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{{short description|American politician and educator}}
{{short description|American politician and educator}}
{{redirect|Senator Ferris}}
{{redirect|Senator Ferris}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name= Woodbridge Nathan Ferris
|name = Woodbridge Nathan Ferris
|image= Business Journal (1912) (14590826058).jpg
|image = Business Journal (1912) (14590826058).jpg
|caption=
|caption =
|order= 28th
|order = 28th
|office= Governor of Michigan
|office = Governor of Michigan
|term_start= January 1, 1913
|term_start = January 1, 1913
|term_end= January 1, 1917
|term_end = January 1, 1917
|lieutenant= [[John Q. Ross]]<br />[[Luren D. Dickinson]]
|lieutenant = [[John Q. Ross]]<br />[[Luren D. Dickinson]]
|predecessor= [[Chase Osborn]]
|predecessor = [[Chase Osborn]]
|successor= [[Albert Sleeper]]
|successor = [[Albert Sleeper]]
|order2 = [[United States Senator]]<br>from [[Michigan]]
|order2 = [[United States Senator]]<br>from [[Michigan]]
|term_start2 = March 4, 1923
|term_start2 = March 4, 1923
Line 17: Line 18:
|predecessor2 = [[Charles E. Townsend]]
|predecessor2 = [[Charles E. Townsend]]
|successor2 = [[Arthur H. Vandenberg]]
|successor2 = [[Arthur H. Vandenberg]]
|birth_date= {{birth date|1853|1|6}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1853|1|6}}
|birth_place= [[Spencer, New York]]
|birth_place = [[Spencer, New York]], US
|death_date = {{death date and age|1928|3|23|1853|1|6}}
|death_date = {{death date and age|1928|3|23|1853|1|6}}
|death_place= [[Washington, D.C.]]
|death_place = [[Washington, D.C.]], US
|restingplace = Highlandview Cemetery, [[Big Rapids, Michigan]], US
|spouse= {{plainlist|1=
|spouse= {{plainlist|1=
*{{marriage | Helen Frances Gillespie |December 23, 1874 | March 23, 1917|end= d.}}
*{{marriage | Helen Frances Gillespie |December 23, 1874 | March 23, 1917|end= d.}}
*{{marriage | Mary Ethel McLoud | August 14, 1921}} }}
*{{marriage | Mary Ethel McLoud | August 14, 1921}} }}
|children = 3
|party=[[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]]
|party = [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]]
|alma_mater=[[State University of New York at Oswego|Oswego Normal Training School]]<br>[[University of Michigan]]
|alma_mater = [[State University of New York at Oswego|Oswego Normal Training School]]<br/>[[University of Michigan Medical School]]
|occupation = Educator
}}
}}

