Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 50

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 50

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FERNANDES, Joseph .- The natives of Portu- gal and its dependencies have proven good cit- izens of the United States and are gladly wel- comed when they come here. Sangamon Coun- ty has attracted a number of them, the mines, unills and railroad interests centering here giv- ing them employment and the locality affording them the opportunity to purchase homes. One of the men who have heen associated with the county for several years is Joseph Fernandes, now retired, living at No. 1125 East Miller Street, Springfield. He was born in the Islaud of Madeira, in August, 1832, being a son of An- tonia and Frances Fernandes, both of the same locality. The father was a gardener and came to America with a family consisting of three sons, three daughters and his wife. They landed at Baltimore and from there came direct to Springfield. This city, however, remained the home of the parents but a short time, for they moved to Jacksouville, where they died.

Joseph Fernandes received a somewhat lim- ited education In his native land, hut was ambitious and ready to work at anything that offered him a living with opportunity for ad- vancement. He first worked as brakesman on the Chicago & Alton Rallroad, continuing with this company for eight years, then went with the Wabash Railroad. After several years with that road, he eutered the Springfield Rolling Mills, In 1872, continuing with this concern until it closed, since when he has lived retired. Always working steadily and saving his wioney. Mr. Feruandes was able to huy his home and is in comfortable circumstances.

In 1866, Mr. Fernandes was married in Spring- field to Lucy Kean, born in the Island of Madeira in 1835, where her parents died, and she is the only survivor of her family. Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes hecame the parents of slx children, two of whom are living: Dudy, wife of Jaines Gomes, of this city; and Lucy, wife of John Rumble, of Virginia, Ill. There are seven grandchildren in the family.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes belong to the

Fourth Presbyterian Church and are much in- terested in its good work. In politics, he is a Republican.

FERO, Ira W. (deceased) .- There is one branch of artistic endeavor which requires more than ordinary skill and knowledge in its successful prosecution. It has not attracted as many rep- resentatives as some othes liues of work, hut those who are engaged in It, if they hecome pro- ficient, are certain of a remunerative and pleas- ant way of gaining a livelihood. The late Ira W. Fero was for many years the leading expo- nent of terpsichoreau art in Springfield, and from him the youths and maldens learned the latest ideas with regard to dancing. Mr. Fero was born in New York State, March 9, 1835. His father was a farmer and merchant, and after Ira W. finished his school course, he clerked iu a store until he reached his majority. However, his Inclinations ran In another direc- tion, and he did not purpose to spend his life behind the counter. Finally, he moved to De- catur, Ill., ahout 1875, there to open a dancing academy, where he taught some of the hest peo- ple of the city. After two years at Decatur he came to Springfield, where he continued his business until his demise, in July, 1896. His remains were interred In beautiful Oak Ridge Cemetery, at Springfield.

Mr. Fero was a Methodist in religious faith, but his wife and daughter are Episcopalians. Absorbed as he was in his business, he had little time for politics, and did not actively espouse any party, voting independently. On November 17, 1866, Mr. Fero was married, in New York, to Mary Jane Dickerson, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Miller) Dickerson, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They were farm- ing people who came to Sangamou County at an early day, and became identified with its agri- cultural interests. Mr. and Mrs. Fero had two children : Eva, horn April 27, 1883, resides with her mother, and a son who died at birth. The family residence is at No. 4191% East Monroe Street, and there the ladies warmly welcome their friends. They are carrying on the dancing academy, whose excellence is fully maintained, and both take a strong interest in thelr work. They are charming ladies, cultured and refined, and have the respect and confidence of all with whom they are associated in either a pro- fessional or social way. .

FERREIRA, Isaac, one of the essentially self- made men of his community and generation, has risen through his own unaided efforts to a position of importance, and is uow proprietor of . a large store, dealing in groceries, fruits, vege- tables, fish and poultry at No. 624 Grand Boule- vard. Springfield. He was born August 24, 1861, in the Second Ward of that city, where he has spent his life. He is a son of James Ferreira, born on the Island of Madeira, July 5, 1836, son of Joseph Ferreira, also of Madeira, where he died. When only sixteen years old, James

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Ferreira, with his mother and five other chil- dreu, came from New York City, where they had landed, to Springfield to join relatives. The lad learned the harness-making trade and carried it on for many years. At present he resides at the corner of First and Carpenter Streets. In 1860 he was married iu Springfield, to Charlotte Vieira, born on the Island of Ma- deira, in September, 1844, a, daughter of Joaquin and Mary Vieira. Mr. Vieira came to America with his family in 1846, and after landing in New York came to Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Ferreira had children as follows: Isaac, Charlotte, Sarah, Mary, Jennie; Rodsie, deceased ; James, deceased; Effie, Lucy, John, Albert, Louise and Marguerite.

