My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM M. FERRY, a prominent citizen and an extensive and prosperous agriculturist now located upon his valuable farm, on section 34, Pipestone Township, Berrien County, Mich., was born upon the old Ferry homestead September 18, 1848. His father, Robert Ferry, born in 1806, was a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and was the son of David Ferry. When a young man he emigrated to the United States and located in Michigan, marrying Miss Joanna Ridenour, born in 1824 in Ohio, and the daughter of Jacob and Letitia (Brown) Ridenour, who came to Michigan in an early day. The parents of our subject made their home upon section 27, Pipestone Township, in 1837, being the third family of settlers in the township. The farm was Government land, and all timber. Enterprising and energetic, Robert Ferry operated steamboats and ferry boats upon the river, and thus earned money to pay for his land and needed improvements. After his marriage in 1839, this self-made and ambitious man learned to read and write, studying in a private school. Prospered, he accumulated a large property and, continually adding to his estate, at the time of his death owned ten hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He cleared and improved two hundred and sixty acres, and lived at first in a small log cabin, but soon built a larger log house. In 1857 he built a fine residence and had previously, in 1850, erected a large and substantial barn.

When he came to America, Father Ferry landed at Quebec, and, taken sick there, was obliged to pawn his watch to pay the doctor’s bill. On arriving in Michigan his sole capital remaining was fifty cents in cash, but with self-reliant determination he made a name and fortune, and was mourned as a public loss when he passed to his rest in the spring of 1876. He was buried in the Ferry family cemetery, his grave being marked by a magnificent monument costing $700. His good wife is yet living upon the old homestead. The sons and daughters who blessed the early Michigan home are: John S., a resident of Charlotte, Mich.; Mary, deceased; Robert J., William M., Joseph R. and Thomas P., the four latter all well-known citizens of Pipestone Township, and occupying positions of usefulness and influence. The only daughter was the wife of Eliphalet Adams, and both she and her husband are deceased. They were the parents of one child, Robert C., who resides in Great Falls, Mont. He married Emma Henwood, and is the father of two children. Father Ferry was in religious affiliations a Catholic. He gave his children a good education and aided them on their way in life. Politically a Democrat, he was interested in local and national issues. Arriving in Pipestone Township before its organization, he ably exerted himself throughout his life in the promotion of public welfare, and, a hard-working man, won through his excellent judgment financial success.

Our subject, the third son of the old pioneer, received his education mainly in the district schools of the neighborhood, and remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and in 1870 was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda A. Pegg, a daughter of Elisha and Amy (Calvin) Pegg. Mr. Pegg was a native of Virginia, and Mrs. Pegg was born in Ohio, and in the latter State the parents of Mrs. Ferry were married. In 1864 they came to Michigan, locating on section 24, Pipestone Township, which they made their permanent home. Mr. Pegg died in 1871, his good wife surviving until 1875. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Ferry; John W.; and Ella R., wife of William Cushing, residing in Silver Creek Township, Cass County. She has no children.

Mrs. Ferry was born May 27, 1845, in Portage County, Ohio. She received an excellent education in the home of her childhood, and taught school in Michigan. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Ferry settled where he now lives, upon partially improved land. He has one hundred and ninety acres, one hundred and sixty of which are under a high state of cultivation. Our subject is a general farmer, and profitably raises both grain and stock. He erected his handsome and commodious residence in 1890 and 1891 without instruction. Guided by his business ability and thorough comprehension of the desired architecture, he drafted the plans and completed the building — a most convenient and attractive house, costing $2,760, aside from the lumber and labor involved.

This dwelling is one of the finest in Pipestone Township and is universally admired. The basement of the house had been built in 1887, but was remodeled in 1890. The barn, built in 1883, cost $1,400; it is 56x40 feet and has twenty-foot posts. There are other substantial and necessary improvements on the homestead, one of the best pieces of farming property in Pipestone Township, and which contains aside from its harvest-fields a fine lawn, ornamental and shade trees and two acres of choice fruit. Mr. and Mrs. Ferry have no children, but have reared one child, Cora B. Ferry, who became as their own when only four years of age. Our subject is fraternally connected with the Blue Lodge at Berrien Springs and Western Star Lodge No. 39, A. F. & A. M., and has been Senior Warden. He is also a member of Keystone Chapter No. 36, of Dowagiac, and is one of the twelve Knights of Niles Commandery. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Ferry has represented his party at conventions, and has ably performed the duties of Highway Commissioner of Pipestone Township for three years. Since then he has refused political office, but as a member of the School Board has done excellent service in behalf of educational advancement. His circle of acquaintance is large, and from his earliest youth he has been identified with the various enterprises of his locality, and is regarded as a true and earnest citizen, liberal in sentiment and upright in character.