'''Woodbridge Nathan Ferris''' (January 6, 1853{{spaced ndash}}March 23, 1928) was an American educator from [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Illinois]] and [[Michigan]] who served as the 28th [[governor of Michigan]] and in the [[United States Senate]] as a [[United States Democratic Party|Democrat]]. He was the founder and namesake of [[Ferris State University]].
'''Woodbridge Nathan Ferris''' (January 6, 1853{{spaced ndash}}March 23, 1928) was an American educator from [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Illinois]] and [[Michigan]] who served as the 28th [[governor of Michigan]] and in the [[United States Senate]] as a [[United States Democratic Party|Democrat]]. He was the founder and namesake of [[Ferris State University]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Woodbridge N. Ferris was born in a log cabin near [[Spencer (village), New York|Spencer, New York]] on January 6, 1853, the first of seven children born to John Ferris Jr. and Estella (Reed) Ferris.<ref name="Reid">{{cite magazine |last=Reid |first=Edward J. |date=December 8, 2011 |title=Woodbridge N. Ferris, Class of 1873: From Frontier Dweller to University Founder |url=https://magazine.oswego.edu/2011/12/08/woodbridge-n-ferris-class-of-1873-from-frontier-dweller-to-university-founder-by-edward-j-reid/ |magazine=Oswego Alumni Magazine |location=Oswego, New York |publisher=Office of University Advancement, State University of New York at Oswego}}</ref><ref name="Founders">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/alumni/Historical/Ourfounder.htm |title=Our Founders: Woodbridge N. Ferris |website=History of Ferris State University |publisher=Ferris State University |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |access-date=December 2, 2024}}</ref> He was raised and educated in Spencer, and at age 14 enrolled in Spencer Academy.<ref name="Reid"/> At age 16, he attended a teacher's institute in [[Waverly, Tioga County, New York|Waverly]] and received his teaching credentials.<ref name="Reid"/> After a year of teaching, he decided to further his education at the academy in [[Owego (village), New York|Owego]].<ref name="Reid"/>
Woodbridge N. Ferris was born in a log cabin near [[Spencer (village), New York|Spencer, New York]], on January 6, 1853, the first of seven children born to John Ferris Jr. and Estella (Reed) Ferris.<ref name="Reid">{{cite magazine |last = Reid |first = Edward J. |date = December 8, 2011 |title = Woodbridge N. Ferris, Class of 1873: From Frontier Dweller to University Founder |url = https://magazine.oswego.edu/2011/12/08/woodbridge-n-ferris-class-of-1873-from-frontier-dweller-to-university-founder-by-edward-j-reid/ |magazine = Oswego Alumni Magazine |location = Oswego, New York |publisher = Office of University Advancement, State University of New York at Oswego }}</ref><ref name="Founders">{{Cite web |url = https://www.ferris.edu/alumni/Historical/Ourfounder.htm |title = Our Founders: Woodbridge N. Ferris |website = History of Ferris State University |publisher = Ferris State University |location = Big Rapids, Michigan |access-date = December 2, 2024 }}</ref> He was raised and educated in Spencer, and at age 14 enrolled in Spencer Academy.<ref name="Reid"/> At age 16, he attended a teacher's institute in [[Waverly, Tioga County, New York|Waverly]] and received his teaching credentials.<ref name="Reid"/> After a year of teaching, he decided to further his education at the academy in [[Owego (village), New York|Owego]].<ref name="Reid"/>


From 1870 to 1873, Woodbridge attended the Oswego Normal Training School (now [[State University of New York at Oswego]]).<ref name="Reid"/> At Oswego, Woodbridge's professors included Hermann Krusi, an instructor of drawing and geometry; Krusi's father had been chief assistant to [[Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi]] at Pestalozzi's school in Switzerland.<ref name="Founders"/> Krusi taught Woodbridge the Pestalozzi method of learning by hands on application rather than theoretical lectures, a concept Woodbridge continued to employ throughout his career as an educator.<ref name="Founders"/>
From 1870 to 1873, Woodbridge attended the Oswego Normal Training School (now [[State University of New York at Oswego]]).<ref name="Reid"/> At Oswego, Woodbridge's professors included Hermann Krusi, an instructor of drawing and geometry; Krusi's father had been chief assistant to [[Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi]] at Pestalozzi's school in Switzerland.<ref name="Founders"/> Krusi taught Woodbridge the Pestalozzi method of learning by hands on application rather than theoretical lectures, a concept Woodbridge continued to employ throughout his career as an educator.<ref name="Founders"/>


==Start of career==
After graduating from the Oswego normal school, Woodbridge returned to Spencer, where he became principal of the village's academy.<ref name="Reid"/> After a year as principal, Ferris attended the [[University of Michigan Medical School]] from 1873 to 1874. In December 1874, he married Helen Frances Gillespie, whom he met at Oswego, and who taught at the academy in Spencer while he was principal.<ref name="Founders"/> The couple had three sons: Carleton Gillespie (1876–1961), Clifford Wendell (1881, died just after three months), and Phelps Fitch (1889–1935). Ferris taught again at Spencer Academy from 1874 to 1875.<ref name="Reid"/>
After graduating from the Oswego normal school, Woodbridge returned to Spencer, where he became principal of the village's academy.<ref name="Reid"/> After a year as principal, Ferris attended the [[University of Michigan Medical School]] from 1873 to 1874. In December 1874, he married Helen Frances Gillespie, whom he met at Oswego, and who taught at the academy in Spencer while he was principal.<ref name="Founders"/> The couple had three sons: Carleton Gillespie (1876–1961), Clifford Wendell (1881, died just after three months), and Phelps Fitch (1889–1935). Ferris taught again at Spencer Academy from 1874 to 1875.<ref name="Reid"/>