Isaac Ferreira attended what Is now the Trapp School, and studied under several well- known teachers, including Miss Hughes, Miss Mary Sell and Thomas Catlin, whom he grate- fully remembers. When he was sixteen years old he began learning the blacksmith trade, with Booth & McCoker, at the corner of Eighth and Washington Streets. Later he went with Henry Marks, at the corner of Eleventh and Madison Streets, where for three years he worked in the grocery business. Following this he was clerk and book-keeper with several con- cerns, then entered the establishment of R. C. Steele. with whom he remained twelve years, and for ten years was head clerk. At this time he begau business for himself on Monroe, be- tween Fourth and Fifth Streets, remaining on that block for twenty-four years. In December, 1909. he moved into his present store, which is 63x23 and has a double frontage. The building is of pressed brick, with flats above. It Is fitted with electric and gas lights, hot and cold water, cemented cellar, and all modern Improvements. In addition to erecting this building Mr. Fer- reira has built twenty-five residences in differ- ent parts of the city, and Is now one of the most prosperous merchants of Springfield. He is a stanch Republican in politics. Formerly he attended the First Presbyterlan Church, which is Portuguese, but his family are mem- bers of the West Side Christian Church. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows, Maccabees and Modern Woodmen.

On January 22, 1895. he married Molly Me- line. of Jacksonville. They have children as follows : Lucille, aged fifteen years; Leon. aged fourteen years; James, aged twelve years; Joseph, aged ten years, and Robert, aged eight years.

Ilard-working. eager to seize upon opportu- nities as offered. Mr. Ferreira presents a strik- ing example of what can be accomplished through sturdy endeavor. hacked by strict honesty and thrifty hablts.

FERREIRA, John H .- A general blacksmith whose business is located at No. 214 North Second Street. Springfield. is a man who has succeeded well and now specializes on plow and wagon work and horse-shoeing. He was

born August 26, 1863, on the corner of Sec- ond and Carpeuter Streets, Springfield, a son of John Ferreira aud Mary ( Vascouceilos) Fer- relra, the former born on the Island of Madeira, in June, 1838, and the latter in the same place in May, 1841. She was a daughter of Joseph Vasconcellos. John Ferreira came to the United States lu young manhood with his widowed mother and her six other children. He learned wagou making iu Springfield and followed that trade for some time, then located on his farm of fifty acres, where he and his wife are both living. They had children as follows : John H., Harvey, Lewis; Lizzie, married Jess Neef, of Island Grove Township; William, of Sun Prairie ; Mary, Mrs. Harry Shoemaker, of Springfield.

John H. Ferreira attended the Trapp School in Springfield until he was twelve years old, then the family moved to the farm his father had bought iu Islaud Grove Township. For three years the lad worked on the farru, then learned the blacksmith trade. Following this lie worked with a number of well-known men iu this line, finishing his apprenticeship by the time he was eighteen years old. He then went to Grand Rapids, where he spent eight years. Coming back to Springfield, he started in busi- ness for himself. While a Republican on na- tional questious, he is liberal about matters per- taining to local government. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons, Modern Woodmen, and Royal Neighbors, and is popular in all.

Mr. Ferreira was married in Grand Raplds, December 28, 1891, to Miss Ella Benson, of that city, daughter of the late Hans Benson. Their children are: Arthur W. and Emma Rosette. Mr. Ferreira belongs to a class of mnen who are steadily working towards better gov- ernment and general advancement. Industrious and hard-working, strict in business probity, Mr. Ferreira believes in uprightness in public office and casts his vote for the mau he deems will best carry out its obligations.

FERRIS, George D .- It is considered a distinc- tion to come of families whose forebears fought for the independence of this country. There are a number of men in Springfield who can lay claim to this distinguished honor, aud among them is George D. Ferris, a retired brick mason, whose grandfather on the paterual side of the house was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Ferris was born at Portage, Ohio. September 19, 1833, belng a son of Joseph and Sevalla (Rounds) Ferris, natives of Portage, Ohio, and New York State. The father was a stone cut- ter by trade, who in 1849 went to California after gold, aud died there. His widow died in Ohio.

