" Ferris remembers saying,
using one of the few German phrases he had learned, meaning, "hands up!" The two Germans meekly
and gratefully surrendered. But a capture is a capture. "I guess that's what I got the medal for," Ferris
said, smiling. "You know the Department of Defense would hand those out and send news releases to
your hometown papers." Ferris thinks that maybe his bronze star was among some of the mementos he
gave to one of his grandchildren. That would be one of the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren
who might not have been were it not for the luck of Mynard Ferris. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.3.1.1) CHRISTINE FERRIS – youngest daughter
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.3.2) ROBERT E. FERRIS born October 30, 1924
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.3.3) ELEANOR FERRIS born June 29, 1926
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.4) IRENE BLANCHE FERRIS born July 16, 1903; married 1st April 2, 1921 Edward
Hay - divorced 1925. Born to Irene and Edward was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.4.1) EUNICE HAY born September 18, 1922
Irene married, second, October 31, 1925, Einar Nystrand and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.4.2) JOAN NYSTRAND born February 12, 1933
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.5) CORA ELIZABETH FERRIS born February 16, 1907; married October 8, 1933
Frank Kametz
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.6) HELEN MAY FERRIS born May 22, 1908; married August 17, 1929 Walter H.
Green and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.6.1) WALTER GREEN born January 24, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.6.2) PATRICIA ANN GREEN born September 15, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.7) DOROTHY VIVIAN FERRIS born April 30, 1911
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.4.8) MYRTLE LOUISE FERRIS born August 17, 1914
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.5) JAMES CLEVELAND FERRIS (Photos) born December 5, 1872 and died August
5, 1927; married Anna Swanson {Anna Swenson born March 10, 1872 Rockford, Winnebago, IL}[dau
of Sven & Greta (Hakansdotter) Olsson] and a story goes that she was killed in an auto accident on the
return trip from Florida. In the 1892-93 Galesburg City Directory James Ferris is listed as a student
residing at 434 N. Prairie
From: KENOSHA EVENING NEWS
KENOSHA, WISCONSIN, SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1927
FRONT PAGE HEADLINE, WITH PICTURE:
JAMES C. FERRIS DIED IN CHICAGO
Pneumonia is Fatal for Former Leader in Kenosha Industry
James C. Ferris, Long a High Official of Simmons Company and Leader in Civic Life in Kenosha, Dies
Friday Night in Chicago After Short Illness.
James C. Ferris, 54, for many years a high official of the Simmons Company and a leader in the
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
industrial and civic life of Kenosha and more recently president of the Homossassa Land Development
Company of Florida, died Friday just before midnight at his apartment at 539 Wellington Avenue in
Chicago, according to a message reaching Kenosha this morning.
Death came as a result of an attack of pneumonia, with which Mr. Ferris was stricken less than
ten days ago. Returning from a business trip to New York early last week, he had contracted a cold,
which was not believed to be serious. Later pneumonia developed from which he was unable to rally.
Friday morning word reached his friends in Kenosha that his condition was most critical. He
gradually grew weaker, dying at 11:30 Friday night.
ENTIRE CITY MOURNS
The news of his death cast a shadow over the entire city today and especially over Simmons
Company where he was widely known among officials and employees of the company. In addition to
his activities as a leader of industry in Kenosha, he had also been a leader in civic and fraternal life in
this city and the word of his death brought sorrow to these other circles.
James C. Ferris born in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ferris on December
5th, 1872. He had lived his boyhood in that city, attending the schools there and working as a
youngster in stores and industries of Galesburg. When he was twenty years of age he went to Chicago,
where for three years he was employed in a factory there.
Rose from the Ranks
He came to Kenosha in 1895, being thrown out of employment in Chicago because of the
industrial depression of that period. He first entered the employ of the Sterling Bicycle Works here,
later entering Simmons company as a buffer in 1899.
At the Simmons company he rose from the ranks to one of the highest positions of the
company, advancing from buffer to night foreman, foreman, assistant superintendent, superintendent
and then to vice-president and director of the company.
By 1916 he had become superintendent of the Kenosha plant of the Simmons company and
shortly after than became vice president in charge of production of all of the plants of the company. He
directed the production of the Simmons company during the war period, when it established one of the
best records in meeting war order demands of any industry in the entire nation.
Later Took Charge of Sales
On May 5, 1924, he was advanced to the position of vice-president and director in charge of
sales, advertising and service of the Simmons company, which position he resigned two years ago in
order to enter the Homossassa Land Development company, interested in large properties around
Homossassa, Florida. He was president of that company. He had several other business interests with
which he divided his time during the past few years.
As one of the high executives of Simmons company, he had been prominent in the development
of welfare work for employees of the company. He had been one of the leading patrons of baseball and
other civic welfare activities of that company. He had perfected the Round Table organization of that
company, developing it into a more active factor in the industry.
In Kenosha he had been a leader in various civic and fraternal organizations. He was also
widely known for his private philanthropies in aiding worthy movements and organizations.
Long a Resident Here
Mr. Ferris had long been a resident of Kenosha and despite the fact that for the past two years
he had lived in the south, had never lost interest in Kenosha, which he still considered as his home. He
had been a frequent visitor here, having been in Kenosha less than two weeks ago.
He was a member of the Kenosha Lodge of Elks, the Kenosha Knights of Pythias, the Kenosha
Country Club and various other organizations here. He had been a leader in these organizations and his
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death will come as a great loss to them.
On January 2, 1897 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Swanson of Kenosha and for many
years they resided at 673 Durkee Avenue in this city. They were divorced early this year.
Mr. Ferris is survived by his son, Lawrence Grant Ferris, of Kenosha, his former wife, Mrs.
Anna Ferris, also of Kenosha and by several brothers and sisters, all residing near Galesburg, Ill.
He was taken to the Bentley funeral home at 2701 North Clark Street, Chicago, from which he
will be brought to Kenosha on Sunday. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at two o'clock
at the Elk's home in Kenosha with the Kenosha Lodge of Elks in charge. The remains will then be
taken to Galesburg, Illinois for burial in the family plot in the cemetery of that city. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.5.1) LAWRENCE GRANT FERRIS “Doc” {Lawrence Glen Ferris) (Photos) born
March 1, 1899 Wisconsin and died March 23, 1975 Lakeland FL; buried Floral City FL, Hills of Rest
Cemetery. In 1920, he was a clerk in the Simmons Bed Factory, Kenosha WI. Doc was the owner of
the Ferris Groves, on U.S. 41, Flora City FL. In 1930 he began planting citrus in rich hammock soil on
an island in Floral City. Over the years this soil produced all varieties of Florida’s finest citrus. In 1944,
a packing and shipping plant was added and shortly thereafter, a retail store that started the gift fruit
business that continues to this day. In 1955, Ferris Groves had stores at: Iverness FL; Miami Beach FL;
Miami FL; Panama City FL; Kenosha WI; and Waukegan IL. The Publisher of the Citrus County
Chronicle, David S. Arthurs, wrote March 27, 1975: “Every community has it 'Unforgettable
Characters', but few have known men the likes of Doc Ferris. To some he was a name oft heard but the
man unseen. Others thought he invented the Ferris Wheel, failing to remember that the popular sky ride
has been around so long at best Doc would have had to have been a babe in arms when the first rider
climbed aboard. Some remember him as a fellow who was an easy touch for a community project, if
approached right. And some remembered him as a hefty glass of some of the best orange juice ever to
slip between glass and lip. Folks in Floral City, where he made his home, will remember him best for
his groves, the many handsome lakefront home sites he created, for the fire department he helped start
with some notable contributions such as a fire truck, and for the endless tales, some tall, some real, told
about this modern day folklore hero, who was, until this past weekend, in our midst. We'll probably
remember him as a man who believed, perhaps more than anything else, that the very finest juice and
eating oranges in the entire world are grown right here in Citrus County. Time and again he's told us
that the only thing that made Indian River Fruit from the Vero Beach area more famous than our own
home grown fruit was publicity. They even color up their oranges, he'd always add, to make them look
as good as ours do naturally. One didn't have to be a fan of his to know there was an awful lot of good
in Doc Ferris." {He married apparently twice: his first wife, name unk, was apparently associated with
the Bok Tower family of Florida; second Harriet De Diemar who survived him – apparently fathered a
daughter, which wife is the mother is unk.} {Another source says Doc married only once to Harriet –
maiden name unk – and had no offspring.} (April 2003 – Harriet Ferris (94y) is a resident of a nursing
home in Inverness FL.) [Milton Plumb, amiable farm editor of the Tampa Tribune, wrote up L. G.
“Doc” Ferris, who built his father’s dream about a golf course into a very profitable express citrus
business. Ferris owned 380 acres of hammock land east and northeast of Floral City. Of this, 250 acres
were in citrus: Parson Browns, Hamlin, and Valencia oranges; white, pink and Ruby Red grapefruit;
Temple oranges and tangelos. Hammock land and sour orange stock –that’s the formula for whatever
success I have made, Ferris told Plumb. He said 85 percent of all Florida’s citrus trees are grafted on
lemon stock. An enthusiastic customer of Ferris Groves was big time radio entertainer Arthur Godfrey,
who declared Doc’s oranges are the finest I ever tasted. Doc’s father was James Cleveland Ferris,
president of the Simmons Bed Manufacturers in Kenosha, Wis. The elder Ferris sank around $100,000
in a boom time development at Homosassa after retiring from his Kenosha business, and later turned
with undiminished optimism to the Lake Tsala Apopka chain and Floral City. The boom popped and
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father died in 1927, Ferris said, the corporation was dissolved and I wound up with the island (Duval
Island in Floral City). There were only 20 acres in groves on the island when the elder Ferris died. Doc,
who never thought the golf course project was a wise one, began increasing his plantings. He took over
the island in 1928 but it wasn’t until 10 years later than Doc began spending full time at Floral City,
and it was not until 1942 that he constructed his own packing plant. Ferris fruit won 27 or more blue
ribbons in competition. He built his retail store alongside U.S. 41 immediately north of Floral City in
1959 and the busy outlet continues today. Doc Ferris was a real promoter of his fruit. Each year, he
would send at his own expense a box of fruit to the President of the United States and the Governor of
every state – except California, our main citrus rival. This always brought letter of thanks from the
distinguished recipients. For instance, in March 1959, Doc received this letter from President
Eisenhower: Dear Mr. Ferris: Thank you very much indeed for the box of Florida citrus that you so
kindly sent to Mrs. Eisenhower and me. At the moment Mrs. Eisenhower is away from Washington,
but all my grandchildren are staying with me – and all of them, needless to say, are joining in my
enjoyment of the fruit. With gratitude and best wishes. Sincerely… From History of Citrus County FL.]
[Obit: Mr. L. G. Doc Ferris, 76, of Duvall Island Road, Floral City, passed away Sunday, March 23. he
born in Kenosha, Wisc and came to Floral City 39 years ago from Kenosha. Mr. Ferris was owner of
Ferris Groves in Floral City, Inverness Golf and Country Club, Chicago Athletic Club and was of the
Episcopal faith. Surviving is his wife, Mrs. Harriet DeDiemar Ferris, Floral City. Services for Mr.
Ferris were Wednesday at the Inverness Chapel of Hooper Funeral Home with Fr. James Shortess, St.
Margaret’s Episcopal Church, officiating. Interment followed in Hills of Rest Cemetery, Floral City.]
Kathy Shouse who lives in Floral City is responsible for gathering some of the above info and photos,
and sending it to me. She encountered 2 of her friends one day and asked about Doc and the following
is her report:
“I found two of my "older" friends downtown talking this afternoon and had noticed on the obituary I found at the library
that one of them, David Arthurs, was the publisher of the newspaper at the time of Doc's death and had written an article on
him. I stopped and asked the two to tell me about Doc Ferris. David quickly told me that he didn't like the guy but that
Walt (the other gentleman) was a good friend of his. They preceded to tell me about all the times they had spent drinking at
Sweat's Bar and that Doc often had a hard time making it home to Duval Island. He hit many a tree from what I gathered.
There was also a girl that died at his house. I don't know who she was, I think they said it was a suicide. He was known to
be very tight with his money unless it was something that he personally wanted, they said. He had "a few" girlfriends and
they thought perhaps IF there was a daughter, that would be the answer. His wife had no children with him. I can tell that I
took them back to some good times though and they enjoyed reminiscing. When Doc opened the stores in Floral City and
Crystal River, he bought lots of liquor and they had quite a party. I think it was David that told me that Doc had quite the
ego. These two were the right ones to ask......they might be in their 80's but they've had some parties in their lifetime, I can
tell you that.”
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.6) HARRY HYDE FERRIS born November 21, 1876 and died July 22, 1925 (as per
death certificate) (8th born) – single at death – resided at 267 North West, Galesburg IL – laborer;
buried Hope Cemetery, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.7) ALBERT LINCOLN FERRIS born June 25, 1877 (9th born) Galesburg IL and died
March 25, 1945 at the Knox County Home & Hospital, Knoxville, IL where he had resided for 8 days;
prior to entering the Home he had resided at 74 North Arthur Ave, Galesburg IL. His death certificate
listed his occupation as a Lather and Lathing contractor. His obit states he was a lather for 45 years and
had retired in 1943. The informant on the death certificate was L. C. Ferris, his brother. He married,
April 12, 1924, Martha Stephens Shaeffer (Schaffer) (both the death cert and obit show Martha’s name
spelled Schaffer) born July 22, 1864 and died 1940; both buried Linwood Cemetery (Memorial Park
Cemetery), Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8) EDWARD RAY FERRIS (Uncle Ed) born April 5, 1879 (10th born) Galesburg,
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Knox, IL and died December 10, 1962 Canton Nursing Home, Canton, Fulton, IL where he had resided
for only 4 days. He resided on Henderson Road in Knoxville 29 years prior to entering the nursing
home. His death certificate lists his occupation as station owner in the gas and oil industry (a service
station in Knoxville). The informant on the death certificate is Margaret L. McMahon (his dau listed
below) He married March 24, 1899 Carrie Van Camp born April 21,1882 and died 1962, prior to Ed’s
death; both buried at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.1) PAULINE RAY FERRIS born October 7, 1899; married June 5, 1921 Guy S.
McCord and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.1.1) ROBERT LEE MCCORD born May 21, 1923
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.1.2) BARBARA JEAN MCCORD born February 9, 1925
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.2) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE FERRIS born October 7, 1905 and died
December 27, 1939; buried at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.3) MARGARET LUCILLE FERRIS born June 29, 1909; married June 29, 1927
John McMahon
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.4) WANDA LUELLA FERRIS born July 13, 1912
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.8.5) ELIZABETH MAXINE FERRIS born May 19, 1921
GRANDPARENTS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9) GRANT FERRIS born April 2, 1882 Galesburg IL (11th born) and died June 13,
1957 at his home in Knoxville IL; listed as a member of Junior Class, Galesburg High School 1899;
married June 27, 1902/3 at Galesburg, MABEL DELILAH DAVIS born May 14, 1885 Cornell
(Amity), Livingston Co IL and died May 8, 1967 Maquon IL. Jim- I am not sure of all the places
where Grant and Mabel lived, but Mildred born in Delong, then Marie born in Fulton Co, so I would
assume they moved and farmed there for awhile. Loreta, Elsie, and Garnet were born in Warren Co, so
they must have moved again and I am sure Grandpa farmed there. Grant is listed in a Prairie Farmer’s
Reliable Directory of Farmers and Breeders, Warren and Henderson Counties, Illinois; undated but
apparently 1920. It lists Grant, Mabel, and the girls, Mildred, Marie, Loretta, Elsie and Garnet. Their
address was RFD 6, Galesburg, but they lived on the Kelly farm, Section 35, 90 acres owned by Mrs. J.
N. Townsend – this was in Warren County. This same directory says Grant owned a Ford automobile,
but he is not listed as an owner of a tractor. They moved back to Delong in 1920. Based on copies of
farm leases I possess, I know Grant leased "the Doyle one hundred fifty four and a quarter acres,
Section Twenty, Orange Township", Delong, Knox County IL from March 1, 1920 to March 1, 1925.
