Woodbridge Nathan Ferris (January 6, 1853March 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

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. He was raised and educated in Spencer, and at age 14 enrolled in Spencer Academy. In 1876, he became principal of the Normal Department of Rock River University. He was also president of the Big Rapids Savings Bank. The institution was subsequently incorporated, and Ferris was able to capitalize it at $50,000 (almost $2 million in 2024). including a farm colony for epileptics and the Central Michigan Tuberculosis Sanatorium. In addition, the bitter Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914 occurred during Ferris's tenure. 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. In 1916, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. 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".

U.S. Senator

Helen Ferris died on March 23, 1917. In 1920, Ferris was an unsuccessful candidate for governor, being defeated by Alex Groesbeck. On August 14, 1921, he married Mary E. McCloud (1882–1954). In 1924, Ferris was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention; he was Michigan's favorite son candidate for president, and received 30 votes on the first ballot. The nomination went to John W. Davis, who lost the general election to Calvin Coolidge. He died in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 1928. Ferris was interred at Highlandview Cemetery in Big Rapids, as were his first wife and his sons Carleton and Phelps.

Legacy

The World War II Liberty Ship was named in his honor.

See also

  • List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (1900–1949)

References

Further reading

  • Woodbridge N. Ferris at the Political Graveyard
  • Autobiography at Ferris State University
  • Biography at Ferris State University