George D. Ferris was educated in Portage, Ohio, going to school in a little log bullding, where the pupils sat on slab benches. These schoolhouses were very primitive, with puncheon floors, greased paper windows, and a rude log door hung on homemade hinges. Yet these

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

primitive affairs withstood the attacks of wind and weather better than many of our modern structures which are old when hut a decade has passed. He learned the stone cutting trade with his father, later adding that of brick masou, and worked at the latter for forty years. In 1854 he came to Springfield, having great faith in Its future, aud soon branched ont into con- tracting. Ile worked on the gubernatorial man- sion from the foundation up, as well as on other important buildings during the many years he was in hnsiness. For the past four- teen years, he has heen retired, residing in his present residence No. 731 North Seventh street, where he has resided twenty-eight years. Mr. Ferris has an excellent war record, en- listing in Company E, One Hundred and Four- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years, being mustered out at Camp Butler. He served under General Sherman, participating in many battles that left their trail of blood over both north and sonth, and, after forty-five years of peace, still raise painful memories including those of the Pittsburg campaign, and the hattles of Mohile, Nashville and Vicksburg ( Miss.). Naturally Mr. Ferris is very prominent in Steplienson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., of Springfield. Hc at- tends the English Lutheran Church, and iu politics he has always heen a Republican.

Mr. Ferris was married in Springfield, De- cember 3, 1861, to Matilda Sourmon, born in Pennsylvania, November 10, 1845. Her parents came to Springfield at an early day, first stop- ping in Milwaukee, Wis .. but not liking it there they pressed on to Springfield, which be- canie their home, and coutinned so until their deaths. The father was a hrick layer, mason and contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris have no issne. Mr. Ferris is mnch interested in secur- ing good, reliable government and is always willing to do a fair share in this connection.

FERRY, George P .- The land of Sangamon County, Ill., heing peculiarly adapted for graz- ing purposes, it is only natural that there should be many farmers in the county giving much of their attention to the breeding of fine cattle and horses, and some of the finest stock to be found at the livestock fairs held all over the country comes from this section of Illinois. One of Sangamon County's farmers is George P. Ferry, who conducts a general fariu on Section 3. Cartwright Township. Mr. Ferry was born on Section 13, in this township, May 10, 1862, and is a son of Thomas H. aud Loretta (Per- rin) Ferry, natives of St. Lawrence County, N. Y.

Thomas H. Ferry, who was reared in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., made a trip to San- gamon County, Ill., in 1846, and there bought land. He had first married Maria Lamphier, by whom he had one son, O. E. Ferry, now a prominent retired farmer of Eldorado, Kan., and after the death of his first wife he returned

to New York, where he was agaln married and returned to Sangamon County in 1858. He located on his farm iu Cartwright Township, turned his attention to the cultivation of his laud, and became one of the leading agricul- turists of his day. Mr. Ferry was a man loved for his integrity of character and his many ster- ling qualities, and was a devout churchi mem- her, giving liberally of his means for the snp- port of the Presbyterian Church. He was called to his final rest January 4, 1899, his wife surviving him until June 25, 1905. To them there were horn four children, of whom two died in infancy, the other two being George P. and John T., the latter a farmer in Cart- wright Township.

George P. Ferry obtained his education in the district schools of Cartwright Township and at the age of sixteen years was given charge of the home farm, on account of the serious illness of his father. At the time of the latter's death, the home farm was divided, aud George P. remained on his share of the property nntil March, 1902, when he sold this land and invested in 242 acres on Sections 3 and 10, Cartwright Township. Mr. Ferry has given particular attention to the breeding of fine horses, of which he has a large number on his farm. He is a lover of aud an acknowledged judge of horses, being always willing and ready to pay a fair and honest price for a good horse. A man of honesty and integrity, his customers are always sure of a fair and square deal, and as a result his dealings have been far above the ordinary.

On December 22, 1887, Mr. Ferry was mar- ried to Miss Louella Durand, who died Septem- ber 20, 1899, without issne. On February 20, 1907, he was married to Miss Mary A. Smith, and to this union there have been born two children : Lena L., horn December 7, 1907, and Mary Frances, born July 10, 1909.