He may have leased this land longer, but I do not have any records of it. [According to Grandpa’s
obituary in The Galesburg Register Mail, June 13, 1957, he farmed northwest of Galesburg for 12
years and at Delong for 23 years. He later was employed by the Hutchcroft Implement Store in
Galesburg and Goff Implement Store in Knoxville.]
(Jim - My recollections of Grandpa and Grandma Ferris are vivid, just like it was yesterday. Grandpa
had retired from farming and they lived in the house on South Broad St. in Knoxville IL. Dad and
Mom would round up us kids and we would go to Knoxville for Sunday dinner (that is the noon meal
for you city folks who think otherwise) and when Grandma Ferris fixed Sunday dinner, it was a feast. I
have a bowl of Grandma Ferris's and I can visualize the amount of mashed potatoes or vegetables it
held in its lifetime. I can see Grandpa Ferris sitting in his rocker in the living room; always smiling,
though quiet. Just as though he were sitting here today, I can remember him saying he didn't care for
"blacks and Catholics". I do not know where these prejudices came from because at the time I didn't
think anything about it. I didn't know any blacks or Catholics then; I probably didn't even know what a
Catholic was then. Prejudices included, I thought a lot of Grandpa Ferris; I wish he could have stayed
around longer. I can remember Dad taking me to visit Grandpa on his deathbed, though I think we were
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protected from the events leading up to that. I can remember Grandpa's funeral and I think that it was
probably the first funeral I attended that sticks out in my memory. Grandma Ferris was an angel on
earth. I can remember her lengthy illness that took her life and her being cared for by Aunt Marie at
Marie and Harry's house. Grandma was a trooper until the end. If there is a heaven, Grandma is there.
Both Grant and Mabel are buried at the Haynes Cemetery, Delong IL. 2001 – I recently was given a
rocking chair that sat on the front porch of the Grandfolk’s house in Knoxville. My cousin Connie
(Way) Gray gave it to me – she has had it since apparently Grandma moved from the house after
Grandpa’s death. The rocking chair has ‘Jim’ carved into one armrest. I do not remember doing this but
it had to be done prior to 1957 when Grandpa died. Connie said she thought I should have it – thanks,
Connie, I will cherish it! (see below for Grant and Mabel's "limb" - also photographs.)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.10) HENRIETTA FERRIS died in childhood (5th born)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.11) FRANK MURPHY FERRIS died in childhood (7th born)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.12) KATHERINE FIELD FERRIS died in childhood (12th born)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.13) BABY BOY/GIRL FERRIS died in infancy (13th born)
Note: According to an obituary, there was a Fred H. Ferris, son of Frederick Hyde Ferris. Fred H.’s obit
has him as a lather in Galesburg for several years and dying at St. Mary’s Hospital July 21, 1925; being
born in Galesburg 1875. He is not listed any other sources.
(5.1.1.5.4.9.2) ALBERT ROLAND FERRIS (A.R.) born August 2, 1841 (1st born) Galesburg IL and
died November 28, 1887; buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV; attended Knox College,
1857-61 [We have an old letter from A.R. (Letter #3) and his father, G.W.G, dated February 17, 1864
when they say they have sold most of the farm and were on their way to California
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3) BENJAMIN HYDE FERRIS born January 23, 1845 (3d born) Galesburg IL and died
December 13, 1929 Riverside CA; attended Knox College 1861-62, 1863-64; married 1st in Knox Co,
March 16, 1870/1, Martha Lucy Crandall born November 22, 1853 near Youngstown IL; received her
education at the Galesburg High School, and died at age 81 years, at Riverside CA (?). They divorced
and Benjamin married 2d May 28, 1901 Maria Margaret Blaney. [Martha married, second, November
22, 1900 in Warren County, S.P. Hollister. She was a member of the Walnut Grove Methodist Church
until she moved to Bushnell, when she transferred her membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church
of that city. She lived a Christian life daily. No one ever left her door hungry if she knew of it. She had
not been in good health for a considerable period and death was due to a disease of the heart.
*Newspaper] The 1880 census has a Benjamin H. Ferris as a farmer, living at Swan, Warren County
IL; being born in 1847. Born to Benjamin and Martha were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1) HARRIET CLEMENTINA FERRIS 'Mentie' born March 20, 1872 and died 1957;
married February 27, 1890 John Overton Shawler (1859-1909); resided in Youngstown IL; both buried
Lenox Union Cemetery, Warren Co IL; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.1) EDNA FAY SHAWLER born October 15, 1891 and died May 5, 1894; buried
Lenox Union Cemetery, Warren Co IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.2) LENA MAY SHAWLER born May 19, 1893 and died 1953; buried Lenox Union
Cemetery, Warren Co IL; married 1st June 12, 1908 Albert H. Bond and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.2.1) VIVIAN L. BOND born September 27, 1911; married June 26, 1931 Claude L.
Hunt and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.2.1.1) J. GARFIELD HUNT born June 17, 1933
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.2.1.2) ROBERT LEWIS HUNT born June 21, 1934
Lena May married, second, March 17, 1912, William A. Ogden and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.2.2) WILLIAM GORDON OGDEN born September 15, 1914
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.3) LEW JACOB SHAWLER born July 27, 1895; resided at Riverside CA; married a
Miss Romine and born to them were:
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.3.1) WILLIAM JACOB SHAWLER born February 12, 1919 IL and died July 16, 1984
Riverside Co CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.3.2) PHILEMON EUGENE SHAWLER born August 20, 1924
Lew married, second, July 6, 1928, Lela Pearl Spencer and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.3.3) SHIRLEY CAROL SHAWLER born August 30, 1931
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.1.4) INFANT DAUGHTER born April 19, 1897 and died June 2, 1897; buried Lenox
Union Cemetery, Warren Co IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.2) MARY EMMA FERRIS born August 4, 1876 and died September 27, 1897
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3) EDWIN BENJAMIN FERRIS born March 20, 1880 and died February 4, 1917;
married in Warren Co IL, December 1, 1901 Ida Virginia Strickland [after Edwin's death, Ida
remarried, in 1921, Sylvester J. Aten] Born to Edwin and Ida were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.1) GLENN EDWIN FERRIS (Eddie) (Pug) born March 5, 1903 and died 1950;
heavy-weight boxing champion at Fort Sam Houston TX; married 5 times; married February 6, 1932
Joyce T. Hill; married Mary Frances Pirkey born March 18, 1920 Honey Grove TX and died October
23, 1983 Lubbock TX; and born to him and Mary were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.1.1) MARTHA VIRGINIA FERRIS (Marty) born September 12, 1947 Lubbock TX;
married Bill Gotschall – reside in Ohio and winter in Florida – Martha has provided this updated info –
Thanks Marty!
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.1.2) JAMES EDWARD FERRIS born August 28, 1950 Lubbock TX and died June
21, 2005; married and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.1.2.1) MATTHEW FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.1.2.2) CHADWICK FERRIS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.2) MARTHA MAY FERRIS born February 6, 1905; married November 24, 1933
Harry Woodward
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.3) GERTRUDE VIRGINIA FERRIS born September 29, 1908; married March 16,
1929 Guy T. Patrick and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.3.1) GUY T. PATRICK, JR., born November 2, 1930
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4) EDITH MAXINE FERRIS (Maxine Edith) born July 1, 1915; married (Andy)
Andres Fuentes and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.1) ANDRES FUENTES JR born January 19, 1943 El Paso TX; married Adelita
Theme and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.1.1) CLACIANN FUENTES born April 1, 1969 El Paso TX; married Tony Olivas –
divorced; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.1.1.1) GABRIEL ADALE OLIVAS born April 17, 2003
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.1.2) GIL ANDRES FUENTES born November 14, 1971 El Paso TX
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.1.3) MICHAEL CORINE FUENTES born September 24, 1977; married Chris
Danchik
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.2) TERRI ANN FUENTES born November 29, 1949 El Paso TX; retired speech
pathologist; married 1st Stan Robert Schoch – divorced; married 2d Gary Robert Ackers – has provided
this updated info – thanks Terri! Born to Terri and Stan were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.2.1) KEVIN MATTHEW SCHOCH born February 23, 1973 El Paso TX; married
Meredith Morrison
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.2.2) EMILY SCHOCH born May 20, 1976 El Paso TX; married David John
Guillory; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.3.4.2.2.1) AIDEN JOHN GUILLORY born December 8, 2002 Austin TX
(5.1.1.5.4.9.3.4) CHARLES LEVI FERRIS born July 17, 1882; married June 15, 1920 Ada Mae
Havens; resided in Indianapolis IN
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.4) HARRIET CLEMENTINA FERRIS born March 24, 1847 Galesburg and died
February 23, 1849
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5) MARGARET GALE FERRIS “Maggie” born October 9, 1848 (5th born), Galesburg
IL and died March 9, 1946 Alameda Co CA; few months short of her 100th birthday; attended Knox
College 1863-64; married March 15, 1865 Henry Fred (Heinrich Fritz) Dangberg, Sr born September
16, 1830 Halle, Province of Westphalia, Germany and died in July, 1904 at home in the Carson Valley
NV. When he was eighteen years of age, he came to America, landing at New Orleans and traveled up
the Mississippi River to St. Louis, one of the focal points of settlement for thousands of newly arrived
Germans. The covered wagon route brought him across the plains in 1855, but instead of going over
the Sierras he stopped east of them, locating in Gold Canyon near Virginia City. This was before the
discovery of the Comstock Lode when the scattered groups of men around Virginia City were either
prospecting for gold or living scantily by trade or agriculture. Mining did not appeal to Fred; he was
more attracted by the meadowlands in the Carson Valley, where the Mormon settlers had already made
a beginning of agriculture. In 1856 he took up his first piece of land, a place known as Klauber Ranch.
When in 1858, Fred began the cultivation of his lands he was guided by a plan and purpose that
distinguished his enterprise from that of many of his neighbors. He knew something of what the
Mormons had accomplished around Salt Lake City when they made the first successful experiment on
a large scale in irrigating the desert. By tremendous exertion he brought water upon his fields. At times
hay commanded a price of $300 a ton during the early period in winter months when the weather was
bad and feed was scarce. His success as a hay grower was a remarkable achievement, and may be said
to have sounded the keynote for Nevada's stable agriculture through all the subsequent years. Initiative
and enterprise were in fact synonymous with the name Dangberg in Nevada. When a steamboat
captain brought the roots of Chile clover to San Francisco in 1864 Mr. Dangberg was one of the first to
secure a sample of the seed and sow it where he believed the mineral silt was especially favorable for
its growth and culture. Thus on the Dangberg ranch was grown some of first alfalfa in the state. It was
the example of his industry and his calculating foresight as an agricultural pioneer that made Fred a
great figure in Nevada's citizenship. He was always interested in good government, but had no taste for
politics or ambition for public honors. In 1872, he was chosen to represent Douglas County in the
Assembly; in 1878 was elected Senator by a large majority. After the expiration of his one term in the
Senate he was unwilling to be candidate again. His whole career in Nevada was devoted to the task of
improving his property and acquiring new land. No one has disputed the claim that during his life he
constructed more dams and dug more ditches and canals than any other individual in the state of
Nevada. However he did not live to see completed the greatest undertaking of its kind ever attempted
by a single landowner in Nevada. As a result of his endeavors, thousands of acres of desert land were
made productive. When in July 1904, this noble pioneer passed away at his home ranch in Carson
Valley, his property interests extended from the Twelve Mile House to Carson City. His accumulations
were the more substantial because, always an affectionate and loving father, he had trained as business
associates and fellow workers his sons, making them capable of carrying on the responsibilities of
ownership and stewardship. Margaret resided in Berkeley CA after Fred's death. Two years before
Fred's death, the H. F. Dangberg Land and Livestock Company was incorporated and carried on the
fruitful labors of the pioneer. Through the sons, the Dangberg interests continued to be a powerful
factor in the prosperity of Northern Nevada. They established the City of Minden in 1905 and it
became the county seat of Douglas County that same year. Minden might well have been called
Dangberg, but for the modesty of the founders. From the initial homestead of 160 acres in 1858 the
Dangberg property grew to 36,000 acres, constituting one of the finest cattle and stock ranches in the
entire West. These holdings extended from Douglas County into Ormsby and Lyon Counties, Nevada
and into Alpine County, CA. Its annual output included hay, grain, potatoes and all classes of livestock,
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
registered Herefords and Hampshire sheep predominating, while the terminal markets every season
received carloads of stock fattened and finished on the Dangberg ranches. Both buried at Lone
Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV, but he is listed as Harry F.
Record-Courier January 19, 2005
The Dangberg Home Ranch becomes a LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
REGINA PURCELL
An important part of Carson Valley’s history has been stopped in time. By 2006, the historic H.F. Dangberg Home Ranch
on 33 acres west of Minden is slated to become a living history museum owned by Douglas County and operated by Nevada
State Parks. Home to the Town of Minden’s founding family, the property has been center of contentious lawsuits for nearly
30 years. A 1978 decree between H.F.
Dangberg’s three granddaughters and ranch buyers said the women could live out their lives at the ranch, with the home
ranch then being offered as a living history museum after they died. The ranch has been sold several times. The last
granddaughter, Katrina Glide, died in July 1995. Shortly after, Dangberg Holdings acquired the home ranch, and Dangberg
attorneys said they weren’t bound by the 1978 decision, which prompted a lawsuit filed by Douglas County. It was finally
settled in January with Steve Achard, son of Ruth Achard, one of the granddaughters. “You can’t tell now, but this was a
fine place to grow up,” said Achard on a tour of the 19th-century ranch complex. The property includes a house, barn,
bunkhouses, stone cellar and other historic buildings that served as headquarters for the family. Achard said his ancestors
were originally from Germany. “They were extremely progressive and aggressive farmers,” Achard said. Achard likes to
point out a sidewalk that winds around the main home and ends abruptly. It used to be the walk to the family’s two-seater
outhouse. “My grandmothers used to have some of the best discussions out here,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes. Achard,
as he looked over his old family homestead, reminiscing about the frozen river where they would cut ice for the summer,
and about the old bell that used to beckon workers in for meals. The bell was stolen from the home, and the dams used to set
the ice for that year’s use are falling down around the banks. A signed agreement between Douglas County and state is still
forthcoming, according to Douglas County Manager Dan Holler. “We are getting stuff drafted and an agreement in terms of
the language,” Holler said, adding that he expects the process to be completed this year. The county has until Dec. 31, 2006,
to establish a museum on the Home Ranch through the quit-claim settlement or the real and personal property will be
returned to the Dangberg estate. The county plans to create a museum on the grounds open for two days a week, nine
months out of the year. Steve Weaver, chief of planning and development for state parks, said the state finalized the
purchase of the final personal items owned by Achard. He said the items were recently purchased for $75,000. Once the
agreement is finalized with Douglas County, the state will initiate requests for proposals from consultants to transform the
property into a living museum. “They will also be taking a close look at the structural integrity and making
recommendations as far as stabilization and restoration,” Weaver said. A master plan for the project will prioritize and
estimate costs of restoration of individual buildings and decide where the money will be spent. A large amount of funding
will come from $2 million in state bonds from the $65.5 million Question 1 Conservation and Resource Protection grant
program through the Nevada Division of State Lands. Once that process is complete, Weaver said the agreement is for the
living museum to be open to the public by 2006. “It doesn’t say a certain number of hours and initially I suspect it will be
opened for guided tours or something like that one day a week or once a month,” he said. “Once restored, we will get
facilities like a public restroom and parking facilities.” The first step will be a massive cleaning project. The main house has
been neglected for many years, despite being fully furnished with period pieces. Its exterior is punished by the elements,
including winds that crashed trees into its walls. The slaughterhouse and hide house are home to many critters as are the old
bunkhouse and cook’s quarters. The old barn, put together by a German craftsman by wooden pegs, stands tall and is still
imposing. The entry pillars are covered with crinkled vines and snowball and lilac trees, planted by Achard with his
grandmother, are dying nearby. The property “has gone to hell in a handbasket,” Achard said, looking over the 30-acre
estate where he holds fond memories.