He then moved to [[Freeport, Illinois]], and became principal of the Freeport Business College and Academy from 1875 to 1876 and then principal of the Normal Department of the Rock River University, 1876-1877. Then he taught in [[Dixon, Illinois]], where he was also co-founder of the Dixon Business College and Academy, 1877–1879. Ferris then became superintendent of schools in [[Pittsfield, Illinois]], from 1879 to 1884.
In 1875, Ferris moved to [[Freeport, Illinois]] to become principal of the Freeport Business College and Academy.<ref name="Memorial">{{cite book |author=United States Senate |date=1929 |title=Memorial Addresses Delivered in the United States Senate In Memory of Woodbridge N. Ferris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6hYAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA17 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=US Government Printing Office |page=17 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In 1876, he became principal of the Normal Department of [[Dixon College|Rock River University]].<ref name="Memorial"/> In 1877, he co-founded the Dixon Business College and Academy of [[Dixon, Illinois]].<ref name="Memorial"/> In 1879, Ferris became superintendent of schools in [[Pittsfield, Illinois]], where he remained until 1884.<ref name="Memorial"/>


==Continued career==
==Life and politics in Michigan==
In 1884, Ferris settled in [[Big Rapids, Michigan]], where he established the Ferris Industrial School (now [[Ferris State University]]).<ref name="Memorial"/> Ferris served as president of the school until his death, and became so identified with it that he was nicknamed "The Big Rapids Schoolmaster".<ref>{{cite news |date=December 30, 1912 |title=After 22 Years Michigan to Have Democratic Governor; Big Rapids Schoolmaster to Take Reins Soon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-macon-telegraph-schoolmaster/160196217/ |work=[[The Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)|The Macon Daily Telegraph]] |page=1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was also president of the Big Rapids Savings Bank.<ref name="Memorial"/>
⚫
[[File:Gov. W.N. Ferris of Mich. LCCN2014701963.jpg|thumb|right|Governor Ferris in 1916]]
Ferris then settled in [[Big Rapids, Michigan]], where in 1884 he established the Ferris Industrial School (which became [[Ferris State University]]). There he received the nickname "The Big Rapids Schoolmaster", and served as president until his death. He was also president of the Big Rapids Savings Bank.


During the [[Panic of 1893]], Ferris experienced financial setbacks and his school was on the verge of closing, but several former students loaned him the money to continue.<ref name="Cyclopedia">{{cite book |last1=Homans |first1=J. E. |last2=Dearborn |first2=L. E. |date=1926 |title=The Cyclopedia of American Biography |volume=VII |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Bc1FLtceoC&pg=PA340-IA5 |location=New York |publisher=The Press Association Compilers |page=341 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The institution was subsequently incorporated, and Ferris was able to capitalize it at $50,000 (almost $2 million in 2024).<ref name="Cyclopedia"/> The Ferris school was a success, and its reputation became known nationwide.<ref name="Cyclopedia"/> Over time, it expanded to include several well-regarded departments, among them English, business, pharmacy, civil service, elocution, music, and college preparatory.<ref name="Cyclopedia"/>
⚫
In 1892, he was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate from the [[Michigan's 11th congressional district|11th district]] to the [[Fifty-third United States Congress|53rd Congress]] to serve in the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House]], being defeated by [[John Avery (politician)|John Avery]]. In 1904, he was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Michigan against Republican [[Fred M. Warner]]. In 1912, he was a delegate to [[Democratic National Convention]] which nominated [[Woodrow Wilson]] for [[U.S. President]].

