Ferry, Thomas W. (Thomas White), 1827-1896

United States Senator and Representative from Michigan.

Member of Congress (1865-1867 and 1869-1871) and the United Stated Senate (1871-1883) from western Michigan.

Born in the old mission house of the Astor Fur Co. on Mackinac Island, June 10, 1827. Moved with his parents to Grand Haven, Michigan and attended the public schools there and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Member of the State House of Representatives, 1850-1852 and State Senate in 1856. Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1865-1871. Member of the U.S. Senate, 1871-1883. Died in Grand Haven, Michigan, October 13, 1896. (from Biographical Directory of the American Congress 1774-1927) (blue index cards)

Ferry served as a Representative from Kent and Ottawa counties, 1851; U.S. senator from Mich., 1887-1888; member of Congress, 1865-1867 and 1869-1871; and U.S. Senator, 1871-1883. He was born at Mackinaw (Mich.) on June 1, 1826 and educated in public schools. He also served as vice-president of the Chicago National Convention (1860); on the Board of managers of Gettysburg National Cemetery (1864 and 1867); and as a Chair of a sub-committee on the N.Y. Postoffice building. He became president pro tem of the Senate in 1875, and acting vice-president on the death of Vice-president Wilson, serving until 1877. Ferry died at Grand Haven (Mich.) in Oct. 1896. (Information from Michigan Biographies, v. 1, pp. 289-290.).