Born to Fred and Margaret were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1) HENRY FRED DANGBERG, Jr., born December 10, 1866 Carson City NV and died
1946; married June 1, 1898 in San Francisco, Gertrude Heironymous (1876-1968) [dau of Jesse &
Caroline] who graduated from the University of Nevada, Normal School 1896, the second graduating
class. Henry attended Military Academy in Placerville CA and the College of the Pacific. In 1902, he
instigated the founding of the H. F. Dangberg Land and Livestock Company, a corporation, which
included his parents and siblings. This company engaged in an extensive cattle and sheep operation
with registered and commercial Hereford cattle. After his father’s death in 1904, Henry became
manager of the company. The ranch was considered one of the largest diversified ranches in the West.
With his brothers, he planned the town of Minden in 1906 and was instrumental in making Minden the
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
county seat of Douglas County. Henry served as Douglas County State Senator from 1903-05 and was
vice-chairman of the State Board of Livestock Commission for 30 years. Member and Director of the
Nevada State Livestock Association; Director the Federal Land Bank; active member of the Wool
Growers Association; member of the State Planning Board; and member and served as President of the
Rotary Club. It is believed that Henry and his family did more to improve livestock and ranching
conditions than any other group or organization in Nevada. The town of Minden will always be a
monument to this outstanding family. Both buried at Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV, but
he is listed as Harry F. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.1) DWIGHT DANGBERG born March 5, 1899 and died July 10, 1904; buried Lone
Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.2) MARGARET FERRIS DANGBERG (Photo) born January 13, 1901 in the main
house on the Dangberg Ranch, where she resided most of her life. Both Margaret and her sister Ruth
lived a charmed life as youngsters since they just played and went to school, because the ranch had
Chinese cooks and Indian women that did the washing, ironing and cleaning, and a gardener. Both
sisters took music lessons and attended a private school in Piedmont CA, Miss Ransom's. Both sisters
attended the University of Nevada and the University of California, but didn't graduate. In 1940, Ruth
went to work for the Nevada Department of Highways until 1967. She married a Mr. McDonald. There
is a Michael D. McDonald (1935-1935) buried in the Dangberg plot – this may have been a son of
Margaret’s.
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.3) RUTH DANGBERG (Photo) born (September) August 13, 1906 in the main house,
on the Dangberg Ranch and died October 13, 1987; buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City;
married February 22, 1929 Stephen Achord (Achard) and they moved to San Francisco, where Stephen
was a stockbroker. (Above newspaper article has the name spelled Achard and cemetery has Achard)
When the depression came, Ruth and her son returned to the Carson Valley. Born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.3.1) CHARLES STEPHEN ACHARD (ACHORD), Jr., (Photo) born July 5, 1931 - - is
this the same Steve who was Secretary, Fallbrook CA Village Rotary 2005-06? Yes, it is – have made
contact – he is in the process of writing a book about his grandfather Dangberg and plenty of Ferris
info will be included.
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.4) FRITZ DANGBERG born November 30, 1907 and died 1946; buried Lone
Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV; referred to as Fritzi
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.1.5) KATHERINE M. DANGBERG born October 12, 1911 and died c1995; married Mr.
Glide, of Davis CA. (she is listed as Jean in the Olmsted book)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.2) ALBERT DANGBERG died March 20, 1870 (1y 11m 22d); buried Lone Mountain
Cemetery, Carson City NV
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.3) JOHN B. DANGBERG born January 10, 1871 Carson City NV and died 1958; buried
Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV; married May 27, 1895 Georgia Beeding of Mono County
CA. John was the President, H. F. Dangberg Land Livestock Company, starting in 1904. He was
Director, Farmers’ Bank of Carson Valley, Alpine Land Reservoir Company, East Fork Water Users
Association, and Minden Milling Company; resided in Minden NV. Born to John and Georgia were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.3.1) GRACE MELISSA DANGBERG (Photo) born February 26, 1896 on the home
ranch and died November 29, 1985 Santa Clara Co CA; buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City
NV; educated at the University of California and Columbia University. Grace published some works
on the Washo Tribe. [Jim - there is a Grace Dangberg Foundation, Inc., in Carson City NV which was
established in 1982 by Grace. - See the Notes at the end of this chapter on the Oral History Department
of the University of Nevada, Reno.]
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.3.2) GALE H. DANGBERG born January 7, 1898 and drowned June 20, 1910 when he
was 12 years of age; buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.3.3) DUANE FERRIS DANGBERG born May 5, 1899 and died November 6, 1899;
buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV; listed as Dwain Ferris Dangberg
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.3.4) DORIS DANGBERG born November 29, 1907 and died age 40; apparently married
a Mr. Taber and she is buried in her father’s plot at the Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.4) EVA KATRINA DANGBERG born August 19, 1873 NV and died January 11, 1973
Santa Barbara Co CA; married November 21, 1899 George H. Greenfield who died May 16, 1927; a
Methodist minister and later a Presbyterian minister; they resided in Virginia City, Elko County (Little
Church of the Crossroads) and Santa Barbara CA (First Congregational Church 1915-17).
Little Church of the Crossroads, Lamoille, Elko, NV – completed 1905
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.5) GEORGE FERRIS DANGBERG born July 20, 1875; married 1st in 1914 Alpine CA,
Bernice Pamelia Merrill [dau of Willis Perry & Mary Pamelia (O’Neil) Merrill] born May 28, 1887
Woodfords CA (Douglas, Garnerville, NV) and died August 26, 1968 Carson City NV – divorced; See
Who is Who for more info on Bernice; married 2d in October 1922, Grace Shaw Masters; resided in
Minden NV. Born to George and Bernice was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.5.1) GEORGE FERRIS DANGBERG, JR. born May 2, 1917 San Francisco CA and died
October 22, 1988 Palm Desert CA; married December 26, 1940 in Carson City NV, Alice Indiano and
born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.5.1.1) DENISE DANGBERG born October 5, 1941
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.6) CLARENCE OLIVER DANGBERG born March 30, 1879 and died 1938; buried
Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV; married 1st March 1907 Evelyn Larson; resided in Minden
NV; Clarence started the C.O.D. Garage in Minden 1912. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.6.1) LOIS DANGBERG born March 20, 1911
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.6.2) FERRIS DANGBERG born August 18, 1913
(5.1.1.5.4.9.5.6.3) JANE DANGBERG born October 14, 1915
WHO ARE THESE DANGBERGs?
Harvey Ferris Dangberg born August 18, 1913 and died October 6, 1989 in Los Angeles County CA;
mother’s maiden name was Larsen.
William Dangberg and his sister Phyllis Marie (Dangberg) Sorrick
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6) EMMA CALIFORNIA FERRIS born July 18, 1851(6th born) Galesburg and died
December 5, 1929 Long Beach CA; married August 16 (18?), 1871 Oscar Thomas Barber born
November 8, 1832 Marshall, Calhoun, MI and died November 26, 1906 Riverside CA. In 1850, Oscar
went to Howard Co IA and engaged in the hardware business; 1859 he moved to Nevada where he
engaged in mining near Alpha and Omega; was also in Bodie CA, which is on the Nevada-California
line; 1861 he went to Gold Hill NV, a mining community, where he was in the hardware business; was
Treasurer of Gold Hill for several years; 1871 he was elected to the Nevada Legislature; 1873 he
settled in Carson City NV and was in the general merchandise business; 1881 he moved his family to
Riverside CA, where he ranched 38 acres of land, made many improvements in the culture of the fruits
and was a successful grower of oranges for over 20 years; associated with the Magnolia Fruit Company
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
and was a director of the Riverside Water Company; active Republican. See photos of their Carson
City home; and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1) OSCAR THOMAS BARBER, JR., born February 25, 1874/77 Carson City NV and
died January 31, 1949 Fresno Co CA; married 1st June 3, 1904 Jakie Edwards Johnson who died in
1908; there was an Oscar T Barber as the President of the San Francisco Kiwanis Club 1932 – probably
this guy; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1.1) OSCAR THOMAS BARBER III born September 19, 1906 and died December 24,
1906
Oscar married, after the death of his first wife, January 8, 1909, Ava Elizabeth Earle born
March 16, 1884 CA and died April 30, 1982 Alameda Co CA. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1.2) ELIZABETH BARBER born August 8, 1911; married September 22, 1933 Malcolm
Backus Hadden
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1.3) MARGARET BARBER born November 29, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1.4) AVA JEAN BARBER born July 11, 1922
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.1.5) THOMAS EARLE BARBER, M.D., born October 18, 1923 CA and died June 20,
1997 Alameda Co CA; last residence in Berkeley – native of Berkeley and a graduate of UC Berkeley;
founded Berkeley Orthopaedics; a Thomas E Barber, M.D., is listed as M.D. graduate of Class of 1947,
U of Rochester, died June 1997 – don’t know if this is same guy but sounds feasible
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.2) ESTHER MAY BARBER born July 9, 1876 Carson City NV and died May 22, 1887
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.3) HELEN B. BARBER “Nellie” born January 12, 1878 (1877) Carson City NV and died
(July 6) July 7, 1963 Los Angeles CA; married June 2, 1897 Charles J. Service. They adopted a son,
Arthur, born November 5, 1901
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.4) EDGAR HOMER BARBER born January 14, 1880 Carson City NV and died January
7, 1947 (February 3, 1947) Alameda Co CA; married 1st April 26, 1906 Amy Alice Sharp who died
December 6, 1924 and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.4.1) BARBARA JANE BARBER born November 15, 1909
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.4.2) CAROL MINTON BARBER born October 3, 1911
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.4.3) HARRIET FERRIS BARBER born November 21, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.5) BEATRICE IRENE BARBER born September 19, 1889 Riverside CA and died
October 20, 1973 Burbank CA; married January 20, 1911 Percy George Pennington born January 27,
1879 Sheffield, England and died May 15, 1957 Los Angeles. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.5.1) GEORGE FERRIS PENNINGTON born December 12, 1912 Riverside CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.5.2) EDGAR ALLEN PENNINGTON born May 6, 1916 Long Beach CA and died June
6, 1989 Riverside Co CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.6.5.3) DOUGLAS SHEFFIELD PENNINGTON born December 17, 1917 Oakland CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.7) EDMOND RAY FERRIS born January 10, 1854 (7th born) Galesburg and died March
20, 1889
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8) MARTHA ELIZABETH FERRIS (Mattie) born April 16, 1857 (8th born) Galesburg
IL and died May 29, 1939 Carson City, Ormsby, NV; married April 16, 1873 in the Ardery House,
Charles Matthew Schulz born September 12, 1837 Westerheim, Wurtenburg, Germany and died
December 20, 1923 Gardnerville, Douglas, NV. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1) GERTRUDE ELIZABETH SCHULZ born April 22, 1874 Nevada and died July 3,
1954 Sacramento CA; married 1st July 2, 1892 Harry E. Martin who died March 2, 1911 and born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.1) INA GERTRUDE MARTIN born July 8, 1893 and died March 8, 1920 after
childbirth; married May 31, 1913 Kenneth V. Plummer and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.1.1) KENNETH V. PLUMMER, JR., born June 6, 1914
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.1.2) EARL MARTIN PLUMMER born March 5, 1920
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.2) IRMA HARRIS (HARRIE) MARTIN born June 21, 1894 and died March 21, 1897
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.3) CHARLES EDWIN MARTIN born January 31, 1900 and died February 2, 1900
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.4) EARL HENRY MARTIN born April 23, 1901; married wife's name unk but born to
them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.4.1) IRENE GERTRUDE MARTIN (twin) born August 18, 1928
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.1.4.2) CLAIR ELIZABETH MARTIN (twin) born August 18, 1928
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.2) CHARLOTTE M. SCHULZ born July 10, 1876 and died April 21, 1905; buried Lone
Mountain Cemetery, Carson City NV
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.3) JULIA G. SCHULZ born September 21, 1878 in the Ardery House, Carson City NV
and died 1971; buried Lone Mountain Cemetery, Carson City; married July 16, 1902 in Carson City
NV, Edward C. Peterson and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.3.1) EDME HILDA PETERSON born February 2, 1908; married November 29, 1928
Paul Webster Carrington
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.4) CHARLES SCHULZ born February 8, 1881 and died October 14, 1909
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.5) JESSIE SCHULZ born July 5, 1885; married May 18, 1907 Albert A. Chrisler and
born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.5.1) HOPE CHRISLER born May 10, 1913 and died May 13, 1913
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.5.2) BETTY CHRISLER born October 15, 1915
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.5.3) WANDA CHRISLER born May 5, 1922
(5.1.1.5.4.9.8.5.4) PETER JAY CHRISLER born July 4, 1925
(5.1.1.5.4.9.9) GEORGE WASHINGTON GALE FERRIS Jr. (Photograph) born February 16, 1859
at Galesburg IL and died November 28, 1896 (9th born), inventor of the Ferris Wheel. (See separate
paper on this G.W.G. Ferris)
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10) MARY AMANDA FERRIS 'Mame" born June 2, 1861 (10th born) Galesburg and
died August 2, 1951 San Francisco Co CA; nicknamed “Eighteen-sixty-four Blue Eyes” because that
was the year the family moved West; attended Knox College 1876-78 and 1881 “from Carson City
NV”; married September 29, 1880 Alexander Montgomery Ardery born August 16, 1850 NY. He
crossed the plains in 1861 arrived in Placerville CA; he began as a telegraph messenger, rose through
the ranks to become vice-president and manager of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad 1910; and born
to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.1) MARTHA ARDERY born July 28, 1881; married January 11, 1903 Fred A.
Seymour and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.1.1) SILVIA SEYMOUR born August 1, 1906
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.1.2) PATRICIA SEYMOUR born October 25, 1913
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.1.3) FREDERIC WILLIAM SEYMOUR born June 3, 1918
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.2) RUTH ARDERY born May 24, 1892; married August 5, 1915 Herbert Nelson Witt
and born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.2.1) ARDERY WITT born July 28, 1918
(5.1.1.5.4.9.10.2.2) CORINNE WITT born April 21, 1926
=========================================================
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(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9)GRANT AND MABEL FERRIS LIMB:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1)MILDRED HAZEL FERRIS (Photograph) born September 6, 1903 Delong, Knox,
IL and died August 8, 1986 El Paso TX; married August 1, 1922 at Delong, Clyde Earl Peck born
October 13, 1904 Knox Co IL and died 1941; Mildred married 2d Claude E. Keneaster on September
13, 1947 and they resided El Paso TX. Born to Mildred and Clyde was:
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1) CHARLES GRANT PECK (Photographs) born March 12, 1923 Delong IL;
married March 10, 1943 at Syracuse NY, Doras Catherine Williams born May 30, 1924 Round Valley,
Nebraska. Charles is a WWII Army Vet; worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 20
years and retired on a medical disability 1981; reside Abingdon IL in the same home they moved into
in 1956; wintered in Alamo, Texas for numerous years. An Email from Dorcas 8/3/04: 'Charles &
Doras Peck, accompanied by their three sons, Ty and Janet, Tom and Becky, and Ron and Cougar have
returned from a vacation spent on the Carnival Fascination Fun Ship. They spent their first night in
Miami, Fl in a hotel. Had dinner at an outside cafe on a very busy street with loud bands, people,
people, traffic, etc. It was a true picture of Miami night-life. They enjoyed the ocean, sandy beaches,
palm trees etc. before boarding the Fascination ship. Time the next day was spent in Key West Fl
where the kids rented bicycles & toured the island. We all shopped and had dinner there before
cruising on to Cozumel, Mexico. The event was to celebrate Doras' 80th birthday and their 61st
anniversary. The night of the Captains Cocktail Party, in formal dress, we were dancing when the
announcer said "In The Mood" had been requested for Doras & Charles Peck. The floor was cleared
and we danced, solo, for the entire dance. We were then interviewed by the ships entertainer director
before approximately 1500 people. The climax was our two sons, Ty and Ron, coming forward to
escort us to our seats for the Las Vegas Broadway Show. In Cozumel the kids went snorklin, we
shopped, ate on the beach and came back to the ship a tired bunch. Every evening at our table in the
dining room there was something special for our celebration. Lighted cake, flowers, gifts, pictures and
tinkling glasses for toasts. It was truly an outstanding event in our 61 years of marriage! An escorted
tour of the Florida Everglades was enjoyed by all before boarding our flights for home.’
Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1) TYSON EARL PECK born December 16, 1946 Chicago IL; married August 25,
1968 at Galesburg, Jo Louise Grupe - divorced; married 2d October 18, 1975 at Galesburg, Janet Ilene
Eaton; they moved to Lafayette, Colorado; he has been a pharmacist for 30 years; was a manager of a
pharmacy in downtown Denver, but gave that up and is now a floater going from Walgreens’ store to
store that needs a replacement; and born to Tyson and Jo Louise were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.1) JOANNA CHRISTINE PECK born October 11, 1970; married June 14, 1992
Drew Moisant; reside Chicago IL. Born to them were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.1.1) MEGAN NICHOLE MOISANT born August 1, 1998
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.1.2) EMILY CHRISTINE MOISANT born July 11, 2000
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.2) CHRISTOPHER TYSON PECK born September 27, 1972; an actuary;
married August 30, 2002 Leigh Butler Kahle
Born to Tyson and his second wife, Janet Ilene were [Ty sent me a copy of Charles Gettemy
Ferris' book; thanks Ty.]:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.3) MATTHEW TYSON PECK born July 30, 1977; resides in Denver and is an
electrician
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.1.4) JENNA ILENE PECK born January 2, 1980; graduate of U. of Colorado 2002
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.2) THOMAS CHARLES PECK born February 21, 1951 Chicago IL; married April
7, 1971 Cathryn Louise Brokaw - divorced; married 2d June 8, 1990 at Monmouth IL, Rebecca 'Becky'
Ann Dahms; her second marriage. Tom started working for UPS in 1977; was honored in 1997 for
completing 15 years of driving without an accident; works out of the UPS facility in Galesburg, where
he serves on the Galesburg Center Safety Committee and the Service Involvement Committee; retired
2002 with 25 years service; served on the Abingdon School Board and was a member of the Galesburg
Road Runners Club; resided Abingdon IL; and born to Tom and Cathryn were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.2.1) TROY PAUL PECK born May 19, 1975; graduated from Eastern Illinois
University, December 1997 with a B. S., in Education and Athletic Training; married May 17, 2003
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Heather Lynn Bliss
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.2.2) DREW THOMAS PECK born April 25, 1977; a student at Eastern Illinois
University where he is majoring in education; during the summer of 1996 he worked as a counselor
where he coached basketball at The Jordan Camp at Elmhurst College
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.3) RONALD LEE PECK born December 19, 1956 Galesburg IL; married August
1977 Sherri Lynn Hull - divorced; married 2d September 7, 1985 at Galesburg IL, Melody C.
Williams; resides Galesburg IL; Ron has been a Pepsi salesman and driver for 20 years for G&M
Distributor in Galesburg and was named Driver of the Year – 1998; professional photographer; and
born to Ronald and Sherri was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.3.1) ANDREW CHARLES PECK born July 28, 1981; graduated from Northern
Illinois U., 2003, with major in Human Resources; employed at the U. in orientation for 3 years and
was also the Drum Major for the marching band for 3 years; will be studying in Australia to further his
education and will be employed by Seimen Company
Born to Ronald and Melody was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.1.1.3.2) COUGAR LEE PECK born April 3, 1987 (Photo); graduated Galesburg High
School 2005; golfing scholarship to Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2) MARIE GLADYS FERRIS (Photographs) born September 8, 1905, Middlegrove,
Farmington Township, Fulton Co IL and died January 30, 1993 Toulon, Stark, IL; buried Haynes
Cemetery, DeLong IL; married October 8, 1925 at Burlington IA, Harry Louis Way [son of Irvin and
Nellie (Eckman) Way] born March 26, 1906 Delong IL and died February 5, 2002 {a few weeks short
of his 96th birthday} at the Toulon Health Care Center, Toulon IL; buried with Marie. Harry attended
the Delong schools and farmed in the Hermon and London Mills area for 45 years before retiring
January 1, 1971; after retiring he worked part time at the Hermon grain elevator and moved to Toulon,
IL 1989. He was a former member of Modern Woodmen of America. {Jim – Uncle Harry was an oneof-a-kind guy – great individual whom I had a lot of respect for – always had a smile on his face – great
sense of humor – was glad to see him at the Bhear-Trout wedding in November before he died –
another of the “old great ones” passes on!} Born to Marie and Harry were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1) WILLODEAN MABEL WAY (Photographs) born August 2, 1928 DeLong IL;
married Bernard Lynn Bhear October 30, 1947 Knoxville IL. Bernard worked for Midland Electric
Company and Peabody Coal Co, until he retired 1984; reside Toulon IL; and born to Willodean and
Bernard were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.1) RICHARD LEE BHEAR (Photos) born September 4, 1948 Galesburg, IL;
served in the U.S. Army 1967-70, serving in Vietnam 1968-70; attended the Midwest Horseshoeing
School 1972; Carl Sandburg Community College receiving an A.A. in Mechanical Drawing 1973 and
an A.A. in Industrial Management Supervision 1981; employed by the Illinois Department of
Transportation; married Karen Sue Cremer February 14, 1971 at London Mills, IL. Karen is a graduate
of Illinois State U., 1970 and teaches 3d grade at the Spoon River Valley School; reside near London
Mills IL; and born to Richard And Karen were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.1.1) AMANDA COLLEEN BHEAR born November 1, 1973 Canton IL; resides
with her parents
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.1.2) DIANNA CATHLEEN BHEAR (Photos) born May 22, 1975 Canton, IL;
graduated from Eastern Illinois University 1997; married November 3, 2001 at Galesburg IL, as his 2d
wife, Clarence Calvin Trout. Dianna is employed by the State of Illinois EPA and Clarence by LOWEs;
reside Canton IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.2) SANDRA RAE BHEAR (Photo) born December 22, 1951 Galesburg, IL;
married Dale Lynn Derry on October 10, 1970 at Galesburg, IL - divorced 1976 - they remarried March
3, 1979 California - divorced 1988; married August 26, 1989 Tapu Matauania; reside Lancaster CA;
79
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
and born to Sandra and Dale was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.2.1) ANTHONY EUGENE DERRY (Photo) born June 17, 1971 Galesburg, IL;
joined the Army 1991; stationed at Scofield Barracks and was sent to Thailand and Laos on missions;
mechanic on construction equipment in the 84th Engineer Bn; discharged 1993; US Army Reserves
1997-2000; parachute rigger in 824th Quartermaster Co; married 1st July 18, 1995 in Lancaster CA,
Candace Helen Baxter – divorced 1997; married 2d March 21, 2001 Charlotte Ellen Luciano born
January 2, 1978 in Fayetteville NC; reside in Fayetteville, where Tony works at the Wal-Mart
Distribution Center. Tony has provided this updated info – thanks, Tony! Born to Tony and Charlotte
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.2.1.1) TY ZACHARY DERRY (Photos) born November 22, 1999 Fayetteville NC
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.2.1.2) SHELBY LYNN DERRY (Photo) born April 9, 2002 Fayetteville NC
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.3) KAREN MARIE BHEAR born June 14, 1954 Canton, IL; married Leo Donald
Seckman on June 23, 1978 at Las Vegas NV; resided Toulon IL – divorced 2003
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.4) MARILYN JEAN BHEAR born February 18, 1962 Canton, IL; married Jeffrey
Wayne Beamer April 7, 1984 at Kewanee, IL; reside Toulon IL. Born to Marilyn and Jeffrey was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.4.1) ADAM NATHAN BEAMER born March 5, 1989 Galesburg, IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.4.2) NOAH JEFFREY BEAMER born December 6, 2001
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.5) DENISE ANN BHEAR born March 31, 1963 Canton, IL; married Louis Todd
October 18, 1986 Kewanee IL; reside Temecula CA. Born to Denise and Louis were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.5.1) BRANDON LANE TODD born July 30, 1992 Pomona CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.1.5.2) DYLAN WAY TODD born May 27, 1996 Escondido CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2) CONNIE MARIE WAY born June 14, 1938 Chestnut Township, Knox Co, IL;
married October 5, 1957 at Canton IL Harry Lee Gray born December 2, 1938; reside in Galesburg and
the family operates a restaurant. Harry was a braider operator at Gates Rubber, Galesburg, where he
was employed for 28 years - retired. Both Connie and Harry are high school graduates. Born to Connie
and Harry were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.1) KEITH EDWARD GRAY born November 14, 1958 Galesburg, IL; married
November 11, 1978 at Abingdon IL, Valerie June Perry born April 29, 1962- divorced 1984; married
2d July 26, 1988 at Las Vegas NV, Phyllis Marie (PJ) Johnson born October 22, 1961. Both Keith and
PJ are high school graduates. Keith is a machinist in the machine shop of Heat & Control, Galesburg.
PJ is the head waitress at the Sirloin Stockade in Galesburg; reside in Galesburg; and born to Keith and
Valerie were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.1.1) JUSTIN DANIEL GRAY born June 15, 1979 Galesburg, IL; graduated from
Galesburg High School 1997 and is an assistant manager at Arby’s in Galesburg; married July 14, 2001
in East Galesburg IL Angelia Gayle Harrison Daly [dau of Donald Ray Harrison & Mary Frances
(Williams) (Harrison) Daly] born March 13, 1980 Galesburg IL. She received her GED from Galesburg
High School 1998 and has attended one year at Carl Sandburg Junior College in Galesburg. Born to
them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.1.1.1) XANDER DEKIN GRAY born December 27, 2001 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.1.2) KIERAN BLAIR GRAY born March 5, 1982 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.2) KEVIN EUGENE GRAY born July 21, 1960 Galesburg, IL; a high school
graduate and is a machinist in the machine shop of Heat & Control, Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.3) KENT EVERETTE GRAY born December 30, 1961 Galesburg, IL; married
September 25, 1981 at St. Augustine IL Susan Jane Thurman born March 25, 1964 - divorced 1986;
married 2d November 9, 1990 at Nashville TN Judith Ann (Webber) Ralston born June 26, 1962. Kent
enlisted in the Army 1983 and was medically discharged as a Sergeant 1992, after having his eye put
out in Germany 1987; he was a welding instructor. Kent got his GED in 1980 and took two years of
80
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
college while in the Army, in engineering and machine shop operations. Judy is a high school graduate;
reside Galesburg; and born to Kent and Susan were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.3.1) TALITHA ERIN GRAY born February 14, 1982 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.3.2) JASON MICHAEL LEROY GRAY born May 28, 1984 Tacoma WA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.4) KYLE ERIC GRAY born December 21, 1964 Galesburg IL; married October 17,
1987 at Abingdon IL, Jacqueline Lisa Grimes born August 27, 1964. Kyle is a high school graduate; a
Hollywood carpenter for NBC Studios, Burbank CA. Jacque graduated Nurses College, Methodist
Hospital, Peoria IL 1987 and is a RN in the neo-natal care unit, Huntington Memorial Hospital,
Glendale CA; reside Valencia CA; and born to Kyle and Jacqueline were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.4.1) BRITTNEY LOUISE GRAY born August 16, 1991
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.4.2) ZACHARY LYNN GRAY born November 10, 1992
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.2.2.4.3) TIFFNEY M ARIE GRAY born December 26, 2002 Burbank CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3) LORETA JANE FERRIS (Photographs) born August 31, 1910 Monmouth
(Tylerville), Warren, IL and died July 14, 1990 Knoxville IL; married May 11, 1927 at Knoxville,
Charles William McCoy born June 16, 1908 Delong IL and died April 8, 1976 Galesburg IL. Charlie
and Loretta operated a Grocery Store and Post Office in DeLong, IL. Charlie retired Butler
Manufacturing Company, Galesburg IL; both Loreta and Charlie are buried Haynes Cemetery, DeLong
IL; and born to Loreta and Charlie were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1) MAJORIE LILLIAN MCCOY (Photograph) born January 14, 1928 DeLong, IL;
married August 3, 1946 at the Knoxville Methodist Church, Donald Dean Mathews born August 8,
1925 rural Maquon IL; reside Knoxville IL; and born to Marjorie and Dean were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.1) GERAL LYNN MATHEWS born February 13, 1947 Galesburg IL; married July
27, 1968 at the Christian Church, Abingdon IL Sharon Rae James born March 10, 1949; and born to
Geral and Sharon were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.1.1) THOMAS DEAN MATHEWS born February 4, 1969 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.1.2) RENEE LYNN MATHEWS born January 2, 1971 Galesburg IL; married 2003
David Cox
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.1.3) DEREK DUANE MATHEWS born June 24, 1973 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.2) GLADE ERROL MATHEWS born February 26, 1949 Galesburg IL; married
June 1, 1969 at the First Methodist Church, Galesburg IL Susan Marie Hatch born April 9, 1949;
resides St. Charles MO; and born to Glade and Susan were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.2.1) DANE ERROL MATHEWS born March 14, 1971 Galesburg IL; married
Teresa Lynn Cain July 10, 1993 at the Church of The Nazarene, Alexandria IN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.2.2) DENISE LESLIE MATHEWS born April 24, 1972 Galesburg IL; married
Jeffrey Joel Kubik July 23, 1994 at the Harvester Church of The Nazarene, St. Charles MO
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.2.3) DUSTIN LEE MATHEWS born December 28, 1977; attending St. Charles
MO Junior College
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.3) GALE WILLIAM MATHEWS born May 6, 1953 Galesburg IL and died April
23, 1954 Knoxville, IL; buried Haynes Cemetery
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.4) GREGORY DEAN MATHEWS born August 27, 1957 Galesburg IL; married
July 31, 1982 at the First Methodist Church, Knoxville IL Kim Renee Leaf born July 9, 1959 divorced 1994; married 2d October 26, 1996 at the Congregational Church, Galesburg IL Donna Marie
Thompson born April 25, 1959. Donna has a degree with music major; and born to Gregory and Kim
was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.1.4.1) ASHLEY RENEE MATHEWS born November 27, 1985 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2) HELEN J. MCCOY (Photographs) born March 6, 1930 at home in DeLong IL;
married Vernon (Speck) Dean Mathews on October 10, 1948 at Knoxville Methodist Church, IL 81
August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
divorced 1975 and currently resides Knoxville; and born to Helen and Speck were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.1) LORETA (RITA) MARIE MATHEWS born June 30, 1953 Galesburg IL;
married Rickie David Wagner at the First United Methodist Church at Galesburg, IL on December 4,
1971 - divorced 1973; currently resides Knoxville; and born to Rita and Rickie was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.1.1) MARCUS KILEY WAGNER born December 1, 1972 Galesburg IL
Born to Rita and Mike Kisler was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.1.2) MARA HELEN WAGNER (Photo) born December 6, 1978 Galesburg IL;
graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1997; enrolled at Carl Sandberg Community
College, Galesburg; married April 10, 1999 at Galesburg IL, Richard Allen Mullins and born to them
was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.1.2.1) MISSY ALLEN MULLINS
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.2) MELVIN EUGENE MATHEWS born April 25, 1955 Galesburg IL; married
Debra Leihenseder on June 16, 1973 – divorced; and born to Melvin and Debra was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.2.1) BOBBI JO MATHEWS born July 17, 1973
Melvin married 2d Kathy Benson on May 18, 1980 at Knoxville, IL - divorced. Born to Melvin and
Kathy was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.2.2) JASON LEE MATHEWS born March 30, 1981 Galesburg IL
Melvin married 3d Tracy Legrand on June 1, 1991 at Galesburg, IL. Tracy's children from a previous
marriage:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.3) PAUL DEAN MATHEWS born November 16, 1956 Galesburg IL; married
Dianna L. (?Lynn?) Unglesbee on July 24, 1976 at Knoxville Methodist Church, IL - divorced 1982;
and born to Paul and Dianna were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.3.1) PAUL BRIAN RICHARD MATHEWS born May 28, 1977 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.3.2)JACK DANIEL LYNN MATHEWS born September 7, 1978 Galesburg IL
Paul married 2d Ginger M. Milroy on May 18, 1982 at Galesburg, IL.-divorced 1983
Paul married 3d Elaine R. Emken on August 18, 1984 at The First United Methodist Church,
Knoxville IL - divorced 1989. Born to Paul and Elaine were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.3.3) ANDREW SCOTT MATHEWS born March 6, 1986 Peoria IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.3.2.3.4) LACEY ANN MATHEWS born September 9, 1987 Peoria IL
Paul married 4th Ann M. Filson on December 30, 1991 at The First United Methodist Church,
Knoxville - divorced 1994
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4) ELSIE MAE FERRIS (Photographs) born May 3, 1913 Tylerville, Warren, IL and
died February 25, 2002 Barstow CA {The last of her siblings to go.}; married March 19, 1931 Floyd
Earl Thurman born March 16, 1909 Galesburg IL and died there July 13, 1989; both buried Haynes
Cemetery, DeLong IL. Floyd farmed in the Yates City, IL area; then they moved to California where
they lived for several years; and they moved to Cumberland WI c1958 where they operated a resort and
lived for 24 years. After Floyd's death, Aunt Elsie returned to live in Galesburg where she resided until
1996 when she moved to California with Beverly and Arnold. Elsie resided at the Rimrock Villa
Nursing Home, Barstow CA, 1999 until her death. Graveside and memorial services were held
September 7, 2002 at the Haynes Cemetery, DeLong IL and the Knoxville United Methodist Church.