⚫
In 1892, Ferris was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House]] from [[Michigan's 11th congressional district|Michigan's 11th district]].<ref name="Memorial"/> In 1904, he was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Michigan against Republican [[Fred M. Warner]].<ref name="Memorial"/> He was a delegate to the [[1908 Democratic National Convention]], and he was again a delegate to the [[1912 Democratic National Convention|1912 convention]].<ref name="Cyclopedia"/>

==Governor of Michigan==
⚫
[[File:Gov. W.N. Ferris of Mich. LCCN2014701963.jpg|thumb|right|Governor Ferris in 1916]]
Ferris was elected governor of Michigan in 1912, becoming the first Democratic governor in 20 years, and he served from 1913 to 1917.<ref name="Memorial"/> During his tenure, several reforms were introduced,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://fraser.stlouisfed.org/title/labor-legislation-1912-32-3905/labor-legislation-1915-476852? |title=Labor Legislation of 1915 |magazine=Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics |issue=186 |pages=187–199 |via=Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis |date=December 1915}}</ref> including a farm colony for [[epileptic]]s and the Central Michigan Tuberculosis Sanatorium.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/woodbridge-nathan-ferris/ |title=Biography, Gov. Woodbridge N. Ferris |website=NGA.org |publisher=National Governors Association |location=Washington, DC |access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref> In addition, the bitter [[Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914]] occurred during Ferris's tenure.<ref name="Copper">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/alumni/Historical/COO/copper.htm |title=The Copper Strike |website=Ferris.edu |publisher=Ferris State University |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref> After a sustained period of violence between striking miners and a combination of strikebreakers and supporters of the mine owners, Ferris deployed the [[Michigan Army National Guard|National Guard]], which stayed in the area for more than a year, an action that provoked confrontations between strikers and troops.<ref name="Copper"/> The violence between strikers and strikebreakers, and strikers and the National Guard revealed the need for a sustained law enforcement presence in northern Michigan, which led to the post-strike creation of the [[Michigan State Police]].<ref name="Copper"/>


Ferris was elected Governor of Michigan in 1912, becoming the first Democratic governor in 20 years, and he served from 1913 to 1917. During his tenure, several reforms were introduced<ref>[https://fraser.stlouisfed.org/title/labor-legislation-1912-32-3905/labor-legislation-1915-476852?page=4 Title: Labor Legislation of 1915 : Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, No. 186, P.187-199]</ref><ref>[https://www.nga.org/governor/woodbridge-nathan-ferris/#:~:text=During%20his%20tenure%2C%20a%20Michigan,mine%20strike%20was%20dealt%20with Gov. Woodbridge N. Ferris biography]</ref> such as a farm colony for [[epileptic]]s and the Central Michigan Tuberculosis Sanatorium. In addition, the bitter [[Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914]] occurred during Ferris's tenure. In 1914, he was named honorary president of the First National Conference on Race Betterment, a conference on eugenics held at the Battle Creek Sanatorium; because of the mine strike, he did not attend the conference.<ref>{{Cite book |editor-first = Emily F. |editor-last = Robbins |author = Race Betterment Foundation |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsoffir14nati/page/n13/mode/1up?ref=ol&view=theater&q=Ferris|title = Proceedings of the first National Conference on Race Betterment, January 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1914. Battle Creek, Michigan|year = 1914|location = Battle Creek, Michigan |publisher = Gage Printing Company |pages = xi, 596 }}</ref> In 1916, he was again a delegate to Democratic National Convention which nominated President [[Woodrow Wilson]] for re-election. Ferris's successful governorship and his easy to recognize appearance—tall, with a full head of silver-gray hair—led to the nickname the "Good Gray Governor".
In 1914, Ferris was named honorary president of the First National Conference on Race Betterment, a meeting about eugenics held at the Battle Creek Sanatorium; because of the mine strike was still ongoing, he did not attend the conference.<ref>{{Cite book |editor-first=Emily F. |editor-last=Robbins |author=Race Betterment Foundation |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsoffir14nati/page/n13/mode/1up?ref=ol&view=theater&q=Ferris |title=Proceedings of the First National Conference on Race Betterment |year=1914 |location=Battle Creek, Michigan |publisher=Gage Printing Company |pages=xi, 596 }}</ref> In 1916, he was again a delegate to the [[1916 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{cite news |date=May 18, 1916 |title=Delegates Selected to St. Louis Convention |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-press-delegates/160259813/ |work=[[The Herald-Palladium|The Herald-Press]] |location=St. Joseph, Michigan |page=1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Ferris's successful governorship and his easy to recognize appearance—tall, with a full head of silver-gray hair—led to the nickname the "Good Gray Governor".<ref>{{cite book |last=Wade |first=Irene Esther |date=1946 |title=An Analysis of the Speeches of Woodbridge N. Ferris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=709jnyRRp0YC&q=%22tall+,+quiet+in+manner+,+with+his+gray+hair+mark-+ing+him%22 |location=East Lansing, Michigan |publisher=Michigan State University |pages=53–54 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>


