FERRY, SYLVANIUS FAMILY

Great, great grandfather Sylvanius Ferry migrated from Whitehall, New York to Wabash Valley, Southern Indiana in 1837. Then, in 1840, grandfather Melancthon Ferry, under 21 years of age, rode a horse, driving three cows, following an immigrant wagon with his family to settle on what was the Ferry farm on the northwest corner of Ferry Road and Route 59. At the rime he paid $1.25 per acre to the government for the land. In 1854 he bought another part of the current Ferry Farm for $12.50 per acre and this was the site of the homestead.

It was farmed by Melancton and his sons, James Ira, George W. and his sons, Lorin and up until June, 1971 by Elmer G. Ferry. It was also the childhood home of Lillis (Ferry) Hoover and Viola (Ferry) Avery.

The Ferry family members were always active in community activities and have been lifelong members of Big Woods Congregational Church, also holding various offices in the Church. 

In early 1962, the Northern Illinois Gas Co. bought the land south of Ferry Road, which they widened and blacktopped and erected their offices and laboratories. 

In 1971, the remaining portion of the farm including the homesite was resold to Continental Can Co for their commercial usage but was never occupied until now. Early in 1982 it was resold again to Illinois Bell and it is to be used for research by them. To date no building or development has been made.

George Warren Ferry, born January 21, 1871, died on November 15, 1939. Mabel Boyd Ferry, born October 5, 1869, died August 20, 1956. They were married February 27, 1895. Children were Irvin Boyd, born May 4, 1896. died April 24, 1913 (married October 16, 1926—Lloyd Steck); Lillis Mabel, born October 25, 1899 (married November 10, 1956 –M. Hoover); Elmer George, born August 29, 1905 (married June 24, 1961—Elaine Bannister); Lorin L., born December 24, 1907, died April 7, 1967; Viola Louisa, born January 16, 1912 (married June 8, 1933—Jesse Avery).