Born to Elsie and Floyd was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1) BEVERLY MAE THURMAN (Photos) born March 1, 1933 DeLong, Knox, IL;
married December 3, 1952 at San Diego CA, Arnold Gordon; resided in Galesburg until 1996 when
they moved to California after Bev’s retirement from St. Mary’s Hospital; resided at the Veterans
Home of California - Barstow (1999-2004) which is where Arnold died August 27, 2001; and born to
Bev and Arnold were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.1) DAWN DANEL GORDON born November 4, 1954 North Island (San Diego)
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
CA; married June 1976 Clyde Pursley -divorced; married November 1980 David Lindamood divorced; married Sumukh; resided in the Boston MA area; Montgomery AL; Oceanside CA;
employed in the computer industry
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.2) DANA CURTIS GORDON born October 11, 1956 North Island CA and killed
in a car accident December 28, 1975 on Illinois Route 34, near Burlington, Iowa; not married
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.3) BRIAN KENT GORDON born April 17, 1960 Johnson City NY; US Navy Vet;
married 1st January 22, 1994 at Ridgecrest CA, Angelo (Angie) Maria Lemus; USN Retired - divorced;
married 2d name unk; and born to him and Angie were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.3.1) HANNAH MAE GORDON born August 5, 1996 Ridgecrest CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.3.2) SAMUEL KENT GORDON born December 3, 1998 Ridgecrest CA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.4) TODD RANDALL GORDON born March 18, 1962 St. Paul MN; moved with
his parents from Galesburg IL to California 1996; resided Galesburg IL, San Diego CA and in Las
Vegas NV - employed in the construction industry. Born to Todd and Brandi was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.4.1.4.1) BLAKE RANDALL GORDON born January 2, 2000 Las Vegas NV.
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5) GARNET ELIZABETH FERRIS (Photograph) born June 2, 1915 Tylerville,
Warren, IL and died May 11, 1993 Peoria, Peoria, IL. Born to Garnet and Maurice Peck was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1) BONNIE JEAN PECK (Photograph) born April 10, 1931 DeLong, IL; married
Charles (Bud) D. Westbay on September 30, 1950 at Knoxville IL where they reside today; Bud was
the owner and operator of C. D. Westbay & Sons International Harvester Dealership, Knoxville, IL.
They reside in Knoxville but spend some wintertime in the sun in Florida; and born to Bonnie and Bud
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.1) CHARLES (CHUCK) GRANT WESTBAY (Photograph) born June 28, 1951
Galesburg IL; married January 21, 1972 Kristy Kay Owen born May 28, 1953 – divorced. Kristy
worked as a hairdresser. Born to Chuck and Kristy were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.1.1) ANJI KRISTINE WESTBAY (Photograph) born August 3, 1975 Galesburg IL;
a graduate of Knoxville High School, Knoxville IL; she is a licensed cosmetologist pursing a degree
from Northern Illinois University; employed at A Kut Above, DeKalb IL; married June 15, 1996 at the
Knoxville Methodist Church, Jason Michael Gibbs [son of Donnie and JoAnn Gibbs of Gilson IL].
Jason is a graduate of Knoxville High School and attended Western Illinois University. He is
employed as a CNC machinist by Greenlee Textron Corp., Genoa IL; reside Sycamore IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.1.2) DANIEL BOND WESTBAY born August 10, 1977 Galesburg IL; a
sophomore at Western Illinois University, Macomb IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.1.3) TRACEY ANN WESTBAY born September 12, 1978 Galesburg, IL; a senior
at Knoxville High School, Knoxville IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.2) SHIRLEY JO WESTBAY born November 29, 1952 Monmouth IL; married
Aaron Jay Reed on June 17, 1972 - divorced 1983; married 2d October 4, 1986 Carl Uhland – divorced
1990; married 3d August 6, 1995 at Knoxville IL, Rob Grub - divorced 1996; married 4th September
26, 1997 at Galena IL, Rick Placher; and born to Shirley and Aaron were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.2.1) JAY MICHAEL REED born January 2, 1973 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.2.2) RYAN JOSEPH REED born February 23, 1977
Born to Shirley and Carl was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.2.3) CHANCE BOND UHLAND born July 6, 1988 Peoria IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.3) STEVEN LARRY WESTBAY born May 2, 1954 Galesburg IL; married May
10, 1973 Jeannie Lynn Crow born November 24, 1954; and born to Steven and Jeannie were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.3.1) LACIE LYNN WESTBAY born February 22, 1982 Galesburg IL; graduated
from Western Illinois U, 2003; a finance major with Pre-Law Honors and Spanish minor; Magna Cum
Laude; was named the Convocation student speaker; co-founder and President of the Legal Association
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
of Western Illinois U. Students and co-founder and vice president of Western’s Golden Key
International Honors Society; president of Beta Gamma Sigma; president of the Student Honors
Association; a member of the Illinois Centennial Honor Council; secretary of Western’s chapter of the
Society for Human Resource Management; and an active member of Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board;
will enter Marquette U. Law School to study for a career in international corporate law
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.3.2) MITCHELL LEE WESTBAY born May 15, 1989 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.4) BETTE JEAN WESTBAY born February 1, 1956 Macomb IL; married October
31, 1971 George H. Cummings [son of George & Shirley] -divorced 1983; and born to Bette and
George were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.4.1) CHARLES LEROY (C.L.) CUMMINGS born May 3, 1972 Galesburg IL;
worked at the Farmers & Mechanics Bank and later at Wells Fargo Bank, Galesburg IL; resides in
Knoxville IL; married December 13, 2003 at Knoxville IL, Karen Sackfield; a nurse at the Graham
Hospital, Canton IL; and born to them was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.4.1.1) EMILY NICOLE CUMMINS born November 10, 1996 Canton IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.4.2) CLARK WESLEY CUMMINGS born September 24, 1975 Galesburg IL;
married January 3, 1998 at the Knoxville Methodist Church, Knoxville IL, Jennifer 'Jenny' Sue
Harshbarger
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.1.4.3) LOGAN CAIN CUMMINGS born October 17, 1979 Galesburg IL and died
July 20, 2003 from a self-inflicted gunshot, Oneida IL, where he resided. Logan was reared and
educated in Knoxville, played flag football, Little League Baseball, Junior High and High School
football and track and was captain of the football team; received citizenship awards and weightlifting
awards and coached flag football; graduated from Knoxville High School, 1998; graduated from Carl
Sandburg College with an AA in General Education; worked at Carl Sandburg as a staff services
technician; a Sergeant on the Knoxville Auxiliary Police.
Bette Jean married 2d 1985 Rod Murk - divorced 1987; Bette Jean married 3d Sam
Albert on November 14, 1992 - divorced
Garnet Elizabeth Ferris married June 28, 1936 at Peoria, IL, Lawrence Samuel Gravitt born
August 11, 1913 at Centerville IA and died April 24, 2003 Galesburg IL; buried Victoria Cemetery,
Victoria IL. Lawrence was raised and educated in Centerville and Rockford IL, graduating from
Rockford High School; worked for the Undeground Coal Mine in DeLong IL in the 1930s; then at the
Shipyards in Seneca IL building LSTs during WWII; retired from the ASARCO Coal Mine as a Tipple
Operator in Victoria IL where he and Garnet lived most of their adult lives. Lawrence was a former
volunteer fireman and past chief of the Victoria Fire Department and was active on the Victoria Village
Board. Born to Garnet and Lawrence were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2) FRANCES CAROL GRAVITT (Photograph) born December 22, 1936 Victoria
(Etherly) IL; married James "Julian" Martinson March 27, 1954 at Peoria IL; and born to Frances and
Julian were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.1) JAMES EUGENE MARTINSON born October 11, 1954 Galesburg IL; married
Johanna Lynn Ziegler on June 14, 1973 at Altona, IL – divorced; married 2d September 1, 1995 at
Galesburg, Susan Menke; and born to James and Johanna were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.1.1) JESSICA LEE MARTINSON born September 5, 1976 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.1.2) EMILY JANE MARTINSON born November 11, 1980 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.1.3) MOLLY LYNN MARTINSON born October 17, 1984 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.2) JULIE ANN MARTINSON born June 5, 1956 Galesburg IL; married 1st
Christopher Patrick Jordan on August 11, 1974 at Galesburg, IL - divorced 1985; married 4th April 10,
2001 Steven Mark Brandt; and born to Julie and Christopher was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.2.1) KYLE AUSTIN JORDAN born July 3, 1984 Galesburg IL
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Born to Julie and John Donald Olson was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.2.2) BENJAMIN MICHAEL OLSON born July 3, 1990 Monmouth IL
Julie married Edward Francis Leahy on February 14, 1992 at Galesburg, IL - divorced 1992
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.3) JEFFREY DALE MARTINSON born December 19, 1958 Galesburg IL; married
Traci Ann McClintic on July 15, 1985 at Galva, IL - divorced 1994; and born to Jeff and Traci were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.3.1) JEREMY DALE MARTINSON born Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.3.2) NOLAN DAVID MARTINSON born Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.3.3) KRISTINA ANN MARTINSON born December 6, 1991 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.4) JOSEPH EDWARD MARTINSON born February 1, 1961 Galesburg IL;
married Mary Catherine Lynn on June 21, 1980 at Altona, IL - divorced 1984; and born to Joseph and
Mary was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.4.1) ANNIE LAURIA MARTINSON born April 1, 1981 Galesburg IL
Joseph married 2d Coleen Rae Westover Trego on April 26, 1986. Born to Joe and Coleen
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.4.2) JOSHIA ROBERT MARTINSON born August 5, 1987 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.2.4.3) ZACHARY JAMES MARTINSON born July 24, 1990 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.3) GILBERT KEITH (SPEED) GRAVITT (Photograph) born January 14, 1940
Victoria, Knox, IL; married Georgia Camilla Moore on June 28, 1961; Speed retired from the US Air
Force after serving ** years. Born to Speed and Georgia were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.3.1) JOHN WILLIAM GRAVITT born April 10, 1964 Tucson AZ; 2003 – Major
USAF stationed at Eglin AFB FL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.3.2) LAWRENCE (LARRY) SAMUEL GRAVITT II born October 25, 1968 Travis
Air Force Base CA; 2003 – audio-visual specialist
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.3.3) ELIZABETH DEANN GRAVITT born July 23, 1974 San Antonio TX; 2003Reporter for Forbes magazines – resides Queens, NYC
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4) SAMMY GRANT GRAVITT (Photograph) born February 16, 1944 Lasalle IL;
married Gloria Jean Nordstrom on January 10, 1964 at Bishop Hill, IL.- divorced 1995; and born to
Sammy and Gloria were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.1) LISA DENEEN GRAVITT born September 20, 1964 Galesburg IL; married
Chuck Unger on February 5, 1988; Lisa graduated from Carl Sandburg Jr. College with an AA in
Accounting and is employed by the Galesburg School District. She is a lay leader in the Methodist
Church. Born to Lisa and Chuck were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.1.1) COLTON JAMES UNGER born December 9, 1989 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.1.2) CODY RYAN UNGER born April 6, 1991 Galesburg IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.2) SCOTT DAVID GRAVITT born August 5, 1966 Galesburg IL; married Lisa
Renae McMaster in June 5,1985 at Cloud Croft, NM - divorced 1986; and born to Scott and Lisa were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.2.1) EMMA LUCILLE GRAVITT born March 20, 1986 Charleston IL
Scott married 2d Joy Elizabeth Smit Turco on August 5, 1988 in Albuquerque NM. Born to
Scott and Joy was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.2.2) DAKOTA JAMES GRAVITT born December 31, 1991 Fort Worth TX
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.5.4.3) MICHAEL KEITH GRAVITT born July 16, 1975 Galesburg IL
[Not included in the number sequence were two infants born to Grant & Mabel Ferris:
An Infant Boy Ferris born and died, 1919, Tylerville, Warren County IL
An Infant Girl Ferris born and died, 1920, Tylerville, Warren County IL]
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6) *ROBERT (BOBBY) LEE FERRIS (Photographs) born May 4,
1924 at Cottage Hospital, Galesburg, Knox, IL and died there at St. Mary's Hospital, December 19,
1988; born Bobby Lee and later changed his name to Robert Lee; was raised near DeLong on the
"Doyle Farm" that his father leased; married September 6, 1941 at Kahoka MO, Marcele “Marcie”
Holloway born July 4, 1922 near Knoxville IL and died February 22, 1996 at the Cottage Hospital,
Galesburg (daughter of Alla and Katherine Jennie (Shideman) Holloway); graduated from Haw Creek
Township High School, Gilson IL 1941. Robert served in the US Army March 10, 1945 to August 31,
1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. [Jim - Dad said he was in Okinawa and then went to Korea and
built airstrips.] At various times Marcele held jobs outside of the home: Harris Appliance Store and at
Shanks Clothing and Store, Abingdon; Hines and McClintock Appliance Store and at Bergners,
Galesburg. She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church, Galesburg. Both are buried at the
Haynes Cemetery, DeLong IL. Bob was a farmer – he was either a hired-hand or farmed rented
property most of his life, until 1971, when he sold out his farming equipment and livestock and moved
to Abingdon – not by choice – the owner of the farm decided to sell it and Bob felt he couldn’t take it
on my himself. So between 1971 and 1988, he worked for Consumer’s Grain Company, first by
managing a new elevator near Herman IL and then later working at the Abingdon elevator and/or the
Galesburg elevator; he was also a feed salesman traveling over much of Knox County and outside of it
some. In 1987, Bob was elected President of the Maquoketa Dealer Advisory Council for Golden Sun
Feeds, Inc. [Jim – I think it is interesting to note that my great grandfather was a Civil War Union
Veteran who named his son, Grant, who in turn named his son Bobby Lee.] Born to Bob and Marcele
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.1) JAMES GARY FERRIS (Photographs) born March 21, 1942 at St. Mary's
Hospital, Galesburg, Knox, IL and will be buried at Haynes Cemetery, DeLong, Knox, IL; headstone is
in place; graduated from Abingdon High School, Abingdon IL with the Class of 1960; married July 26,
1963 in Frankfurt, Germany, Carol Burdis born December 25, 1939 Sunderland, County Durham,
England. Carol's parents were James and Evelyn (Knox) Burdis, both deceased. Carol had a brother
Phillip who resided in England – deceased 2005. Jim served in the US Army 1961-83, stationed in
Germany (twice), Illinois, Missouri, Viet Nam, Arizona, and Alabama; retiring as a Sergeant Major in
Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Civil Service with the US Army Corps of Engineers, 1985-1995; Vice
President and Director for Compliance, UXB International, Inc., an explosive ordnance disposal
company that was involved in cleaning up formerly used defense sites and active military installations,
in the U.S. and abroad, 1995-1997; Quality Assurance Manager for American Technologies, Inc.,
Ordnance and Explosive Services Division, 1997-98; 1999-2003 Senior Project Manager for SCI
UXO/OE Services; 2003-present Instructor at the Hazardous Devices School, Redstone Arsenal AL. In
his spare time, he is the compiler of this document. Carol spent many years in the medical secretarial
field before becoming a Civil Service employee with the US Army at Redstone Arsenal AL. Born to
Jim and Carol was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.1.1) MICHELLE NADINE FERRIS born August 28, 1966 at the Fort Leonard
Wood General Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; attended public schools in Illinois, Arizona,
Germany and Alabama before graduating from J.O. Johnson High School, Huntsville AL 1984;
received her AA from Phillips Junior College 1991 in paralegal studies. Michelle was employed by
Wolfe, Jones & Boswell as their senior real estate title examiner 1992-99; State of Alabama as a
secretary with the Highway Patrol, 2001- present; married October 14, 1995 at the Faith Presbyterian
Church, Huntsville AL, as his second wife, Victor Ray Carter born May 28, 1960 Huntsville, AL. Vic
graduated from Lee High School in Huntsville 1979 and served 5 years in the U.S. Navy. He is
employed as an industrial security specialist - no offspring
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2) JERI LYNN FERRIS (Photographs) born April 14, 1945 at St. Mary's Hospital,
Galesburg, Knox, IL; attended the public schools in and graduated from Abingdon High School,
Abingdon IL 1963; attended Lincoln Christian College IL 1963-64; married November 27, 1964 at
Roseville IL, Larry Wayne Alsman born June 23, 1940 of Sullivan, Indiana. Larry attended Indiana
State University 1958-60 and transferred to Lincoln Christian College in 1961 from which he
graduated with a B.A. in Christian Ministry in 1965 - they divorced 1997. Jeri Lynn is employed at the
* Drug Store in Sullivan IN; resided outside of Farmersburg IN; resides in Sullivan; and born to Jeri
and Larry were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.1) TAMMY DENISE ALSMAN (Photograph) born October 6, 1966 Galesburg,
Knox, Illinois; attended the public schools in and graduated from Dugger Union High School, Dugger
IN 1985; graduated with an A.A. from Indiana State U. 1988
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.2) KERI LYNN ALSMAN (Photographs) born January 24, 1968 Sullivan IN;
attended the public schools in and graduated from Dugger Union High School, Dugger IN 1986;
married August 19, 1989 at Sullivan, David Alan Harris of Memphis, Tennessee; resided in Nashville
TN for several years - divorced 1994; Keri then resided in Sullivan IN until 1995 when she returned to
Nashville; married 2d June 7, 1996 at Nashville, as his second wife, Tony W. McMurtry; Tony brings
his daughter Moriah to the marriage; resided Goodlettsville TN. Keri has worked as an office-building
manager; worked in a CPA's office. Tony is the manager of Green Hills Travel Agency. Born to Keri
and David was:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.2.1) BRADEN ALAN HARRIS (Photographs) born August 6, 1992 Nashville TN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.3) JON MARK ALSMAN (Photograph) born September 22, 1969 Sullivan IN;
attended the public schools in and graduated from Dugger Union High School, Dugger IN 1988;
married June 10, 1989 at Sullivan, Michele Aileen Fry born July 10, 1970, of Indianapolis IN. For a
while Jon Mark returned to his grandfathers' roots and worked on a hog farm near Sheridan IN (got that
out of his system); worked as a member of the city street department, Carmel IN; worked as a
landscaper; resided outside of Zionsville IN and Indianapolis IN; and born to Jon Mark and Michele
were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.3.1) MATTHEW ROBERT ALSMAN born June 15, 1990 Indianapolis IN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.3.2) KAITLYN AILEEN ALSMAN born March 27, 1992 Indianapolis IN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.3.3) ALEXANDER DAVID ALSMAN born October 21, 1994 Indianapolis IN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.3.4) EMILY ELIZABETH ALSMAN born May 20, 1999 Indianapolis IN
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.2.4) TIMOTHY WAYNE ALSMAN (Photograph) born February 8, 1974 Linton IN;
attended public schools in Dugger IN and graduated from North Center High School IN 1992; resided
in Nashville TN where he was employed by Anderson, Inc.; worked as a swimming pool maintenance
person in the Nashville area; resides in Evansville IN where he works for Coca-Cola
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.3) MARSHA (MARCIA) KAY FERRIS (Photographs) born January 11, 1949 St.