Mr. Ferry has always taken a prominent part in all public enterprises and has been a leader in every movement that has promised to he of benefit to his community. He has been a snp- porter of the principles of the Republican party, but has steadily refused to accept pub- lic office. Although a member of no religious denomination, he is a liberal supporter of all creeds. Mrs. Ferry is a member of the Bap- tist Church. In his fraternal affiliations Mr. Ferry is connected with the Masonic Lodge No. 700 and the Modern Woodmen of America, both of Pleasant Plains. His husiness interests have taken him all over the county, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who have come into contact with him, whether in a business or a social way.

FERRY, John T .- A representative citizen and successful agriculturist of Sangamon County, Ill., who is cultivating on excellent property of 136 acres on Section 33, Cartwright Township, was born just south of Pleasant Plains, Ill.,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

September 29, 1864, a son of Thomas H. and Loretta (Perrin) Ferry, natives of St. Lawrence County, N. Y.

The first wife of Thomas H. Ferry was a Miss Maria Lamphier, who died leaving him one son, O. E. Ferry, of Eldorado, Kau., aud he was married a second time to Loretta Perrin, who bore him four children, of whom two died in infancy, the survivors being: John T. and George P., the latter a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Cartwright Township. Thomas H. Ferry first came to Sangamon County in 1846 and purchased land, but after the death of his first wife returned to New York, wheuce he again came to Illinois in 1858, and spent the remainder of his life on his farm, becom- ing one of the leading meu of his township, and a mau admired and esteemed for his honesty, integrity and many charities. He died Jannary 4, 1899, and his wife followed him to the grave June 25, 1905.

The boyhood of John T. Ferry was passed much the same as that of other farmers' boys of his day, his education being secured in the district schools during the time that he could spare from his duties on the home farm. Drilled to the life of a farmer and stockraiser, he has made this his life work, and at the age of twenty-two years he rented a part of the home farm, successfully operating sixty acres for a period of two years. On Novem- ber 13, 1890, he was nnited in marriage with Miss Viola Purvines, who was born near their present home in Cartwright Township, Febru- ary 10, 1865, the daughter of William G. and Emily Frances (Eaton) Purvines, both of whom were born in Cartwright Township. Mr. Pur- vines dates the coming of his family to San- gamon County as far hack as 1822 or 1823, and he now resides In the village of Pleasant Plains, beiug one of the extensive landowners of the towuship. Mr. and Mrs. Purvines are still living, as are all of their children, there having never been a death in the family. Their children are as follows: Mrs. Ferry; Loran, a farmer of Cartwright Township; Alice, the wife of Augustus H. Atherton, a farmer of Cartwright Township; Carroll, a rancher of Panhandle, Carson County, Tex .; Beulah, the wife of Homer G. Doughit, who farms in Cart- wright Township; Walter, a large landowner in the Panhandle district, Tex .; and Edith, who resides with her parents.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ferry lo- cated on a farm in Auburn Township. and here he successfully continued in agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he purchased the present property, a fine tract of 136 acres, which he has cultivated to a high state. His property can boast of well-kept fences, graded pastures, excellent barn and outbuildings and a comfortable dwelling. He uses the latest and most highly improved farm machinery in his work, and hreeds a high grade of cattle.

Mr. Ferry has always acted with the Repub- lican party and his services to this organization

have prompted his fellow citizens to tender liim places of public preferment, but he has al- ways declined to hold public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his agricnl- tural interests. Although a member of no re- ligious body, he is always ready to give liber- ally to church aud charitable movements, and is a firm believer in education. Mrs. Ferry has long been an active member of the Methodist Church.

FETZER, John P., a prominent and thrifty young farmer of Cartwright Township, Sanga- mon County, was born near Richland, that township, March 2, 1878, a son of Frederick and Margaret (Raps) Fetzer. Frederick Fetzer was a native of Prussia, whose father died in that country, and wheu about seventeen years of age the young inan, with three brothers, canie to America. They emigrated about 1853 and came direct to Illinois, spent a short time at Kankakee, then came to Springfield. Fred- erick Fetzer there followed his trade of car- penter and was married in Jannary, 1862. He bought land on Section 15, Cartwright Town- ship, abont 1874, there reclaimed wild land and put it under cultivation, and erected a nice home. In the spring of 1910 he retired and now resides on College Street and Capital Avenue, Springfield, where he and his wife are enjoying the fruits of a well-spent, busy life. His first purchase of land was 147 acres, to which he added from time to time, until he owned 410 acres in that township. He built the house and in other ways greatly improved the place where he made his home and both farms are now iu a high state of cultivation. He has always been ready to help forward auy enterprise for the public good. He and his wife are members of the German Lutherau Church of Springfield, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are living. They are: Anna, wife of Rev. F. Engelbert, in charge of the German Lutheran Church at Braddock, Pa .; Katherine, wife of William C. Vogt, a dry-goods merchant of Springfield; George, a machinist of Des Moines aud interested in the tractiou company at that city; John P .; Ed- ward J. F., on the old home farm on Section 15. When Frederick Fetzer came to America he had no money with which to make his start in life, but went to work with a will to earn some, and by economy and industry was able to attain gratifying success.