==U.S. Senator==
On March 23, 1917, fewer than three months after departing office, his wife Helen died after 43 years of marriage. In 1920, he was an unsuccessful candidate for governor, being defeated by [[Alex Groesbeck]]. On August 14, 1921, he married Mary E. McCloud (1882–1954).
Helen Ferris died on March 23, 1917.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/alumni/Historical/COO/sorrow.htm |title=Sorrow Strikes The Campus |website=Ferris.edu |publisher=Ferris State University |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref> In 1920, Ferris was an unsuccessful candidate for governor, being defeated by [[Alex Groesbeck]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/news/founder/woodbridge/52chrono.htm |title=W. N. Ferris Chronology |website=Ferris.edu |publisher=Ferris State University |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref> On August 14, 1921, he married Mary E. McCloud (1882–1954).<ref name="Memorial"/> Ferris was the recipient of several [[honorary degree]]s, including a master of pedagogy from [[Michigan State Normal College]], and [[Legum Doctor|LL.D.]]s from [[Olivet Nazarene University|Olivet College]], the [[University of Michigan]], and the [[University of Notre Dame]].<ref name="Memorial"/>


In 1922, Ferris was elected to the [[United States Senate]]; he served alongside Republican [[James Couzens]] beginning March 4, 1923. As a senator and former teacher, Ferris supported the establishment of a federal [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]]. In 1924, Ferris was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was Michigan's favorite son candidate for the presidential nomination, and received 30 votes on the first ballot. The convention eventually nominated [[John W. Davis]], who lost the general election to [[Calvin Coolidge]].
In 1922, Ferris was elected to the [[United States Senate]] for the term beginning on March 4, 1923.<ref name="Memorial"/> Appointed to the [[United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions|Committee On Education and Labor]], Ferris supported the establishment of a federal [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]].<ref>{{cite book |author=US Senate Committee on Education and Labor |date=1926 |title=Proposed Department of Education: Joint Hearings Before the Committee on Education and Labor, United States Senate and the Committee On Education, U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AxooI_R1G04C&pg=PP6 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=US Government Printing Office |page=ii |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In 1924, Ferris was again a delegate to the [[1924 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]];<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pilgrim |first1=David |last2=Hughes |first2=Franklin |date=2020 |title=Haste to Rise: A Remarkable Experience of Black Education during Jim Crow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dbRHEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT73 |location=Oakland, California |publisher=PM Press |page=73 |isbn=978-1-6296-3814-0 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> he was Michigan's favorite son candidate for president, and received 30 votes on the first ballot.<ref name="Stanwood">{{cite book |last=Stanwood |first=Edward |author-link=Edward Stanwood |date=1928 |title=A History of the Presidency From 1897-1916, With Additions and Revisions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wkMAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA2-PA469 |location=Cambridge, Massachusetts |publisher=Riverside Press |pages=469–471 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The nomination went to [[John W. Davis]], who lost the general election to [[Calvin Coolidge]].<ref name="Stanwood"/>