Mary's Hospital, Galesburg, Knox, IL; attended the public schools in and graduated from Abingdon
High School, Abingdon IL 1967; attended the Institute of Paralegal Training of Roosevelt University at
Chicago 1979 from which she graduated. She is a Trust Officer with NORWEST Bank (Wells Fargo),
Galesburg IL. Marsha is involved with the Altrusa Club and is the Lay Leader of the Faith United
Methodist Church of Galesburg
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.4) DANIEL ROBERT FERRIS (Photographs) born January 25, 1955 Cottage
Hospital, Galesburg, Knox, IL; attended the public schools in and graduated from Abingdon High
School, Abingdon IL 1973; received his B.S. (Agri-Business) from Western Illinois University 1977;
(Jim - I know this was a very proud moment in Dad's life. Dad did not finish high school and he
always wanted his kids to graduate high school, which everyone did. He was proud of Dan, graduating
from college, especially since Dan worked his way through college.) After Dan graduated from
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Western, he was employed by International Harvester 1977-83 and during this timeframe, he resided in
Woodridge and Boling Brook, both outside of Chicago; then Downs and Champaign IL and then
Davenport IA. In 1983, Dan was hired by Kubota, Inc. and moved to Costa Mesa CA. He married
April 28, 1984 at Bloomington IL, Lynn Marie Cichon born April 5, 1956 (daughter of Carl and Jeanne
(Hays) Cichon), formerly of Bloomington, Illinois. Dan was the Director of Distribution for Kubota
U.S.A., Torrance, Calif., 1983-1996; transferred to Fort Worth TX as Kubota's Central District Sales
Manager, 1996; transferred to Suwanee GA as Kubota Southeast Division's Director of
Assembly/Distribution, 1999; 2004 U.S. Vice President for Kubota, Manufacturing. Lynn received a
B.A. (Art), from Illinois State University, 1978. They reside in Lawrenceville GA. Born to Lynn and
Dan were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.4.1) CORY DANIEL FERRIS (Photographs) born December 20, 1987 Newport
Beach CA; involved in Scouting, played baseball, played trombone with the Gwinnett High School
Band and also plays guitar; cross-country runner; graduate Hebron Christian Academy, Lawrenceville
GA Class of 2006; Eagle Scout 2006; attending Gainesville State College, GA
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.4.2) BENJAMIN JAMES FERRIS (Photographs) born March 1, 1989 Newport
Beach CA; involved in Scouting and played baseball
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.5) DEBRA DEE FERRIS (Photographs) born May 17, 1956 Cottage Hospital,
Galesburg, Knox, IL; attended the public schools in and graduated from Abingdon High School,
Abingdon IL 1974; received her A.A. from Arizona Western College 1978; married January 11, 1976
at Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma AZ, Irvin Joel Banta III born April 16, 1951, of Franklin IN. Irvin
received a B.S. (Business) from Columbia College, Huntsville AL 1990; a Masters of Divinity from
Sanborn College, Birmingham AL, December 1995. Irvin served in the US Army 1969-1992, retiring
as a Sergeant Major in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He was the Chaplain/Training Officer for the
Madison County Sheriff's Department and was the Pastor of the Galilee Baptist Church in New Hope
AL, 1994-95; Pastor of the Meadow Drive Baptist Church, Huntsville AL, 1996-***; and selfemployed as a Christian Counselor; Training Coordinator, Madison County Sheriff's Department,
2000-04. From The Huntsville Times, May 6, 2000, "Christian soldier When Irvin Banta learned how to
listen to God, what he heard wasn't at all what he expected. In was 1991, Banta had been working as
the sergeant major in charge of the Army's bomb squad training program at Redstone Arsenal since
1985. He had been in the military for 22 years, served two tours in Vietnam. He spoke several
languages - Spanish, Laotian, Lebanese, Sudanese - and can read Hebrew and Greek. In addition, he
had been an instructor for the FBI Bomb Squad, an international conference speaker, a published
author for the Department of Justice, a researcher at the FBI Bomb Data Center, had provided
ambassadorial support and classified information to two U.S. presidents. With that background, Banta
thought he'd land a high-paying job when he retired from the military. There were a few lucrative job
opportunities that arose and they look interesting. So he prayed about those. But God's answer was
always the same. “I want you to be a chaplain”. At the time, Banta and his wife, Debbie and their
children Nina and Joel had lived in Huntsville since 1985. Being a chaplain would not require a move,
he found. It would involve law enforcement. He felt he was needed in the Huntsville community. So he
took a copy of his credentials to Joe Patterson, sheriff of Madison County at that time. Banta told
Patterson he was interested in being the department's volunteer chaplain. A few days later, Patterson
called him back and agreed. Banta built the chaplain program, which involves various types of pastoral
counseling, from the ground up. At the same time, he learned a lesson about faith. “We lost 50 percent
of our pay”, when he took retirement, said Banta, “but still had 100 percent of the bills and two kids in
middle school. I went from thinking I was going to make a lot of money, to no money, but God always
provided what we needed.” While building the chaplain's program, Banta earned a masters of divinity
at Samford University in Birmingham and a doctorate from Trinity Theological Seminary. His
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
specialty is counseling and crisis intervention. But God had already prepared him to be law
enforcement chaplain through his military experience. “The military is similar to law enforcement, so I
understand their job,” he said. “I've seen both sides of it. I've been the shooter and I've been shot at.
There's nothing they can tell me that will shock me". As a chaplain, Banta doesn't force his beliefs on
others. He doesn't even invite them to attend the small church he pastors. His role is that of counselor.
He offers Biblical guidance, in situations involving death, serious illness or any type of personal
conflict or crisis. “I'm here to bring God's presence into the department and the lives of the men and
women who work here, to help bring them to a greater responsiveness toward God," Banta said. Late
last year, Banta was selected by the Southern Baptist Convention Women's Missionary Union as the
subject of some its educational material on missions. Neither Banta nor his wife Debbie is sure how he
was selected. Neither had petitioned for such recognition. Banta said he was told in a letter he was
selected to help teach other areas about law enforcement chaplaincy. Chaplain programs are normally
not connected to a particular church congregation, are outside the scope of most church activities and
don't necessarily bring people into churches, so there are many people unaware of the work chaplains
do. But in February and March, when churches all over the United States and Alaska began studying
about Banta and his ministry, something else unexpected happened. Mail. Lots and Lots of mail. To
date, 970 letters to be exact. And each of these had multiple cards and notes tucked inside. “We were
blown out the water,” Banta said. “The mail carriers started leaving these plastic containers, sometimes
two at a time, at the front door. Letter after letter, it's people saying that they are praying for you and
the department. It's really neat." Banta and his wife are still opening letters, all of which he plans to
answer. "We can't do it all at once, but they took the time to do this for us, we'll take the time to
respond," Banta said. Sheriff Joe Whisante said he doubts seriously that he could afford to hire
someone with the same credentials as Banta. "He's given a lot to this department by being our
Chaplain", Whisante said. Last December though, Whitsante was able to expand Banta's role by hiring
him as the department's first training coordinator. "We've been needing someone in that position for
years," Whitsante said. "He has the credentials, there's no question about that. But you know, he's just a
good person on top of that." Although Banta, 49, is on the payroll, he remains a volunteer chaplain.
But now he does have his own desk. Educational certificates and honors hang on his wall alongside a
Chinese copy of a Russian RPG-7, a rifle-propelled grenade used against Americans in the Viet Nam
War. It's been nearly 10 years since he left the military, but Banta still sees himself as a soldier. "As
long as there is a job to do, I'll do it," Banta said. "When God says its time to go, it'll be time to go."
And he knows how to listen". Debra works at The Baptist Book Store in Huntsville, 1996-2005. Irv left
the Sheriff’s Department in 2004 and became a Department of Army Civilian instructor at the EOD
Division on Redstone Arsenal; then in 2005 became a Project Manager for an Alaskan owned company
with contracts on Redstone Arsenal. The Bantas reside in Owens Cross Road AL. Born to Deb and
Irvin were:
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.5.1) NINA DEE BANTA (Photograph) born March 31, 1979 Fayetteville NC. She
graduated from Virgil I Grissom High School, Huntsville AL with the Class of 1997; attended Judson
College; transferred to University of Mobile; competed for Miss University of Mobile 2002. March 1,
2002 – The University of Mobile Music Department presented Nina Dee Banta, Soprano, in her Senior
Voice Recital, which was prepared and presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree Bachelor of Science in Music Education. April 2000 – played ‘Zita’ in “Gianni Schicchi” in the
U. of Mobile Opera Workshop; March 2002, in “The Gondoliers” U. of Mobile Opera/Dinner; April,
2002 lead role in “Annie Get Your Gun” with the U. of Mobile Theatre Group; Summer 2002 at the
Southwestern U., Georgetown TX, played Sandy in Grease and the White Queen and the Cheshire Cat
in Alice in Wonderland; graduated from the U. of Mobile May 2003 with a B.A. in Music and Theatre;
during the 2003-04 season, she sang and danced as a featured performer at Wild Adventures Theme
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Park at Valdosta GA; 2004-06 Secretary; April 2005 performed as Tzietel with the Huntsville
Community Chorus in their presentation of Fiddler on the Roof ; September 2005 performed as Tansy
McGinnis in The Nerd; August 2006 performed as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, The Musical
(5.1.1.5.4.9.1.9.6.5.2) IRVIN JOEL BANTA IV (Photograph) born December 27, 1980 Fayetteville
NC; graduated from Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville AL with the Class of 1999; attended
University of Mobile with a major in music/youth ministry – changed to Computer Information
Systems – graduated 2003
*Jim - Dad and Mom were married September 6, 1941. Dad worked for his father and they lived in the
country near DeLong IL and in the 1942-44 time frame, the folks lived on the ‘Dempsey’ place
between Knoxville and Gilson, while Dad worked for Mr. Dempsey. Sometime in the spring of 1944,
they moved to 201 Pennsylvania Ave., Abingdon. Dad worked at the strip mine until March 10, 1945
when he went into the Army, serving until August 31, 1946. (See Discharge Papers and Separation
Qualification Record.) Soon after Dad was discharged, they moved to the house on Route 41, north of
Abingdon (house was torn down 2005), across from the Cherry Grove School, when Dad went to work
as a farm hand for Carl Morris. The family lived there for 1-2 years and then they moved east of
Abingdon, when Dad went to work as a farm hand for Bob Olinger, which was before 1949, because
Marsha was born while we lived there and I remember walking from the house to the school bus stop
on the highway and I remember learning how to milk cows here; I know I wasn't very old. I don't
know how long we lived east of Abingdon, before moving to the "old brick house" north of Abingdon,
when Dad went to work for Roscoe Simkins, on a 50/50 basis, probably in the 1950-51 time frame, but
it was definitely before 1955, because both Dan and Deb were born while we lived there. A major
milestone in the Ferris Family took place in the 1956 time frame and that was the installation of indoor
plumbing into the brick house. Sometime in 1958-59, Dad sold the dairy herd and converted the milk
barn into a farrowing house. I don't remember the exact date, but I definitely remember the occasion; I
was very happy to see those old girls go. But, as Dad use to say, those milk cows kept the wolf from
the door for several years. Then the family moved to the "big White House", on the same farm, before
Christmas, December 1960. Dad had his farm sale on January 23, 1971 (see copy of clipping attached),
when the landowners, the Dunlap Family, decided to sell the land. The family then moved to 404 N.
Pennsylvania Ave., Abingdon. Dad opened and managed the Farm Supply Hermon Grain Elevator,
Hermon IL for several years. He then worked for Consumer's Grain and Supply in Galesburg and then
the Stockyard Feed Store, in Galesburg, until his death. I am still moved by the large crowd that paid
their respects at Dad's visitation in Abingdon. Dad had many friends in the Knox County area. (See my
letter to the newspaper.) Because of health reasons Mom and Dad moved from Abingdon to Galesburg
in 1980.