John P. Fetzer spent his boyhood on a farm, as did many another farmer's son, attending school as he could be spared from the farm work, and became a practical farmer before attaining his majority. He remained at home until about twenty-one years of age, then rented his father's farm in Section 2, and on August 15, 1900, married Miss Nellie Mitchell, a native of Campbellsville, Ky. She was born January 12, 1882, and is a daughter of James D. and Edith (Schofuer) Mitcheli, who came to Sangamon County in 1884. After his mar-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

riage Mr. Fetzer took charge of his father's tarui on Section 2 and has since operated this tract of 163 acres, being at present in charge of 213 acres altogether, and successful iu his enterprise. He keeps a variety of good stock but does not raise hogs for the market. He is an energetic and euterprising business manager and has well earned his present success,

Four children have been born to Mr. Fetzer and wife: Marguerite, born November 9, 1901; Edith, June 19, 1903; Catherine, February 23, 1908; Ruth Olive, August 25, 1910. Mr. Fet- zer owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Com- pany and is a close student of moderu methods of farming. In politics he is a Democrat. His wife belongs to the Methodist Church and he to the Lutheran Church. Both have many friends and have a good standing in the com- munity.

FEUERBACH, John (deceased) .- The older residents of Springfield, Ill., will remember John Feuerbach, a prominent German-American cit- izen, who after many years passed in agricul- tural pursuits, retired from active life and spent his last years living in the Capital City. Mr. Feuerbach was born in Germany in 1844, a son of Jacob and Lena Feuerbach, natives of the Fatherland, who came to the United States in early days and located near Evansville, Ind., where they spent their lives in farming. They had a family of four children, and the others beside John, were Jacob and Michael Feuer- bach and Mrs. Lena Schimmelmann, now resi- dents of Evansville.

John Feuerbach started his education iu the schools of Germany, and completed it in Evans- ville, Ind., as soon as he was old enough be- ginning work on the home farm. On reachiug liis majority, he engaged in farming on his own account in Indiana, and in 1886, came to San- gamon County, III., where he commenced farm- ing, but after two years sold his land locating in Springfield, purchased the home on South Eleventh Street, where Mrs. Feuerbach now re- sides. Here he was Ilving at the time of his death, In 1896. Mrs. Feuerbach has five acres and the house is located at No. 1902 South Eleventh Street, the old family home. Mr. Feuerbach was a Republican in politics, and an upright, exemplary citizen.

On August 18. 1868, Mr. Feuerbach was mar- ried at Evansville, Ind., to Elizabeth Lohman, who was born in Evansville, July 1, 1852, the danghter of Peter aud, Elizabeth (Kauplancer) Lohman, natives of Germany, who came to America at an early date and settled near Evansville, where they followed agricultural pursuits until their death. There were six children in their family, of whom Elizabeth be- came the wife of Mr. Feuerbach ; Mrs. Lena Spausban is living in Rockwell, Tex .; George Lohman is a resident of Springfield, and three are deceased. One of Mrs. Feuerbach's broth- ers. John, who is now deceased, served as a sol- dler In the Union army during the Civil War.

There were sixteen children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Feuerbach, of whom seven are now living, as follows: Johu L., a farmer of Sangamon County ; Elizabeth, who is the widow of Oscar Bowman, residing in Divernon, Ill .; Lulu, who married George Cantrell, of Spring- field ; IIenry, who is a resident of Hannibal, Mo .; Christopher, who lives at home with his mother ; Frank, who is iu the employ of Schnepp & Barues, of Springfield, and Mary who mar- ried William H. Kuder, has six children, and they all reside with Mrs. Feuerbach, Mr. Kuder being the proprietor of a dairy. Mrs. Feuer- bach has sixteeu grandchildren.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 50

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774