==Death==
==Death==
Ferris died in [[Washington, D.C.]], on March 23, 1928.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 23, 1928 |title=Senator Ferris Passes Away In Capital |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-passes/160179244/ |work=[[The Times Herald]] |location=Port Huron, Michigan |page=1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was interred at Highlandview Cemetery in Big Rapids, as were his first wife, Helen, and his sons Carleton and Phelps.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=June 1, 2017 |title=Woodbridge N. Ferris Mausoleum Opening: 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-SN-WG6jRE |access-date=December 2, 2024 |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |publisher=[[Ferris State University]] |via=[[YouTube]] |quote="It is the eternal resting place of Ferris State University founders Woodbridge and Helen Gillespie Ferris and their sons, Phelps Fitch and Carleton Gillespie."}}</ref>
In early March 1928, Ferris announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection to the senate.<ref>{{cite news |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 7, 1928 |title=Ferris Not To Seek Reelection |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-saginaw-news-election/160260407/ |work=[[The Saginaw News]] |location=Saginaw, Michigan |page=1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He died in [[Washington, D.C.]], on March 23, 1928.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 23, 1928 |title=Senator Ferris Passes Away In Capital |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-passes/160179244/ |work=[[The Times Herald]] |location=Port Huron, Michigan |page=1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref> Ferris was interred at Highlandview Cemetery in Big Rapids, as were his first wife and his sons Carleton and Phelps.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=June 1, 2017 |title=Woodbridge N. Ferris Mausoleum Opening: 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-SN-WG6jRE |access-date=December 2, 2024 |location=Big Rapids, Michigan |publisher=[[Ferris State University]] |via=[[YouTube]] |quote="It is the eternal resting place of Ferris State University founders Woodbridge and Helen Gillespie Ferris and their sons, Phelps Fitch and Carleton Gillespie."}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 61: Line 71:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
⚫
*{{cite book |editor-last=Fuller |editor-first=George N. |date=1927 |title=Messages of the Governors of Michigan |volume=4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r6UVAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover |location=Lansing |publisher=Michigan Historical Commission |via=[[Google Books]]}}
{{refbegin}}
⚫
*{{cite book |editor-last = Fuller |editor-first = George |title = Messages of the Governors of Michigan |volume = 4 |location = East Lansing |publisher = Michigan State University Press |isbn = 978-0-87013-723-5}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{CongBio|F000092|name=FERRIS, Woodbridge Nathan|inline=1}}
{{CongBio|F000092}}
⚫
*[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/ferris.html#R9M0IWNYQ Woodbridge N. Ferris] at the Political Graveyard
*[http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=1dd9e8569a313010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD National Governors Association]
⚫
*[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/ferris.html#R9M0IWNYQ Political Graveyard]
*{{Find a Grave|5512125}}
*{{Find a Grave|5512125}}
*[http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/ferrisfaq/woodbridge/homepage.htm Autobiography at Ferris State University]
*[http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/ferrisfaq/woodbridge/homepage.htm Autobiography at Ferris State University]
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[[Category:People from Pittsfield, Illinois]]
[[Category:People from Pittsfield, Illinois]]
[[Category:20th-century Michigan politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Michigan politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century United States senators]]

Latest revision as of 20:50, 22 December 2024

"Senator Ferris" redirects here. For other uses, see Senator Ferris (disambiguation).

Woodbridge Nathan Ferris
28th Governor of Michigan
In office
January 1, 1913 – January 1, 1917
LieutenantJohn Q. Ross
Luren D. Dickinson
Preceded byChase Osborn
Succeeded byAlbert Sleeper
United States Senator
from Michigan
In office
March 4, 1923 – March 23, 1928
Preceded byCharles E. Townsend
Succeeded byArthur H. Vandenberg
Personal details
Born(1853-01-06)January 6, 1853
Spencer, New York, US
DiedMarch 23, 1928(1928-03-23) (aged 75)
Washington, D.C., US
Resting placeHighlandview Cemetery, Big Rapids, Michigan, US
Political partyDemocratic
Spouses
Helen Frances Gillespie
​
​
(m. 1874; died 1917)​
Mary Ethel McLoud
​
(m. 1921)​
Children3
Alma materOswego Normal Training School
University of Michigan Medical School
OccupationEducator

Woodbridge Nathan Ferris (January 6, 1853 – March 23, 1928) was an American educator from New York, Illinois and Michigan who served as the 28th governor of Michigan and in the United States Senate as a Democrat. He was the founder and namesake of Ferris State University.