*************************************************************************
Jim - there were other Ferris' in Knox County - I have found Ferris' from the (2) Peter and (3) Joseph
lines that also resided in 'God's Country.
OTHER FERRIS'S I can't figure out, yet, IN HOPE CEMETERY, GALESBURG.
MARY D. FERRIS, 1842-1916.....Just speculating, but this lady's age coincides with William M.
Ferris Jr...Maybe the Knox County History book was mistaken when it said Mary C. and should have
been Mary D., I don't know.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
MARY C. FERRIS, AUGUST 2, 1810 TO JULY 7, 1905.....Here is Mary C....her age group does not
agree with William M. Jr., but rather does with William M. Sr. This could very well be the lady who
donated money for the organ for the Baptist Church, but she couldn't be William M. Jr's, wife.
William M. Sr.'s wife was Mary J. according to one source.
CORINNE FERRIS, 1890-1915
Knox County weddings involving Ferris' not plugged in (YET):
John D. wed Louisa Jackson, 1851
John S. wed Louisa Pease, 1851
John W. wed Harriett M. Stevens, 1851 – they begat James E. Ferris b 1868 IL m Elnora Grace
Gingery (1872-1949) – divorced – and born to them was Ardath Revere Ferris (1895-1963) who m
Lucinda Moss Patton b 1877 Stafford Co VA and died 1954 Lincoln NE
S. Western (Westera) wed Harriet N. Baird, 1864
Swan wed Seclia Peterson, 1868
other Ferris
The Free Methodist Church. This society was organized at Abingdon, in the fall of 1880, by Rev. J. G.
Terrell, with W. B. Morse, John Wood and wife and Charles Pratt as members. Meetings were first
held in private houses and in halls. In 1881 a lease was secured of the Methodist Protestant building.
Rev. William Ferries was the first installed pastor, remaining one year.
From the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. XII, No. 3, Fall, 1980:
The earliest comprehensive list of abolitionists in Illinois is the record of those who signed the call for
a convention at Upper Alton on October 26, 1837. The call, dated Alton, September 27, 1837, was
signed by Elijah P. Lovejoy and 'undersigned' by 235 persons from seventeen communities in ten
counties of the state. It was printed with the Proceedings of the Illinois Anti-Slavery Convention Held
at Upper Alton on the Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth October as an Extra of the
Alton Observer, dated on the title page, Alton, 1838". [Jim - I have included only those names from
Knox County.]
George Avery, James Bunce, Leonard Chappell, Hugh Conger, Lorentus Conger, Patrick Dunn,
Eli Farnham, GEORGE W. FERRIS, HENRY FERRIS, SYLVANUS FERRIS, George W. Gale, W.
Selden Gale, Luther Gay, C.W. Gilbert, Abel Goodell, Warren Goodell, W.P. Hamlin, Samuel
Hitchcock, William Holyoke, Adoniram Kendall, John Kendall, Elisha H. King, Nehemiah Losey,
John McMullin, H.H. May, Lucius Mills, Ephraim Noel, Brainerd Orton, Enos Pomeroy, Levi
Sanderson, Thomas Simmons, Miles Smith, Erastus Swift, Samuel Tompkins, Abraham Tyler, James
Waters, John Waters, John G. West, Nehemiah West, and Henry Wilcox.
Note: Genealogical and Family History of Central New York, by William Richard Cutter
Note: Knox Directory 1837-1963, published in 1963 by Knox College, Galesburg IL
Note: History of Riverside City and County by John Raymond Gabbert 1935
Note: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, 1899, edited by Newton Bateman, Paul
Selby, W. Selden Gale, and George Candee Gale.
Note: A Ferris Genealogy, Volume 4, by James S. Ferris
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Note: History of Nevada, 1881, published by Howell-North, 1958.
Note: Nevada Today, 1949-1950 by Clifford C. Walton
Note: Galesburg Township Cemeteries by Knox County Genealogical Society
Note: Descendants of Nahum and Nancy Whittlesey Davis by Terry D. Davis
Note: An Interview with Ruth Achard and Margaret McDonald conducted by R. T. King, 1984, Oral
History Program, University of Nevada, Reno.
Note: An Interview with Grace Melissa Dangberg conducted by R.T. King, 1984, Oral History
Program, University of Nevada, Reno.
Note: Hyde Genealogy or the Descendants, in the female as well as in the male lines, from William
Hyde, Norwich, by Reuben H. Walworth, LL.D., Volume 1, 1864.
Note: Article from the Press Enterprise, Riverside CA, September 26, 1982.
Note: Notes from William H. Bonnett III
Note: Family information from Patricia (Ferris) Rottman.
Note: Family information from Alan & Marie Anderson
Note: The Knox Alumnus, Centenary Director Number 1837-1937
Note: Read Genealogies [GenealogyLibrary.com]
Note: Nevada The Silver State, 1970
Note: Our Country and Its People [GenealogyLibrary.com}
Note: Knox County, Illinois The Honor Roll 1917-1918-1919
Note: Genealogy of the Olmsted Family in America
Note: RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Velde, Sanberg, Moulton, Ferris & Fraser
Note: Family info from Terri Ann (Fuentes) Ackers
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Note: The below document is from the Ferris Family File at the Henry M. Seymour Library, Special
Collections Section, Knox College, Galesburg IL. The copy I received had been typed from the hand
written document. Jim – July 2004.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
ELLA FERRIS ARNOLD (5.1.1.5.4.6.3)
I born on Nov. 29, 1842 in a small house, which stood on the lot on which the Association
Home now stands. My Grandfather Ferris lived on the corner of Cherry & Tompkins Street just north.
He bought my father's place - the south half of the lot I think, and gave it to his only daughter, Mrs.
Harriet Bunce. Dr. Bunce, the first physician of the Galesburg colony built the large frame residence,
which stood there till about the year 1915 or 16 and was then torn down and the Association Home,
was erected. Dr. & Mrs. Bunce lived there the rest of their lives and all their children were born there.
After my father sold that place, he moved to the farm on W. Fremont Street between Henderson
and the street west, now owned by the Thompsons and lived there about four or five years. My brothers
Timothy and Henry were born there, Tim in 1845 and Henry in '48. We moved from there to "the
section" on south Henderson Street, which was given by my grandfather Silvanus Ferris to my father
when the township was platted. This was about the spring of 1849, I think. We lived in a small frame
house about 16 by 24 for about two years. My father, who never bought anything that he could make,
made the brick and built the central portion of the house now owned by his grandson Harry Drew
Ferris. The "brick yard” was a few rods east of the place where the large barn now stands and the clay
of which the brick was made was dug on that spot. Those brick were literally 'hand made' for I watched
the job and it was well done as proved by their present condition. The clay was dug, ground up fine and
moulded in frames
which held about twelve brick each and carried to a yard which had been leveled off very smooth and
covered with sand and placed to dry in the July sun. If a rain came up and the brick were in the yard
they were ruined and had to be molded over again. (Mr. Thomas Liddle and Joseph Thirlwell were the
managers of the brickyard.) After they were dried, they were placed in the kiln and covered for
protection from rain and when enough were completed the kiln was burned by a professional burner
who had to sit up nights to keep up the fires and be furnished with a sufficient quantity of stimulant to
keep happy. I think wood must have been used for the fires for I do not remember to have ever seen
coal at that time. I think the house must have been built about the year 1850. Mr. Thomas Liddle and
Joseph Thirlwell were the masons who laid the walls. They were Englishmen who had just "come over.
We moved into the house in the fall of that year before it was finished, for Mr. Thirlwell's father and
mother and Mr. John Robson had just arrived and my father had rented some of the farm to Mr.
Robson and had to give him possession of the little house in which we lived. The walls of the brick
house were up and the roof on, except the ridgepole and some of the windows in, but not all for when it
rained mother had to hang up blankets at the windows. Father worked right along and soon had the
ridgepole and windows in place and outside door hung. The partition walls are all of brick and there
was no plaster on them for several years. The floors were not finished or nailed down, only boards laid
over the joists, but it was a new house and had six rooms in it. Father had his carpenter's work bench
on the south side of the living room and that winter he planed and laid the floor and we children
watched him match the boards which were of different widths and work out the groove between planks
and fit the boards in place. It was quite interesting for us but rather hard on mother. That workbench
stood there till the casings were on doors and windows and floors laid upstairs and down. There was no
plaster on the brick walls for several years and it was a happy day for mother and children when the
plastering was finished, for father did it all himself as he had time to do it.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Several years later Hattie and I papered the sidewalls ourselves and white- washed the ceiling.
Father dug a well and all the water for the house and much of the water for the horses came
from that well. It was a few rods from the house. We had to draw the water for the house with the
wellsweep. I remember riding on the lower end of that sweep while a man pulled the bucket end down
to fill with water and when the water was low in the well it was a rather strenuous job to hang on. All
the horses from the barn had their drink from the trough, which was attached to the well. The family
used this well for all purposes. Later father dug another well nearer the house. That well is in use today.
I went there a few years ago and had a drink from that well. The water tasted very good. I would like to
have another drink out of that well.
We had no barn when we first went there, but the horses and cattle were protected in winter.
They built two-rail fences, always joggy, filled in between these with prairie grass on the north side and
on the east and west sides, leaving the south side open. This was protected by timbers on poles at the
top for a roof so as to keep the horses and cattle from rain. Straw was placed above on the timbers. We
used those sheds for a good many years before we ever had a barn.
We used to mow, by hand of course, large tracts of prairie grass and some of it was brought up
to the barn and stacked so as to protect the sheds and we fed it to the cattle in the winter. We had no
corn to feed. Sometimes the prairie grass was stacked up out in the fields where it was cut. At times the
prairie grass got on fire and when it got near those stacks the whole force went to work to beat out the
fire. I remember once mother and the hired man went out in the middle of the night and worked for
hours to protect the stacks of hay. Father was away from home.
Father planted an orchard. He planted apple seeds and raised apple trees. He got our apples
from Canton. Canton was settled before Galesburg, and was a distance away of 40 miles. He went
down every year and brought home a wagonload and stored them in the cellar. In the spring of the year
he would cut the plants down to the ground and during the winter from places where they had apples -at grandfather's, and uncle's - he got scions of a year's growth. He cut them off in the winter and in the
spring he would bud them. This gave him the desired species or apples. The apple originally planted
was just a common apple. He planted out a large orchard, but by the time it got to bearing the borers
appeared and bored into the trees so half of them never bore at all. Some of the trees did bear and we
had apples from them.
Father took a notion to raise hedges. He got half a bushel of osage orange hedge seed. He sent
away for it. It was the duty of us children to weed those hedge plants and when they were a year or two
old he set out hedges on both sides of the road, Henderson St. Some of these hedges are still standing
and doing duty as fences. His farm was fenced with hedges all around, and cross-fields too. We
children raised the plants. These large worms that are found on tomatoes used to live on the plants and
we had to look them over two or three times a summer and kill them.
The road to the farm was out Cedar Street, or some street in that direction. There was not a
fence from Galesburg to the Thurwell corners. The road just wandered across the prairie to a place
where the stockyards are, which we called the “Mound" -- it was the highest point. There was a gradual
rise from the college ground. From the Mound we went south--not a house in sight-- on to my Uncle
Harvey Jerould's place. Our house was a mile and a half south of it. There was not a house or fence in
between.
One very popular young man, a relative of Robert Chappell, died down there. His name was
Chappell also. His father was dead and his mother was quite aged. There was one daughter, Carrie, a
beautiful girl. Her brother was sick and she undertook to go down to him. She had to go down the river
on boat, taking 10 days or more. He died before she got there and was sent home on another boat. She
had to turn around and take another boat home. The boats in those days made no time at all. Of course
she got home too late. I believe when she went, she went from here to Quincy and got a boat there.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
Before we moved to the farm, when I was between 3 and 6 years old, we lived on the
Thompson farm on West Fremont Street. The house had a kitchen, living room and bedroom. There
was a big brick oven built in the middle of the house. A fireplace opened into the living room. Mother
didn't have a cook stove at first, but later did have one in the kitchen. The brick oven extended out into
the bedroom. I don't know what they did with it in the summer. I think they had brick ovens outdoors
for summer use.
In those days a dressmaker, Mary Ann Paden, used to go around sewing. She made all the men's
clothes, suits and overcoats, and the women's dresses. Father used to keep sheep. He hauled the wool to
market, either to Peoria or Oquawka. He had some or it made up into cloth. We had several bolts of
seal brown flannel for mothers’ and other various dresses and skirts for children’s uses and red flannel
and full cloth. Mary Ann Paden made father's suits and pants out of the full cloth for men. Then there
was another cloth, a little heavier than full cloth that was used for his overcoats. She used to come
around once a year and "sew us up”. She was a character like no other and a great talker and storyteller.
There was a traveling shoemaker, Chris Miner, who carried his set of tools and shoemaker's
folding bench, which was something like a washing bench with boxes on top for tools, from house to
house and made up the shoes and boots for the men, women and children. These shoes and boots
would last about a year. Father bought leather by the hide. He saved the skin of any animal that died,
had it cured and tanned and made into leather. They made morocco and sole leather out of cow and
horse hides. Morocco was made out of calfskins. Chris Miner came and made up our shoes. This was
when we were on West Fremont Street. Once I remember Chris Miner came to make the shoes and
Mary Ann Paden was there making clothes. They were a pair! He would sing a song and she would
sing one to match it. He would tell a story and she would tell another. They stayed nights or as long as
it was necessary, and then moved on to the next house. There was fun alive at those times.
Mother made her own soap. We burned wood. I never saw coal for years after that. Father saved
the ashes, and dried them. He made a platform, took a barrel and bored some holes in the bottom, then
filled it with ashes and set the barrel so the lye drained out. A kettle was set at that point. It was the
duty of the children to keep water in the barrel on the ashes. After the lye was drained, it was put into a
big kettle -- A big iron kettle which belonged to someone in the neighborhood was passed on from
family to family for such usages. During the winter we saved all the fats and grease. The grease and lye
was put in this big kettle and a fire was kept under the kettle. This was another job of the children,
keeping the fire burning. It usually took two or three days to make the soap. If we wanted some special
soap for hand use, we took out some of it and put some salt in it, stirred it up and let it dry down. Then
we cut it into squares, thus making cakes of soap for hand use. This was one of the duties of the
farmer's wife. We probably never bought a cake of soap. I used to make soap years after I was married.
My husband set up many an ash kiln.
There were no matches in the world in those days. I guess there was a way or making fire by
rubbing sticks together and having paper and kindling together to make a lire. Mother went visiting one
time and the fire went out. I was sent to the neighbors to get a brand of fire. I took an old copper kettle
and went a half-mile and got a nice live brand, brought it home for mother to start the family fire. I
don't think mother was in the habit or making fires, for a fire was never allowed to go out. It was
always covered with ashes and would keep several days.
Making candles was one of mother's duties, assisted by the other members of the family. Every
family kept a bunch of candle rods, a hundred or more. Before the making of candles, the wicks which
had been carefully measured the right length, were cut and twisted around the rod six or eight on a rod
and laid carefully away till all were done. The tallow was put in the wash boiler and melted. A quantity
of hot water was added to fill the boiler to the top, so as to make the candles clear to the top of the
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
wick. Enough candles were usually made at one dipping to last six months or a year, according to the
amount of tallow we had. The water in the boiler did not interfere with the making of the growth of the
candle, because water and tallow do not mix.
There were a good many colored families that came up from Missouri and Kentucky and
Galesburg was celebrated for its abolition of slavery. My father was one of the men who took the
colored people in and helped them. They would travel nights. There were different stations along the
way. I believe Princeton was the next one. The men would drive a wagon, having some hay in it, and
they would go that way. My father was very much interested in helping them and he employed colored
people. There was one family that came from Kentucky and who found an old cabin near us, in which
they lived. The mother died, leaving six or
seven children. One of the girls took consumption and was quite sick. The neighbors helped them all
they could, and mother helped too. This girl was brought to our house. Mother put a bed up in our
living room for her. She took care of the girl until she died. None of us contracted the consumption.
In our life on the farm, I spoke of watering the horses at the well. The cattle were driven to the
creek every morning. The first thing after breakfast we got the cattle, which were in a yard near the
barn at night, let down the bars and turned them out into the path and drove them down to the creek to
drink.