Early life

[edit]

Woodbridge N. Ferris was born in a log cabin near Spencer, New York, on January 6, 1853, the first of seven children born to John Ferris Jr. and Estella (Reed) Ferris.[1][2] He was raised and educated in Spencer, and at age 14 enrolled in Spencer Academy.[1] At age 16, he attended a teacher's institute in Waverly and received his teaching credentials.[1] After a year of teaching, he decided to further his education at the academy in Owego.[1]

From 1870 to 1873, Woodbridge attended the Oswego Normal Training School (now State University of New York at Oswego).[1] At Oswego, Woodbridge's professors included Hermann Krusi, an instructor of drawing and geometry; Krusi's father had been chief assistant to Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi at Pestalozzi's school in Switzerland.[2] Krusi taught Woodbridge the Pestalozzi method of learning by hands on application rather than theoretical lectures, a concept Woodbridge continued to employ throughout his career as an educator.[2]

Start of career

[edit]

After graduating from the Oswego normal school, Woodbridge returned to Spencer, where he became principal of the village's academy.[1] After a year as principal, Ferris attended the University of Michigan Medical School from 1873 to 1874. In December 1874, he married Helen Frances Gillespie, whom he met at Oswego, and who taught at the academy in Spencer while he was principal.[2] The couple had three sons: Carleton Gillespie (1876–1961), Clifford Wendell (1881, died just after three months), and Phelps Fitch (1889–1935). Ferris taught again at Spencer Academy from 1874 to 1875.[1]

In 1875, Ferris moved to Freeport, Illinois to become principal of the Freeport Business College and Academy.[3] In 1876, he became principal of the Normal Department of Rock River University.[3] In 1877, he co-founded the Dixon Business College and Academy of Dixon, Illinois.[3] In 1879, Ferris became superintendent of schools in Pittsfield, Illinois, where he remained until 1884.[3]

Continued career

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In 1884, Ferris settled in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he established the Ferris Industrial School (now Ferris State University).[3] Ferris served as president of the school until his death, and became so identified with it that he was nicknamed "The Big Rapids Schoolmaster".[4] He was also president of the Big Rapids Savings Bank.[3]

During the Panic of 1893, Ferris experienced financial setbacks and his school was on the verge of closing, but several former students loaned him the money to continue.[5] The institution was subsequently incorporated, and Ferris was able to capitalize it at $50,000 (almost $2 million in 2024).[5] The Ferris school was a success, and its reputation became known nationwide.[5] Over time, it expanded to include several well-regarded departments, among them English, business, pharmacy, civil service, elocution, music, and college preparatory.[5]

In 1892, Ferris was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the U.S. House from Michigan's 11th district.[3] In 1904, he was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Michigan against Republican Fred M. Warner.[3] He was a delegate to the 1908 Democratic National Convention, and he was again a delegate to the 1912 convention.[5]

Governor of Michigan

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Governor Ferris in 1916

Ferris was elected governor of Michigan in 1912, becoming the first Democratic governor in 20 years, and he served from 1913 to 1917.[3] During his tenure, several reforms were introduced,[6] including a farm colony for epileptics and the Central Michigan Tuberculosis Sanatorium.[7] In addition, the bitter Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914 occurred during Ferris's tenure.[8] After a sustained period of violence between striking miners and a combination of strikebreakers and supporters of the mine owners, Ferris deployed the National Guard, which stayed in the area for more than a year, an action that provoked confrontations between strikers and troops.[8] The violence between strikers and strikebreakers, and strikers and the National Guard revealed the need for a sustained law enforcement presence in northern Michigan, which led to the post-strike creation of the Michigan State Police.[8]

In 1914, Ferris was named honorary president of the First National Conference on Race Betterment, a meeting about eugenics held at the Battle Creek Sanatorium; because of the mine strike was still ongoing, he did not attend the conference.[9] In 1916, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[10] Ferris's successful governorship and his easy to recognize appearance—tall, with a full head of silver-gray hair—led to the nickname the "Good Gray Governor".[11]

U.S. Senator

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Helen Ferris died on March 23, 1917.[12] In 1920, Ferris was an unsuccessful candidate for governor, being defeated by Alex Groesbeck.[13] On August 14, 1921, he married Mary E. McCloud (1882–1954).[3] Ferris was the recipient of several honorary degrees, including a master of pedagogy from Michigan State Normal College, and LL.D.s from Olivet College, the University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame.[3]