A surveyor (Nehemiah Losey) came out with the party, which founded Galesburg. My father's
father, Sylvanus Ferris, gave each of his children a
section of land, a section being 1/36 of a township. There were seven children. The first one, the oldest
son, was given the section at the northwest corner of town. The next child was given the next one, and
so on. Our section was on the other end of the row. Uncle George's was along on Monmouth Road.
Grandfather chose a section for himself that was just beyond the city limits. These sections did not join.
He entered them at $1.25 an acre. He paid cash to the College, $6.00 an acre, for all this land. This is
where the college endowment came
from. He was a good farmer down east, at Utica. Grandfather never lived on this section, but broke it
up, fenced it off and cultivated it. He used to come out here and look it over. That was down on the
west side of the Abingdon road.
There was a sawmill, which sawed up lumber, also a gristmill. One of the gristmills was very
famous. It was the Olmsted mill. I think there also was a mill here in town. The Olmsted mill was
northwest of town. It was the best. Father would haul a load of wheat to the mill and if the miller wasn't
too busy he would grind it and bring it home, but if the miller had other work ahead he would have to
leave the grain until his turn came to have it ground. He brought home bags of bran. The next grade
was kernel and there was something they called "shorts". He would bring home a bag or two of shorts,
and the flour.
The wood we had was cut from trees. The men would go to the woods with an axe and cut
down a tree. Several men would get together and help each other, saw it up into single lengths
according to what use it was to be put to. They also made rails. If they wanted any lumber for flooring
or beams they would cut the proper lengths and load it on a wagon and haul it to town and have it
sawed off. They would bring the slabs home for firewood. It was wonderful how everything could be
done without machinery.
The grain used to be put into sacks after the threshing was done without any threshing
machines. I think they laid a platform and drove horses around and around until they had tramped the
grain out of I the wheat and then they would rake off the straw and leave the grain on the platform.
They had a fanning mill run by hand. The boys ran it. The grain was pushed through a hopper and as it
went the air would blow the grain out. That was the only way. My father didn’t have a granary. He built
a square rail, put a timber on the bottom and then put some prairie grass on it, and in between the rails.
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August 2006 (5) JAMES - Ferris of Knox County IL
He put the grain in this. He put straw or grass on top so the water would run off instead of settling in
the grain.
I think I remember the first service held in the church. I don't remember whether the walls were
plastered or not, but I know there was a floor laid and the roof was on, and I think the windows were
in. The seats were two-inch planks arranged in front of the platform. There was no pulpit. The ends
were on blocks about 15 inches high. There were rows of seats on one side, then an aisle, and then
another row of seats. The gallery was in the back end of the church, the
second story. There were 3 rows of seats along the north end of the gallery. The choir sat in the gallery.
Some one played a violin and there was some kind of a melodeon. There was also a base viol. There
were probably ten or more singers and when the hymns were sung the congregation arose and turned
around and faced the choir, singing the hymns. We had some very good singers. The leader was
Leonard Bacon. He played the violin and sang tenor. He was very nearsighted. It was an interesting
show to watch him; he bent down until his nose almost touched his book and then he would raise his
head and send out a roaring tenor voice that nearly drowned the rest of the choir. He also taught singing
school. The members of the choir used to practice, going around to the different homes. Mr. and Mrs.
Silas Olmsted and the tenor, Leonard Bacon, George Churchill and others were members. After the
hymns were sung we turned around and sat down. When the
church was built those who gave $100. (this $100 went into the building fund for the church) had the
privilege of having a permanent seat. I think a deed was given to them; it was theirs forever without
any charge or rental. Of course the people paid for the support of the pastor aside from that. My
father’s pew was number 19. I can see the other members of the family as they were scattered around in
their pews. Dr. Bunce had the next one in front of ours and Uncle George and Grandfather Ferris and
Uncle William were seated in front of us. Uncle Western was back of us. Across the aisle was the
Wilcox family and others. I can see them plainly.
We had the morning service at 10:30 and afterwards the Sunday School. The grown folks didn't
go to Sunday School as much as they do now. The children all staid and the teachers for an hour and
had the lesson and singing. George Churchill was superintendent for a good many years. He was a
remarkable man -- a man of mark in his faithfulness to duty and his genial way of conducting the
service.
My grandfather lived on the corner of Tompkins and Cherry Streets, where St. Mary's Hospital
is. He was one of the best men that ever lived, I am sure. He was always doing some good deed. He had
5 sons and one daughter. They all lived around Galesburg on the farms, except those that lived in town.
His first wife was a cousin of Dr. Gale; her name was Sallie Olmsted. She died 3 or 4 years after they
came west (9 years). There was a widow who had 6 children, mostly grown, a Mrs. Hitchcock, who
came here. She was an ideal christian. She lived her profession to the limit and was always looking for
an opportunity to do good and help some one. After a couple of years or so grandfather decided he
needed a helpmate and they were married. He was just as good to her children and grandchildren as he
was to his own and she was as good to his children and grandchildren as she was to her own. My sister
and I loved them both and would go to town and stay with them a week if we wanted to and didn't
think anything of it. My sister lived there part of the time while she was going to school. Grandmother
always had some of her needy nieces or grandchildren in her home to
help with the work. She always had one or two college boys in the home who worked for their board.
After the church services closed the grown folks all went to
grandfather Ferris’. They sat in the kitchen - it was a kitchen and dining room all in one. Grandmother
and her helpers went into the pantry and prepared a lunch, bread and butter, a little cold meat, a pickle,
a piece of cheese, a doughnut or cookie. She would have a plate for all who went there. After the
Sunday School services were over all the grandchildren came. There were generally 10 or 15 of them.
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The older people would be through with lunch by that time and grandmother would prepare a lunch for
all the grandchildren. After they finished eating they all filed to the woodshed where the well was and
had a drink from an old rusty dipper which hung near the bucket. By the time all were through and had
an airing, it was time to go back to the afternoon service. It was held at 1:30. We had another regular
preaching service of the same character as the morning service. About three o'clock we were dismissed
and went home. That was the Sunday program year in and year out. We had Sunday School picnics
once in a while and other social gatherings.
This was before the war, of course.
The election of Lincoln and the nomination of Fremont were just as hotly contested as any
election ever could be. The results of course are known.
On the day that Fort Sumter fell, April 1861, my brother Alfred was starting for Californ1a. He
was already to start off and we knew that the battle was on at Ft. Sumter. He had 3 yoke of oxen and a
covered wagon and all his appliances loaded and was going with a party of Emmigrants from
Monmouth. He started off that morning before daylight. They traveled all summer across the plains and
in the fall they got to the western side of Nevada. He was tired of trave1img and became interested in
mining there and staid there 4 years. He was twice elected sheriff of the county in which he lived. He
was married to a daughter of a family that lived there. A year or so after they were married he decided
he wanted to come back and he wrote to father and asked him to send him some money to Salt Lake
City. They were going by team to Salt Lake City. Father sent the money. We didn't hear from him at
all. Along in the summer there was a notice came that there was a letter in the dead letter department at
Washington addressed to him with a draft in it and asked him what should be done with it. Of course
father wrote to have it sent to him. Then we never heard from my brother. His wife's people lived there
and they invest1gated but couldn’t find out anything. At that time the Indians were killing people and
we always thought they were killed by the Indians. Later my sister-in-law’s people decided it was the
Mormons that killed them. They were doing things like that. An old lady whom I met in Salt Lake City
told me that she came across the plains with Brigham Young. They were Mormons. Brigham Young
told at a meeting that a party of emigrants were coming through at such a place and that they had cattle
and material and that the Lord needed them. He said, “I don't ask you to go and get them, but I call for
volunteers.” That was the way they dealt with emigrants. She said they left the Mormons then and had
had nothing more to do with them since.
The excitement of the war was intense. There were about 25 or 30 boys left at college, but in
the academy, which was, as attached to the college there were more. Professor Churchill was the head
and "all". He had one or two assistant teachers, but he ran the academy. He was a universal favorite.
We celebrated the triumvirate by purchasing the organ that is in Central Church. The official name of
the organ is the Triumvirate Memorial Organ, in memory of the three teachers who lead the college in
those days, Prot. Churchill, Prof. Hurd and Prof.Comstock. There was an article prepared and sent to
all graduates at that time. They raised the money to pay for the organ. There were many subscriptions
of $1. and several for $100. I was treasurer of the fund.
Dr. Bateman has told his personal experience of going through college, and 1 think that my
personal experience was so similar in a way that maybe it will not be a miss to tell how I went through
college. My father brought some land (2 quarter sections of land) in the early days and at that time they
gave scholarships for 25 years tuition in the college for each quarter section that people bought, my
father thus having two scholarships. My sister and I paid our tuition through Knox College with the use
of those scholarships. We lived on the farm, south of town, on the section which grandfather gave to
my father. Sister was a little in advance in school and staid out and taught school a term or two. I went
straight through, entered in 1860 and graduated in 1863. I had a room in Whiting Hall on the third floor
part of the time. During the war there were 12 or 15 girls in the hall. Most of them were on the second
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floor. Most of the rooms on the third floor were vacant. I used to come up from the farm Sunday
afternoons or Monday mornings and bring a basket of food from home. There being plenty of vacant
rooms and a room was given me to use in which to keep my food and eat. I was so fortunate as to have
a grandmother on the corner and several aunts in town who were typical Galesburgers of the time and I
had a standing invitation to come in and take a meal any time I wanted to, which I did with many
thanks for the great kindness and helpfulness with which they put me through. My father and mother
thought they couldn’t afford to put me through school and board me, so as you see, I boarded myself
with their help. My sister and I kept house the last year of our school in the home, which my father and
mother owned and lived in when they lived in town. We had a very efficient housekeeper and we kept
some boarders. The lady who had lived there before us had the boarders and when we moved in they
wanted to stay there; so my sister with the help of the efficient cook let them do so. There were two
married men and their wives and a few others who came in for their meals. The last year of our school
we spent in that home and supported ourselves. Among the boarders there, there was a Mr. B. F.
Arnold. My sister was the great favorite and I was second best usually. This Mr. Arnold took a notion
that I was the one he wanted, so he proposed to me one night on the sofa. I took the matter under
consideration and decided I would accept. We were married the 26th of May after I graduated. We
were married at home on the farm. This house, where we lived the last year of our schooling, was on
Simmons St. at the head of Boone’s Ave., where the fire department is today. Our class ran the college
while we were there we thought. There were ten girls and five men in the class, which graduated that
June. The men are all passed on and all the girls except Mrs. Bell Cathren Ayres and myself.
Little Caroline Elizabeth born there on June 18, 1851. Father kept two or three hundred sheep
and it was the work of the children who were old enough to watch the sheep graze on the prairie and
keep them from wandering away and getting mixed with the neighbors, or getting into the grain fields.
There were no fences only around the outside of the farm and we drove the sheep into a yard at night
and let them out onto the prairie in the morning. We always carried a stout stick to protect ourselves
from mad dogs and rattle snakes, but I think our bare legs were the safest protection, as I never
remember to have been attacked by either. Father sold the sheep and then our job was to herd the cattle,
but by this time we were furnished with an old mare to ride and the work was more interesting. I
remember following the plough day after day all the spring and dropping corn in every third furrow,
which my brother made when breaking up the east field with three yoke of oxen. I rode on the back of
one of them when going to and from the field. We all had chills and fever the summer of 1852 caused
by the rotting of the sod after the west field was broken and my little brother Henry Blanchard died
from jaundice following ague the winter of 1853. He was a beautiful black-eyed boy, the gem of the
family we all thought, of four years of age. He was buried on the corner south of the house. My little
sister Gala died the next September by falling into a pail of hot water and being scalded. These were
sad times for the family and mother almost went distracted because of grief at losing her two youngest
children so near together.
It must have been in 1854 that father had his foot ground from his leg by stepping on the joint
of the “tumbling shaft” of the threshing machine and slipping so that his foot and ankle were drawn
into the joint and crushed so that his foot was separated from the leg all but the heel cord and the main
artery. Dr. Bunce was called as soon as possible and bound the foot in place. It was years before it was
entirely healed and hundreds of pieces of bone were taken out for months after at the daily dressings.
The ankle joint was always stiff but father thought his foot was much better than none. He always made
his own shoes after, as he had special lasts and a set of shoemakers tools and could suit himself better
than in any other way.
Lillie born in 1856 and I think it was in 1857 or 1858 that father rented the farm and moved
into town. He traded the north farm for a brick house at the head of Boone’s Avenue and some lots
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near the depot and some other property. The Fire department is now located where our Family home
was for several years. We only lived in town a couple of years when father and mother and Tim and
Lillie moved back to the farm, as renting did not prove satisfactory. Hattie and I entered College in
1860 and we staid in the house and some married people boarded with us. We kept a competent maid
and with some help from the ladies in the house got along very comfortably till we graduated in 1863.
Several gentlemen boarded with us the last year or two as Hattie was a good provider and quite a
popular landlady. Among them were Scott Dewey, a R. R. Conductor and Warren Bakers, a
moneylender and B. F. Arnold, a lawyer and real estate man. The two former were rather “sweet” on
the landlady but the latter actually proposed to the headwaiter and they were married at the farm home
on May 26, 1864. The town house was broken up and “the girls" moved back to the farm where they
lived till they were both married. B. F. Arnold and Ella were married at eight o'clock on May 26, 1864
and Edwin Crandall and Hattie in Nov. the day after Thanksgiving of the same year.
It was a lonesome Mother that winter who kept the home for father and Tim and Lillie. Hatti
came home in the spring and always after that they were closely associated in their home life, often
living together. Tim was married to Mary Drew in a year or two and was proprietor of the farm and
father and mother and the Crandalls moved back to the city. My father’s and mother’s family consisted
of seven children, Alfred Garret the eldest, Harriet Maria born in 1839,
Ella in 1842, Timothy Harvey in 1845, Henry Blanchard who died aged/4, Caroline Elizabeth aged 3
and Lillie Cornelia born in 1856.
Thus endeth something of a family record, but I have been asked to tell
of some of the doings of our childhood in a frontier town located in the middle west in the thirties and
forties of the last century. These records begin when we moved onto "the section" in 1849.
There used to be great discussion where to build the schoolhouse. All the people lived in the
north end of that school district and my rather wanted it down nearer our farm and the center or the
district, but the major1ty overruled and the schoolhouse was built where it is now, the Thurwell
School, the site given by Mr. Thurlwell, a mile and a half from our home. We did not go to school very
much. We went through the Primary Dept. at home. When we left the farm and
moved to town, I graded up with all the other girls that had gone to school all their lives. Sometimes,
when there were two or three of us going to school, and when my father wasn’t too busy, we rode an
old horse, but we usually walked. We only had school in the summer season.
One family built a house about half way between my uncle's and our house. Finch was their
name.
My father and his family moved to town in 1856. We girls went into the Academy and later into
the college. War broke out in l861. Nearly all the boys left for war, or went home so their fathers could
go. There were only 15 or 20 boys left at college. The first death of the college boys was an event that
touched our hearts almost beyond our ability to endure it. He was George Foster. He was a young man,
a senior, who had been planning to be a minister. He left and went to war. He was a lieutenant. It was
his duty to lead his men. He went forward and was shot. He had not been in service more than two or
three months when he was killed. He was brought home and burial service was held in what is now
Beecher Chapel. He was buried in Hope Cemetery. After that there were others who were taken sick
and died, or who were killed and brought home. Some of the finest young men the city ever had are
lying there in the cemetery on account of their war service.
The women of the city organized the Soldiers Aid Society and went into it just as they did here
in the Red Cross. They made garments and packed barrels of food. Mother Bickerdyke lived here and
was very efficient. Mary Allen West was a local woman who did much for the soldiers. She canvassed
for food for the hospitals and sent carloads of food to the soldiers in hospitals along the Mississippi
River. They canvassed the farmers, who gave cattle and hogs and vegetables and fruit, in fact anything
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they raised, and all this was sent to these hospitals in Tennessee, Louisiana and Kentucky on the
Mississippi River. Everything had to go by boat. There were no railroads.
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