In 1922, Ferris was elected to the United States Senate for the term beginning on March 4, 1923.[3] Appointed to the Committee On Education and Labor, Ferris supported the establishment of a federal Department of Education.[14] In 1924, Ferris was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention;[15] he was Michigan's favorite son candidate for president, and received 30 votes on the first ballot.[16] The nomination went to John W. Davis, who lost the general election to Calvin Coolidge.[16]

Death

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In early March 1928, Ferris announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection to the senate.[17] He died in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 1928.[18] Ferris was interred at Highlandview Cemetery in Big Rapids, as were his first wife and his sons Carleton and Phelps.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Reid, Edward J. (December 8, 2011). "Woodbridge N. Ferris, Class of 1873: From Frontier Dweller to University Founder". Oswego Alumni Magazine. Oswego, New York: Office of University Advancement, State University of New York at Oswego.
  2. ^ a b c d "Our Founders: Woodbridge N. Ferris". History of Ferris State University. Big Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l United States Senate (1929). Memorial Addresses Delivered in the United States Senate In Memory of Woodbridge N. Ferris. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. 17 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "After 22 Years Michigan to Have Democratic Governor; Big Rapids Schoolmaster to Take Reins Soon". The Macon Daily Telegraph. December 30, 1912. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d e Homans, J. E.; Dearborn, L. E. (1926). The Cyclopedia of American Biography. Vol. VII. New York: The Press Association Compilers. p. 341 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ "Labor Legislation of 1915". Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. No. 186. December 1915. pp. 187–199 – via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
  7. ^ "Biography, Gov. Woodbridge N. Ferris". NGA.org. Washington, DC: National Governors Association. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c "The Copper Strike". Ferris.edu. Big Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  9. ^ Race Betterment Foundation (1914). Robbins, Emily F. (ed.). Proceedings of the First National Conference on Race Betterment. Battle Creek, Michigan: Gage Printing Company. pp. xi, 596.
  10. ^ "Delegates Selected to St. Louis Convention". The Herald-Press. St. Joseph, Michigan. May 18, 1916. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Wade, Irene Esther (1946). An Analysis of the Speeches of Woodbridge N. Ferris. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University. pp. 53–54 – via Google Books.
  12. ^ "Sorrow Strikes The Campus". Ferris.edu. Big Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  13. ^ "W. N. Ferris Chronology". Ferris.edu. Big Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  14. ^ US Senate Committee on Education and Labor (1926). Proposed Department of Education: Joint Hearings Before the Committee on Education and Labor, United States Senate and the Committee On Education, U.S. House of Representatives. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. ii – via Google Books.
  15. ^ Pilgrim, David; Hughes, Franklin (2020). Haste to Rise: A Remarkable Experience of Black Education during Jim Crow. Oakland, California: PM Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-1-6296-3814-0 – via Google Books.
  16. ^ a b Stanwood, Edward (1928). A History of the Presidency From 1897-1916, With Additions and Revisions. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Riverside Press. pp. 469–471 – via Google Books.
  17. ^ "Ferris Not To Seek Reelection". The Saginaw News. Saginaw, Michigan. Associated Press. March 7, 1928. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Senator Ferris Passes Away In Capital". The Times Herald. Port Huron, Michigan. March 23, 1928. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Woodbridge N. Ferris Mausoleum Opening: 2017. Big Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University. June 1, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2024 – via YouTube. It is the eternal resting place of Ferris State University founders Woodbridge and Helen Gillespie Ferris and their sons, Phelps Fitch and Carleton Gillespie.

Further reading

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[edit]
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan
1904 		Succeeded by
Charles H. Kimmerle
Preceded by
Lawton T. Hemans
 Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan
1912, 1914 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
John W. Bailey
 Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan
1920 		Succeeded by
Alva M. Cummins
Preceded by
Lawrence Price
 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Michigan
(Class 1)
1922 		Succeeded by
John W. Bailey
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Michigan
1913–1917 		Succeeded by
U.S. Senate
Preceded by U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Michigan
1923–1928 		Succeeded by
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